Director
Glasgow and West of Scotland Forum of Housing Associations (GWSF)
Salary: £91,172 - £107,007 (EVH SM21 - SM30)
Location: Glasgow
To learn more and view a short video about our organisation and the Director role, visit our microsite: Director - Glasgow and West of Scotland Forum of Housing Associations
A unique opportunity to champion community-controlled housing
The Glasgow and West of Scotland Forum of Housing Associations (GWSF) is the membership body for community-controlled housing associations and co-operatives across the west of Scotland.
Representing 68 member organisations responsible for around 85,000 homes, GWSF provides a strong and influential voice for the community-based housing movement. We campaign on behalf of our members, influence national and local policy, promote the achievements of community-controlled housing and ensure that the views and experiences of our members are heard by those shaping the future of housing in Scotland.
We are now looking for our next Director.
This is a rare opportunity to lead an organisation with an influence and reach far beyond its size. Our Director is a highly visible voice for GWSF and its members, building relationships and representing their interests with the Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament, Scottish Housing Regulator, local authorities, Westminster and partners across housing and regeneration.
At a time of significant challenge and change for housing, the role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to the national debate while championing the value, independence and continuing importance of strong community-based housing associations.
The Role
Reporting to and working closely with the GWSF Board, you will provide leadership to the organisation and its staff team while ensuring that GWSF continues to deliver effectively for its membership.
A significant part of your role will be outward-facing. You will develop and communicate policy positions, respond to emerging issues, campaign on behalf of members and establish strong relationships with politicians, civil servants, regulators and senior stakeholders across the sector.
You will also bring together the different perspectives of a diverse membership. Our members will not always hold identical views, so you will need the judgement, diplomacy and credibility to listen, build consensus and articulate positions which represent the collective interests of the community-based housing movement.
Alongside representation and policy, you will ensure members continue to receive high-quality advice, information and services. You will promote good practice, showcase the innovation and achievements of community-based housing associations and support a strong culture of collaboration and self-help across the membership.
You will also have overall responsibility for GWSF's effective operation, including leadership of the staff team, governance, financial planning and control, and supporting and advising the Board.
About You
We are looking for an accomplished and credible leader who combines strategic and policy capability with excellent communication, relationship-building and influencing skills.
You will understand how to operate successfully in a complex stakeholder environment and be comfortable representing an organisation publicly and at the most senior levels. You will be confident enough to challenge and campaign where necessary, while having the diplomacy and political awareness to build and maintain the relationships that make effective influence possible.
Above all, you will understand and share our commitment to community-controlled housing and the importance of strong, independent, locally accountable housing associations and co-operatives.
You may already be a Chief Executive, Director or senior leader within housing. Equally, we are open to individuals who have developed relevant leadership, policy, political or representative experience elsewhere and who can demonstrate a genuine understanding of and commitment to the community-based housing movement.
Whatever your route to the opportunity, you will bring many of the qualities our members identified as important in their next Director: leadership, commitment, resilience, confidence, diplomacy, professionalism, vision and a willingness to campaign for the interests of our members.
An important point in GWSF's story
Our current Director will step down after around 13 years with GWSF, having established strong relationships and a significant profile for the organisation and its members.
We are not looking simply to replicate what has gone before.
This appointment is an opportunity to build on strong foundations while bringing your own leadership, ideas and perspective to GWSF. You will work with our Board, staff and members to consider the opportunities ahead, strengthen our collective voice and ensure that community-controlled housing continues to have a prominent and influential place in Scotland's housing landscape.
For someone motivated by the opportunity to influence policy, represent a diverse membership and champion a movement rooted in local communities, this is an exceptional leadership opportunity.
How to Apply
We hope that you have found the information on this site useful. For further information or a confidential discussion about the opportunity, please contact Paul Rooney at prooney@aspenpeople.co.uk or 07460 714893. Our office number is 0141 212 7555.
To apply, please upload your CV and Cover Letter as one combined document by clicking here [link to be added when job is posted].
Applicants will be shortlisted for interview by matching the details given in their CV and cover letter against the job description. We would therefore ask applicants to provide clear evidence to show how your experience, skills and knowledge match those requirements.
We would also be grateful if your supporting statement could include details of two referees (please note that referees will not be contacted until offer stage or without prior consent).
Please note that you will receive an immediate acknowledgement of your application. If you do not receive this, please contact Aspen People at enquiries@aspenpeople.co.uk for assistance.
Closing Date: Tuesday, November 03, 2026