Lorraine Usher, chief executive of Loreburn Housing Association, has been named by top housing publication Inside Housing as one of Scottish housing’s most inspirational leaders.
The first ever “Scottish Leaders List” recognises 29 individuals across Scottish housing who are leading and driving progress in the sector. Judges looked for leaders who were “inspirational, motivational, visionary, passionate, dynamic and courageous” as well as having a customer focus, effective people management, communication and listening skills, along with the values of “honesty and fairness”.
Lorraine Usher joined Loreburn Housing Association as Chief Executive in 2015 after working in the housing sector for almost 20 years. When Lorraine joined the organisation, it had just come out of two years of regulatory intervention. Her inclusion on the list was based largely on the remarkable turnaround in fortunes that Loreburn has enjoyed with Lorraine at the helm. Within two years, they have implemented a new vision and strategic objectives, completed a successful organisational restructure, and had led the organisation to triple Investors in People Gold status.
Also mentioned was Lorraine’s commitment to involving the whole team in improving the organisation, and to the personal development of employees.
Lorraine’s listing in Inside Housing states: “Ms Usher considers it is important to give staff the opportunity to stretch themselves, and a recent restructure of the organisation has mixed enthusiastic new staff with energised longer serving people. She feels especially committed to providing opportunities for young people.”
Lorraine said: “I am absolutely delighted and honoured to be included in this list, in the company of so many inspirational figures in Scottish housing. I was born in Dumfries, so I have an emotional attachment to the area and since I began my role at Loreburn it has been my mission to ensure Dumfries and Galloway is a great place to live for our customers.
“The changes that have been brought in at Loreburn would not have been a success without the commitment of everyone who works here and the tremendous support provided by the Management Committee and our customers. Loreburn is a wonderful place to work and I am very proud of our fantastic team.”
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