The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations appoints new chief executive

The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) has appointed Richard Meade as its new chief executive. 

Meade will join the membership body on 8 September from his current role as director of devolved nations at charity Carers UK.

He will replace SFHA’s outgoing chief executive Sally Thomas, who has stepped down after eight years in charge.

Meade has more than 20 years of experience across various third sector organisations, including as the head of policy and public affairs at Marie Curie.

Douglas Mackie, SFHA chair, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Richard, who has demonstrated truly outstanding expertise in influencing public policy in Scotland. As SFHA looks towards an exciting new chapter, I know Richard will be at the forefront of ensuring we push for bold change on behalf of our members and tenants.”

SFHA is membership body for Scotland’s housing associations and co-operatives, which provide social homes to over 1.2 million people across the country.

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Meade said: “I’m thrilled to join SFHA and look forward to building on the excellent work Sally Thomas has delivered during her time leading Scotland’s housing association and co-operative movement.

“The importance of a safe, warm and affordable home has cut across every sector I’ve represented. A good home is the bedrock for everything else. Yet the need for those homes has never been greater, so I know there are real challenges ahead. Working alongside our housing associations, I know that we can face those challenges and build a fairer future for all.”