My name is Gordon Saunders. I live near Galashiels in the Scottish Borders, and I have dedicated much of my life to strengthening tenant voices, improving accessibility, and making social housing fairer for everyone. I serve as Chair of SBTO, I sit on the board of TIS, and I am Treasurer of TTS. These roles give me a broad view of what tenants need, what systems get right, and where things still fall short.

My work is rooted in a simple belief. Every tenant deserves to understand their rights, feel confident using their voice, and see real change when they speak up. Too often, policy is written in a way that shuts people out. I try to take that complexity and turn it into plain‑English guidance that people can actually use. I enjoy making information clear, friendly, and accessible, especially for tenants who have been ignored or underestimated.

I bring warmth, humour, and a practical Borders mindset to everything I do. I believe engagement should feel human. It should feel welcoming. It should feel like something people want to be part of, not something done to them. That’s why I focus on building relationships, not ticking boxes. I work closely with local community groups, and housing partners to create spaces where people feel safe to speak and confident that their voice matters.

A big part of my work is making sure rural and disabled tenants are not forgotten. National conversations often focus on cities, large organisations, and easy‑to‑measure outcomes. Rural life is different. Disabled tenants face barriers that others never see. I challenge those gaps. I advocate for fairer policies, better access, and a stronger understanding of what life is really like outside the central belt.

Over the years, I’ve designed creative engagement events, produced accessible resources, and helped shape national discussions on tenant participation. I enjoy finding new ways to bring people together — whether that’s through schools, community spaces, or digital tools that make participation easier. My work has been recognised for its creativity, its inclusiveness, and its ability to turn tenant feedback into real, positive action.

Everything I do is grounded in lived experience, community insight, and a commitment to fairness. I want tenants to feel heard. I want them to feel valued. And I want them to see that their voice can change things. That belief guides my work every day, whether I’m writing guidance, supporting a local group, or challenging national policy.

I am proud of where I come from, proud of the communities I serve, and proud to play a part in strengthening tenant voices across Scotland.