Scottish Housing Day 2023 – meet some of the SBHA Team

“I have worked for SBHA since 2013 after leaving the Banking sector. I am the Financial Support Worker and love being able to help Tenants who find themselves in a difficult situation financially. I am lucky enough to work with a great team who put Tenants first, and have a mix of skills and connections to ensure they are in the best possible position going forward. The biggest compliment that I can receive from a Tenant is that they are able to work with us to get back on their feet.”

“I have worked in housing for over 7 years and the best thing for me about the sector is the people. Whether it’s the brilliant colleagues I’m lucky to work with, or the dedicated Tenants of the Scottish Borders Tenants Organisation (SBTO) who support us to help improve services by engaging with us on a regular basis. We work very closely with SBTO – we meet every month to look at SBHA’s policies, strategies, initiatives and much more! It’s a real team effort and we work in partnership to ensure all Tenants’ voices are heard.”

“I started in the Housing Department at Scottish Borders Council on a 6 month temporary contract, and over 22 years later I’m still here, now with SBHA! I have worked in different departments – housing management, as well as assets. The majority of my time has been spent in Property Services progressing through different roles from Repairs Assistant, to Works Planner, then Maintenance Supervisor. I’m currently a Neighbourhood Housing Officer covering the Melrose, Newtown St Boswells, St Boswells, Earlston, Lauder, and smaller villages in the surrounding areas. I have always enjoyed the variety of different situations which occur on a daily and weekly basis. Meeting people in the community and being involved first hand with SBHA services which improve the lives of applicants and Tenants is definitely a rewarding part of my role.”

“I have worked at SBHA since 2012, when I started as a Roofer, working out and about in our Neighbourhoods. During my time here I have held a few different roles, including Home Investment Officer, Neighbourhood Property Officer, and now I am SBHA’s Asset Analyst. In my current role my work, alongside our Stock Condition Surveyors, helps to inform SBHA’s plans for investment in Tenants’ homes. It’s been great to be able to progress my career in housing at SBHA, and I’m grateful for the opportunities that I have had so far.”

“I joined SBHA straight from school in January 2022 on a one-year Business Administration Modern Apprenticeship, spending three months each with the Tenant Engagement & Communication, Solutions (Customer Services), HR and Finance Teams. After completing my course I successfully secured a full-time position within SBHA’s Solutions Team. The Apprenticeship gave me a really good insight into various different departments of the business. In Customer Service it really helps to have that knowledge, to be able to give people advice or to refer them to the right person. I feel much more confident, in my skills and as a person. I’m learning lots all the time from the people I work with and have made some good friends. And it can work the other way too – my IT skills are good and I’ve often been able to help my new colleagues.”