Over a period of real challenge, the Scottish housing sector has continued to provide vital services and support to communities. The Scotland Housing Awards represents an opportunity to recognise, showcase, celebrate and share this incredible and inspirational work.
We have been shortlisted as nominees in the following categories:
Excellence in Leadership:
Frank Sweeney, Group CEO – Cunninghame Housing Association
How We Achieved Our Excellence in Leadership Nomination
This award is for an individual, and its purpose is to recognise excellent leadership in the sector. It aims to demonstrate the quality of leaders that we have in housing, and to show the rest of the world how brilliant housing people are.
Frank Sweeney, in his 70th year, took over the reigns as Director of Cunninghame Housing Association(CHA) in January 1990 when CHA had 65 properties and 6 staff. Since then he has been the driving force behind the development of the organisation. CHA now has 3224 properties in North and East Ayrshire and Dumfries & Galloway; employs 141 staff and has a £19.5m turnover.
“Frank’s contribution to community wellbeing and social inclusion is outstanding. He is an acknowledged champion of these agendas within the Scottish housing sector, with his leadership, vision, drive and force of personality the key ingredients in delivering significant impacts and achievements”.
Linda Anderson – Exec Director of Development Services
Excellence in Tenant Scrutiny:
Project Name: CHA Scrutiny In Action
Partner Organisation: CHA Tenant Scruity Group
CHA Community Participation & Engagement Officer: Ian MacPherson
How We Achieved Our Excellence In Tenant Scrutiny Nomination
This award is aimed at landlords and their tenants who can show excellence in working collaboratively to carry out a piece of scrutiny work, or to embed scrutiny within the culture of the organisation in ways which have led to positive change, improved service outcomes for tenants and/or enhanced the lives of tenants and communities in some way.
“Our role is to ensure we bring a customer perspective to independently review and scrutinise Cunninghame’s performance. We decide which areas to scrutinise. Cunninghame staff are very supportive. The Board has agreed most recommendations and we work well together to drive services forward”.
Willie Clarke – Chair of the Cunninghame Scrutiny Group
Excellence in Development for Affordable Housing:
Project name: Lockerbie Academy & Old School Regeneration
Partner organisation: Lockerbie Old School SCIO
How We Achieved The Excellence In Affordable Housing Nomination
Despite the disruption caused by the pandemic, Scotland’s housing sector has continued working hard to deliver much needed affordable housing. This award is aimed at developers who have built new residential developments in any recognised affordable tenure.
In October 21, Cunninghame Housing Association (CHA) completed 45 new homes on the former Lockerbie Academy site including 3 wheelchair adapted properties and 9 amenity flats. The project meets clear local need for affordable, quality housing. Adjacent to the site lies the Victorian, former Dryfesdale Old School building. Lockerbie Old School SCIO (LOS) took ownership of this via a community asset transfer from Dumfries and Galloway Council in 2020. As part of CHA’s commitment to being “More Than Just A Landlord”, they are working in partnership with LOS to transform the site into a £4.5m Well Being Centre and 8 assisted living flats.
“CHA has transformed a previously derelict housing site into a stylish, modern housing development warmly welcomed by the community. The Lockerbie Old School Committee are excited to be partnering with CHA on our project. Their expertise, community focus and dedication to create positive change are second to none”.
Gillian Moffat – Secretary for Lockerbie Old School SCIO
Excellence in Regeneration and Sustainability:
Project name : Halcrow & Raydale Community Partnership/Gretna 2008
Partner organisation: Raydale Community Partnership
How We Achieved The Excellence In Regeneration and Sustainability Nomination
This award acknowledges the critical importance of a range of bodies, organisations and local groups in revitalising communities and neighbourhoods. It also recognises that physical improvements go hand-in-hand with social and economic developments to make a real difference in people’s lives.
Cunninghame Housing Association’s (CHA) Halcrow and Raydale Community Partnership (RCP) project combines the development of significant new social housing with an important new community asset within the town of Gretna between May 18 and August 21.
“Thanks a million for all your support offered to Gretna. I did have my doubts about this one ever happening for a variety of reasons. However, all of the hurdles placed in front of you and the wider project team have been overcome ….The somewhat unique situation of having a housing association being willing to drive forward a project that on the face of it wasn’t your ‘bread and butter’ was, for me, refreshingly pragmatic – and one that I wish could be repeated elsewhere across the country””.
Cameron Watt – Scottish Football Association’s Facilities Manager
The award winners will be announced on at the Radisson Blu, Glasgow on 27 October,