A Scottish housing association has appointed two new ‘apprentice’ board members; think of it as ‘work experience’ offering an insight into the sector.
Osprey Housing, which owns and manages 1,800 properties across Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen City, and Moray, has appointed Lauren Allan, and Niamh Johnston as the organisation’s first non-voting boardroom apprentices.
Allan is an assistant technical coordinator with Barratt Developments, while Johnston is a University of Aberdeen law graduate newly qualified as a solicitor. She is also a member of Brodies’ Aberdeen banking and finance team.
Osprey’s chief executive, Stacy Angus said: “We received an amazing response when we advertised these year-long roles, both in terms of application numbers and candidate quality
“There are a lot of great people out there, and we know it’s often difficult – especially in the Aberdeen area – to gain board experience.
“We’re therefore delighted to be able to offer this opportunity, and both our apprentices have an excellent balance of skills and ambition. Their approach to social impact and sustainability fits well with our own ethos.”
Allan, a graduate of Robert Gordon University, is originally from Carluke and studied architectural technology. She said: “I couldn’t pass up the chance to understand the workings of a board so early into my career.
“Everything I’ve learned since joining the Osprey board recently has been invaluable and I look forward to continuing to grow throughout my apprenticeship.”
Aberdonian Johnston, said: “I’ve always been interested in the third sector – housing associations in particular – and it’s great to have the opportunity to work within an organisation whose values align so closely with my own.”
The boardroom apprentice scheme is the brainchild of Clare Ruxton, Osprey’s director of corporate services. She said: “Our strategy is a win-win, bringing huge benefits to Osprey and to those selected for these apprenticeships.
“Like most not-for-profits, our existing board has historically mainly comprised retired professionals and they bring us an enormous wealth of sector experience and skills.
“But our boards have not always reflected our tenant base quite as closely as they could, and this scheme will widen our demographic and help us connect more effectively.
“For our apprentices, this is an amazing opportunity to gain first-hand experience of how a board works, and will provide them with vital skills and knowledge to become effective full members further into their careers.”
Main image: (Left to right) Board apprentices Lauren Allan and Niamh Johnston, with Osprey chief Stacy Angus
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