Orkney Housing Association Limited (OHAL) has announced its new Director of Operations.

Craig Spence will now join the team. He has considerable experience in a number of executive and non-executive Directorships including NHS Orkney and the Highland and Islands Enterprise.

Commenting on his new role, Mr Spence said: "This is an exciting time to join OHAL – a vitally important organisation – and to build on the good work it has done. I have been very impressed by the staff team and their focus on providing good quality homes, and am very much looking forward to working with them and our residents."


Sally Inkster, Chief Executive Officer of OHAL, commented: "I am delighted to welcome Craig onto our team and look forward to working with him. Our recent customer survey revealed high levels of satisfaction amongst our service users but also helped us to see areas where we want to achieve improvements. Craig will be driving business and service transformation aimed at building on these satisfaction levels and enhancing all aspects of our operations.

"I have been without a deputising second-in-command since taking over the senior post in 2006. In that time our business has more than doubled in size and this is the right time to be adding to our senior management team."

The Association's Chair, Winifred Dunnet, added: "We have just finalised our Business Plan for 2014-17 and Craig's background in business, public bodies and community engagement will complement the skills we already have in our staff team and help us to take forward our plans to develop and enhance our services."

(JP)