The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) is seeking an outstanding senior leader to shape our external voice, strengthen our influence, and ensure our members’ priorities are heard at the highest levels. As Scotland’s national voice for housing associations and co-operatives, we represent a sector providing safe, warm and affordable homes for over half a million people across the country.

Celebrating 50 years of impact, SFHA is a well-respected membership organisation with a strong financial position, an ambitious strategic vision, and close to 100% sector membership. Our role is to represent, support and connect our members, ensuring that their voices are heard and that they have the resources and influence needed to thrive.

The Director of External Affairs plays a pivotal role in delivering that mission. Leading our Public Affairs, Communications, Policy, Events, and Design teams, you will drive the strategic direction and high-quality delivery of all external engagement and reputational activity. You will raise SFHA’s national profile, build powerful relationships across government, parliament, the media, business and the third sector, and champion the interests of our members across Scotland.

Acting as a senior organisational spokesperson, you will confidently represent SFHA at consultations, events and high-level meetings, often at pace, advising key decision-makers and ensuring our policy positions are credible, evidence-based and aligned with the needs of members. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Board and Executive Team, you will help shape organisational strategy, strengthen our influence, and ensure SFHA remains a leading voice in Scotland’s political and policy landscape.

You will lead a talented multi-disciplinary team, driving innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement across all external-facing work. From policy development and thought leadership to campaigns, media engagement and research, you will ensure SFHA delivers high-impact work that enhances our reputation and reinforces our relevance to members.

This role offers the opportunity to influence national policy, shape public debate, and help steer the future of affordable housing in Scotland. SFHA provides a competitive salary and excellent benefits, including 29 days annual leave, five agile days, a 5% employer pension contribution, flexible hybrid working, Perkbox, a travel loan, flu jab, online yoga and eyecare vouchers.

About Simon Community Scotland

People are at the heart of who we are and what we do. Day-by-day, person-to-person, we tailor what we offer to what people need. We’re here to provide consistent, friendly and informed support so that people can explore options and take ‘the next step’ towards their future. We welcome people with a wide range of skills and experiences to our team – including those who have lived through homelessness. To make a difference we need to work flexibly, with everyday-leadership, humour and a ‘can do’ spirit. We want to make it easy, make it right, and make it happen – not only for the people we support, but also for each other. We care for and support each other regardless of our role, service or location. We want people who share these values to join us and become a part of the Simon Community Scotland team.

Job Summary

Within Simon Community, we pride ourselves in taking a psychological and trauma informed approach to our work. We understand the people we work with have likely experienced and continue to experience adverse life events which lead to trauma responses, impacting both physical and mental health. The role of psychology within Simon Community ensures psychological theories and principles are embedded within the organisation in a creative and flexible way. Providing psychological safety and the best wellbeing possible for everyone accessing or working for Simon Community Scotland.

Our psychology team within the organisation is continuing to grow, demonstrating their value and importance to our ever evolving services and support. We are looking for a Clinical Psychologist to lead on this work in our West of Scotland teams and take an active leadership role within the organisation. The key focus of this role will be to support the organisation to continue to implement psychologically informed environment principles and trauma informed care, creating and maintaining psychological safety for all. This work will be carried out under the supervision of a Prinicipal Clinical Psychologist external to Simon Community Scotland. The job plan will be agreed with the Director of Services, working independently within the framework, policies and procedures of the organisation. The job plan will cover both direct and indirect work, with more focus on indirect, it is an opportunity to use the range of skills of a Clinical Psychologist; leadership, formulation, consultation, supervision, research and service development. The job will include working across different services in the West of Scotland, including supported accommodation, community support hubs and outreach. This job description will be subject to review as the psychology team, as well as the organisational need

develops and the postholder will be a key stakeholder in that review. This is an exciting opportunity to really explore what Clinical Psychology can offer those facing severe and multiple disadvantage and implement needed change, thinking creatively, in an organisation that puts ‘being human’ and relationships at the heart of the work.