Glasgow Housing Association's (GHA's) Tenant Chair was awarded a coveted housing gong on Friday for her part in improving Glasgow's housing conditions.

Sandra Forsythe was declared the winner of the Scottish Housing Committee Member Award 2008 at the opening evening of Employers in Voluntary Housing's (EVH's) annual conference, at Fairmont Hotel, St Andrews.

EVH is an employers association for the social housing and social enterprise sectors. The organisation has grown from just over 50 members in 1992 to 170 current member organisations.

The prestigious award, which attracted nominations from all over Scotland, recognises the individual’s dedication and commitment - on a voluntary basis - to improving the conditions and availability of affordable housing in their local communities.

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Along with a £500 cash prize, Sandra received the newly introduced Helen MacGregor MBE trophy, in memory of a former Chair of EVH and herself a winner of this award. Sandra's name will also be added to the 'awards board' in the EVH reception.

Sandra has chaired the GHA Board since 2005 and was recently re-elected to serve another term in September 2008. As Chair, she ensures that tenants' interests are, and continue to be, represented in the Board's decision-making around GHA's strategic direction.

Sandra has been involved in Glasgow's housing since 1991, starting her career in the sector with Glasgow City Council's Housing Department. Sandra previously spent two and a half years as a tenant member of the GHA Board.

Sandra said: "It is a real honour to receive such a prestigious award and to be recognised amongst my peers in the voluntary housing sector.

"I always aim to do the best I can for my fellow tenants of Glasgow and will continue to do so for many years to come."

Taroub Zahran, GHA's Chief Executive added: "Sandra is an inspiration to us all and works tirelessly to ensure that our tenants are given the modern comfortable homes they deserve. I am delighted her hard work and dedication have been recognised."

(GK/JM)