About Us 
Our History 
Our Constitution
Industrial and Provident Society
A Registered Housing Association is basically a very safe organisation, and there are extra safeguards to ensure it stays that way.
As an Industrial and Provident Society it is regulated by the Financial Services Authority, who checks the Association has rules that make it a ‘not-for-profit’ business conducted for the benefit of the community, and that it publishes returns and accounts that show it is being run in that way.
A Registered Housing Association has a second and more exacting layer of regulation, which is provided by the Scottish Housing Regulator. This regulation ensures certain Performance Standards are met but also enables the Association to receive government grants for housing work. There is more information about the Scottish Housing Regulator later in this section.
Its funding has come exclusively by borrowing from the private sector and so its funders monitor its activities quite closely to ensure its money is being properly used.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors runs the Association. It has 16 members, all volunteers, who are elected at the Annual General meeting. A Convenor, Vice Convenor and Secretary of the Association are elected annually by the Board.
There are three types of Board members:
- Tenant Members - tenants who are also members are entitled to at least four places on the Board of Directors, ensuring that tenants’ views are included in all the decisions the Board takes.
- Council Members - Scottish Borders Council may nominate three Councillors from Berwickshire as its representatives on the Board. This ensures the Council’s voice can be heard in the management of former local authority stock.
- Ordinary Members - other members of the Association, whether or not tenants of the Association, who are elected by the Annual General Meeting because they are interested in housing in Berwickshire.
If any of the places are not taken then the Board has power to co-opt anyone it thinks will play a useful role in running the Association.
The Board is responsible for the way the Association is run - its services, finances and new projects - and members are paid only essential expenses, as allowed by law.
The day-to-day running of the Association is carried out by the Chief Executive and staff of the Association. As employees they have no vote at Board meetings and have to follow the policies laid down by the Board of Directors. The Board makes sure that its policies are being followed through regular reports and receives professional advice on decisions it has to take.
The Association’s finances are subject to an annual audit by independent professional auditors, and the annual accounts and the auditor’s report on them is presented to the members of the Association every year for scrutiny and acceptance.
The whole operation is subject to close monitoring by the Scottish Housing Regulator.
Becoming a Berwickshire Housing Association Member
Although we employ professional staff, the lifeblood of Berwickshire Housing Association is its members. Becoming a member is very easy, and it lets you show support for your local community landlord and you can influence what we do and how we do it.
If you want to be sure Berwickshire Housing Association reflects local needs and wishes, become a member!
Berwickshire Housing Association membership:
- Is only open to people living in Berwickshire (including our tenants)
- Costs just £1 for life
- Means you can get involved as little or as much as you wish
- Entitles you to receive regular information about the Association
- Means you are eligible to attend and vote at our Annual General Meetings
If you would like to become a member please contact us at our Head Office on 01361 883 115 or email us at info@berwickshirehousing.org.uk.
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