At Cairn Housing Association, we provide more than just housing. We create the conditions for people to live well, feel secure and thrive in their communities. Operating across 27 local authority areas, we manage 5075 homes and over 700 factored properties, with an annual turnover of over £30 million.
This is an exciting and pivotal time to join us. We are investing in our people, strengthening the customer voice at the heart of decision-making, and embarking on a new business plan that will shape our future direction. Alongside this, we have an ambitious programme of new-build development, are progressing towards net zero, and have bold plans to grow our commercial subsidiary, Pentland Community Enterprises.
High-quality, affordable homes are the foundation of a fair and thriving Scotland enabling people to live well, participate in their communities and access opportunities in work and education. At a time of growing housing need, rising costs and the transition to net zero, the decisions made by housing providers have never carried greater weight.
As a Board member you will be at the heart of those decisions shaping investment, influencing strategy and ensuring services genuinely reflect the needs and voices of our customers. This is a rare opportunity to use your skills, experience or lived insight to make a tangible, lasting difference not just to homes, but to lives and communities across Scotland.
We are seeking new Board members for both Cairn Housing Association and Pentland Community Enterprises to help guide us through this next phase.
Why join our Boards?
This is more than a governance role; it is an opportunity to:
- Influence real change in communities across Scotland
- Shape strategic decisions at a critical point in our development
- Use your skills for social impact, supporting high-quality homes and services
- Grow your own experience with access to training and sector networks
Whether you are an experienced Board member or looking for your first non-executive role, we will support you to succeed.
About the roles
Our Boards are made up of experienced, committed individuals who provide strategic leadership, oversight and constructive challenge.
As part of our succession planning, we are looking for people who bring fresh perspectives, sound judgement and a genuine passion for our purpose. You will play a key role in ensuring strong governance and helping us deliver excellent services to our customers. Cairn Board members will also be expected to join either our Corporate Committee, or, Homes, Customers & Communities Committee.
Cairn Housing Association Board
We are particularly interested in applicants with skills or experience in:
- Strategic customer services and customer insight
- Asset management and property investment
- Development and regeneration
- Finance or accounting
- Health & safety
- Net zero and sustainability
- Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI)
- Homelessness or older people’s housing
- Digital strategy, data and AI
We are especially keen to hear from current tenants.
Pentland Community Enterprises Board
Pentland Community Enterprises (PCE) oversees our commercial activities, including garages, mid-market rent, factoring and regeneration projects.
We are particularly interested in individuals with:
- Finance or commercial experience
- Community development insight
- Knowledge of, or connection to, the Caithness area
Our commitment to diversity
We are committed to building boards that better reflect the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from people currently underrepresented at board level, including women, people from black and minority ethnic communities, and disabled people.
What is involved?
Cairn: 6 Board and 4 committee meetings per year as well as one strategy day and one development day. These may be virtual/hybrid or in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Irvine or Inverness.
PCE: 4 Board meetings per year and one strategy day.
These are voluntary roles, with expenses reimbursed and full support provided, including induction, training, mentoring and IT.
We are committed to building diverse Boards and encourage applications from under-represented groups, particularly from women, black and minority ethnic groups and those with disabilities.
Make a difference
If you are looking for a role where you can contribute, influence and grow, while helping to deliver safe, sustainable homes and strong communities across Scotland, we would love to hear from you.
If you wish to discuss this matter informally with the Chief Executive Officer, or for further details and an application pack, please contact:
Carolyn Owens, Governance Services Manager, on 0800 990 3405, email: carolyn.owens@cairnha.com or write to us at Cairn Housing Association, Bellevue House, 22 Hopetoun Street, Edinburgh, EH7 4GH.
Closing date for applications is Monday 8 June 2026 at 12 noon. It is anticipated that informal interviews will be held on Tuesday 23 June.
