LEGEND

‘ Housing with heart ’ Chief Executive of Link Housing retires after 43 years .

June , who often uses her love of singing and music to liven up staff engagement events , discovered her passion for housing in 1978 when she joined Falkirk Council as a temporary repairs clerk and moved through the ranks to become housing manager and then divisional manager responsible for over 10,000 properties in the Falkirk , Denny and Camelon areas .

In 2008 , she joined Link as a supervisor , before moving to Service Improvement Manager and onto manage Link ’ s Private Sector Leasing Scheme on behalf of City of Edinburgh Council , before taking up post as Chief Executive of Link Housing in May 2016 ; a role which sees her lead the team managing over 8,000 tenancies and improving lives for countless people and families across Scotland .

Link Group Chief Executive Jon Turner said : “ I would like to thank June for her service not just to Link but to the housing sector as a whole . During her long and experienced career , she has led by example and her wealth of knowledge has made a difference to countless lives across Scotland . On a personal level June has provided me enormous support since I joined Link Group and I will miss her humour and words of wisdom .” Link Group Convenor Ross Martin said : “ Housing with Heart . For June , that phrase is not a lofty aspiration of a policy aim , or even a simple physical description of the houses we build , it is the action of doing so and of enabling people to move into them , to feel safe and secure in them , to live fulfilling and enjoyable lives from within them .

“ I often talk about the fundamentally important connection between people and place . June has continuously demonstrated that connection , recognising that the value of her team and the Values she ’ s developed with them are two sides of the same coin – and that has been the currency of her energetic and empathetic leadership of Link Housing .”

Reflecting on her career , June said : “ Link is a fantastic company to work for , the values and beliefs are demonstrated daily and when the core values of an organisation align with your own , it is a successful match to achieve great outcomes .

“ I have had a fantastic Housing journey , only working with two employers . I count myself lucky to have worked in the sector , doing what I love , with the people , for the people .

“ I will undoubtedly miss the job and all the people , however recognise the time is right to pass on the baton to take forward Scottish Government ’ s 2040 housing vision for the future . I am looking forward to a creative retirement full of music , writing and family .”

Never afraid of hard work , as one of her final tasks , June is taking a leading role in integrating the Weslo housing team into Link ’ s – making it one of the largest and most geographically diverse in the country .

18 June 2021