The new rules are approved by the Financial Services Authority, the Office of the Scottish Charities Regulator and the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations.

The new rules are aimed at improving the governance of housing associations to make sure they are better managed at board level.

Calum Macaulay, Albyn’s Chief Executive, said: “Last year we consulted our tenants and members and used that to reshape the way our board is structured. Firstly, we have reduced the number of board members from 15 to 12 in order to streamline decision making.  And secondly we have given tenant members the same powers as general members, which has removed any potential conflicts.

“Perhaps most importantly we have developed new methods of working with tenants to help them influence the way the organisation is run through our tenant engagement programme. Our aim is to go above and beyond the statutory consultation requirements and ensure tenant views do actually shape the services they come into contact with on a daily basis.”

Next spring Albyn tenants will receive the first ever yearly consultation calendar which will highlight how and when they can have their say about the services that affect them. For example they can get involved in shaping how and when the organisation upgrades properties or deals with maintenance call-outs.”

Albyn’s Committee of Management is now taking further steps to improve its governance.  It is undertaking a skills audit to make sure it and the senior management team are able to deliver what its customers and communities need and expect of them.  The Governance Alliance Scotland is assisting Albyn with this work.