The vice chairman of Grampian Housing Association has become the organisation’s first voluntary Board member to achieve a new qualification in housing. 

Peter Kennedy, who is also one of the Association’s sharing owners, was awarded the Level 4 Certificate in Housing.  He completed the online course through the CIH (Chartered Institute of Housing) Academy. 

Malcolm McNeil, director of corporate services said: “Peter has successfully combined his studies with board membership, full-time work and other voluntary commitments and we congratulate him on this achievement. 

“He is now well equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to face the current challenges in housing.”

Commenting on his award Peter Kennedy said: “I have a keen interest in housing so it was a natural progression to pursue this opportunity.  

“It has furthered my understanding of key issues in housing strategy, policy, finance and law which will be of benefit in our Board discussions about delivering customer focussed housing services from a strategic point of view.”

Introduced at the beginning of 2016, only 70 people UK wide have completed the revised qualification to date.  Peter Kennedy is now preparing to continue his studies to the Diploma in Housing leading to chartered membership.  

Grampian Housing Association is governed by a voluntary Board of Management made up of tenants, residents and people from the community who are committed to providing affordable homes for people in housing need.  Many Board members have professional backgrounds in areas including finance, business, law, construction, property maintenance and customer service.

With more than 3,500 homes under management and a turnover of £16million, Grampian Housing Association is a leading provider of housing and related services across the three local authority areas in the North-east of Scotland.