Formed in 1997, Shire Housing was set up to take former "public" housing into local ownership and control. Motivated by community members we are still directed by a voluntary board of management - a number of whom have been active since inception.

We are a not for profit organisation with charitable status and exist to provide high quality housing and associated services in an efficient and friendly way. Initially we took ownership of some 1100 houses. Since that time we have invested around £9m in our housing stock. With the support of the Scottish Government and East Ayrshire Council we have been able to supplement the stock base with a range of new and refurbished properties. We also work closely with East Ayrshire Council in the management and delivery of the Care and Repair service across East Ayrshire.

Locally based and controlled, we are sensitive to the needs of the communities we serve and we work hard to deliver quality and value. Our quality standards have been recognised by the achievement of Investors in People and Customer Service Excellence status.

Value is more subjective. We work continuously to demonstrate and test our approach - through comparing our performance with other registered social landlords, through surveys and consultative events and full and proper accounting. We welcome feedback and specifically aim to promote a range of techniques to enable people to give us their views on our performance. We plan our work on the basis of 30 year cash flows, balancing income (rents) and expenditure (repayment of loans, investment in stock and running costs) to ensure that Shire Housing can progress and prosper as a sustainable local social enterprise.

Whilst our business focus is housing, we know that a range of other local services are essential to ensure quality of life for our customers. We therefore work closely with others, building relationships and strategic partnerships to maximise local benefits.

We have worked hard to get where we are today and are mindful of a changing policy environment. As we go forward we are determined to be purposeful in our business focus and fit for purpose - adapting to change and building on success.