CIH Scotland appoints three new board members

Three new Board members have been appointed to support the work of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) in Scotland.

Kerry Clayton, governance and compliance manager at Elderpark Housing Association, Helen Merriman, housing services manager at East Ayrshire Council, and Paul Scott, director of operations at Orkney Housing Association, will join the CIH Scotland board following the AGM later this week. They replace Mike Campbell, Jim Hayton and Bryony Willett, all of whom step down after completing two terms on the Board.

Kerry Clayton currently works as a governance and compliance manager at Elderpark Housing and has worked in the sector for almost 20 years. During this time Kerry gained experience working in maintenance, housing management and corporate services in a variety of different roles. In addition, Kerry provides training via SHARE on governance topics, has previously lectured on the CIH Level 4 Certificate course and is currently the Vice-chairperson at Glen Oaks Housing Association. Kerry first became a CIH member in 2012 while studying towards her Master’s degree in Housing Studies and upon completion gained Chartered Member status.

Commenting on her appointment, Kerry said:

“I am delighted to have been appointed to the CIH Scotland Board and very much look forward to making a meaningful contribution to the excellent work done by CIH Scotland in supporting organisations and professionals throughout the sector.”

Helen Merriman has worked in the housing sector for 19 years and is currently housing services manager at East Ayrshire Council. Her housing career began at Drumchapel Housing Co-operative where she completed the CIH Graduate Conversion Course. Following a move to East Ayrshire Council, her previous roles included housing officer, during which time she obtained an MSc in Housing Studies at Glasgow University, neighbourhood manager, housing options manager and rapid rehousing transition lead. 

Commenting on her appointment, Helen said:

“Having been a CIH Member for many years, I am very excited to be joining the Scotland Board and being part of the team. I have a long-time interest in serving diverse, empowered communities and I am committed to supporting and leading change to promote the range of talents and skills across the sector.”

Paul Scott is currently director of operations at Orkney Housing Association, having joined the organisation in 2018. He has worked in the housing sector since 2003, in both RSL’s and local authorities, covering areas such as housing management, asset management and homelessness. Paul is also a Chartered Member of CIH.

Commenting on his appointment, Paul said:

“I am delighted to be joining the CIH Scotland Board and very much looking forward to contributing to the hugely important work that CIH does. The promotion of the CIH professional standards and housing more generally as a valued career are just some of the topics I hope to help make a great contribution to.”

Responding to the above appointments, Gavin Smith, Chair of the CIH Scotland Board said:

"I'd like to thank everybody who applied to join the Scotland Board and brought a range of expertise and experience to the recruitment process.  I am delighted to welcome Kerry, Helen and Paul onto the Board and I am confident that they will bring a new and different dimension with their individual backgrounds, passion and commitment to the profession and to the work of the Chartered Institute in Scotland. 

I'd also like to thank our three members Jim, Mike and Bryony who are stepping down from the Board for their work, dedication and commitment over the years.  I am sure that they will continue to work to raise the profile and standards of the housing profession, as well as the benefits of CIH membership in their personal and professional capacity."