Annual Conference 2024 – Scotland Safety Network

We were blown away by the amazing feedback both days of the conference received. Here are just a few of the comments delegates left on their feedback forms...

‘Well organised, thorough information provided and great speakers on the day. Plenty of notes taken away for further review.’ Fraser Irving, Maintenance Officer, New Gorbals Housing Association

‘Fantastic programme and speakers. Very informative and collaborative networking taking place.’ Keith Goodfellow, Compliance Manager, Scottish Borders Housing Association

‘It has been a fantastic two days. Lots of info gathered by importantly info sharing between peers. Will be taking all gathered info back to share with the wider team and get to work. Cannot wait until the next one!’ Lorna Clarke, Property Investment Officer, Cairn Housing Association

‘Excellent content throughout both days - highly informative and engaging - 10/10.’ Michael Doherty, H&S Manager, New Gorbals Housing Association

‘Excellent two days. Have taken lots of useful information away with us. Look forward to future events.’ Carol Craig, Compliance & Safety Officer, Ayrshire Housing

‘Excellent day with lots of information across all areas on the agenda.’ Lisa Reynolds, Head of Property Services, Williamsburgh Housing Association

‘Another great conference, very informative on all topics. Well done to all.’ James Grozier, Project & Contracts Officer, East Ayrshire Council

Here’s a ‘snapshot’ of what was covered in the conference; you can view the full programme here.

- Keynote address and opening of day one of the conference: Scottish Housing Regulator

- Keynote address and opening of day two of the conference: Scottish Government

- Legal perspective: An introduction to the different regulators & keeping your communal areas and escape routes clear

- Lift safety: The inherent risks, thorough examinations and why addressing defects is absolutely paramount

- Asbestos case study: Informing tenants about asbestos in their home

-Case study: Cairn Housing Association - A day in the life of the compliance team - what, why and how

Free consultancy clinic

At the end of each day delegates had a chance to ask our team of specialist associates any questions that they had in any area of tenant and resident safety.

Wheel of Joy - ‘Making a Difference’

As part of the Network’s ethos of giving something back, colleagues in attendance at the conference were asked to nominate a good cause or charity that would benefit from a £200 donation. We were overwhelmed with nominations for over 30 different good causes across Scotland.

Our ‘Wheel of Joy’ randomly selected a total of FIVE good causes who would each benefit from a £200 donation just in time for Christmas.

The winners are...

Cash for Kids who help families and children in poverty.
Calvay Events Committee who organise and deliver community outreach events.
The Kettle's On, who provide support, such as community breakfasts, to low income families in Scotland.
Men Matter Scotland who promote and support mental health and wellbeing for men, improving quality of life and expanding connections.
Annexe Communities who bring together communities, providing a safe space for residents and improving their health and wellbeing.

We will continue to support the good causes and charities of our colleagues where we can, and will look at new ways in which we can help in 2025.

We were blown away by the amazing feedback both days of the conference received. Here are just a few of the comments delegates left on their feedback forms...

‘Well organised, thorough information provided and great speakers on the day. Plenty of notes taken away for further review.’ Fraser Irving, Maintenance Officer, New Gorbals Housing Association

‘Fantastic programme and speakers. Very informative and collaborative networking taking place.’ Keith Goodfellow, Compliance Manager, Scottish Borders Housing Association

‘It has been a fantastic two days. Lots of info gathered by importantly info sharing between peers. Will be taking all gathered info back to share with the wider team and get to work. Cannot wait until the next one!’ Lorna Clarke, Property Investment Officer, Cairn Housing Association

‘Excellent content throughout both days - highly informative and engaging - 10/10.’ Michael Doherty, H&S Manager, New Gorbals Housing Association

‘Excellent two days. Have taken lots of useful information away with us. Look forward to future events.’ Carol Craig, Compliance & Safety Officer, Ayrshire Housing

‘Excellent day with lots of information across all areas on the agenda.’ Lisa Reynolds, Head of Property Services, Williamsburgh Housing Association

‘Another great conference, very informative on all topics. Well done to all.’ James Grozier, Project & Contracts Officer, East Ayrshire Council

Here’s a ‘snapshot’ of what was covered in the conference; you can view the full programme here.

- Keynote address and opening of day one of the conference: Scottish Housing Regulator

- Keynote address and opening of day two of the conference: Scottish Government

- Legal perspective: An introduction to the different regulators & keeping your communal areas and escape routes clear

- Lift safety: The inherent risks, thorough examinations and why addressing defects is absolutely paramount

- Asbestos case study: Informing tenants about asbestos in their home

-Case study: Cairn Housing Association - A day in the life of the compliance team - what, why and how

Free consultancy clinic

At the end of each day delegates had a chance to ask our team of specialist associates any questions that they had in any area of tenant and resident safety.

Wheel of Joy - ‘Making a Difference’

As part of the Network’s ethos of giving something back, colleagues in attendance at the conference were asked to nominate a good cause or charity that would benefit from a £200 donation. We were overwhelmed with nominations for over 30 different good causes across Scotland.

Our ‘Wheel of Joy’ randomly selected a total of FIVE good causes who would each benefit from a £200 donation just in time for Christmas.

The winners are...

Cash for Kids who help families and children in poverty.

Calvay Events Committee who organise and deliver community outreach events.

The Kettle's On, who provide support, such as community breakfasts, to low income families in Scotland.

Men Matter Scotland who promote and support mental health and wellbeing for men, improving quality of life and expanding connections.

Annexe Communities who bring together communities, providing a safe space for residents and improving their health and wellbeing.

We will continue to support the good causes and charities of our colleagues where we can, and will look at new ways in which we can help in 2025.

Vicki Cutler, Safety Specialist (Tenant & Resident Safety)

Amy Anderson, Senior Associate, Brodies LLP

Matt Dawes, Asbestos Specialist

Nicola Harcus, Assistant Director of Regulation, Scottish Housing Regulator

Lauren Herd, Compliance Officer, Glasgow West Housing Association

Ryan Hodgson, Asset Management/Resident Safety Specialist (Gas Safe Registered)

James Clark, Senior Policy Advisor (Fire & Rescue Unit) – Scottish Government

Carlan Connon, Compliance Manager, Cairn Housing Association

Chris Brown, Water Hygiene Specialist

Conor Brown, Lift Safety Specialist

Amanda Blewitt, Health & Safety Officer, Govanhill Housing Association

Ian Robertson, Fire Safety Specialist