Joining as Osprey’s first non-voting boardroom apprentices are Lauren Allan, an assistant technical co-ordinator with Barratt Developments, and University of Aberdeen law graduate Niamh Johnston, a member of Brodies’ Aberdeen banking and finance team and a recently qualified solicitor.

Osprey CEO Stacy Angus said: “We received an amazing response when we advertised these year-long roles, both in terms of application numbers and candidate quality.

“There are a lot of great people out there, and we know it’s often difficult – especially in the Aberdeen area – to gain board experience.

“We’re therefore delighted to be able to offer this opportunity, and both our apprentices have an excellent balance of skills and ambition. Their approach to social impact and sustainability fits well with our own ethos.”

Osprey currently owns and manages more than 1,800 properties across Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen City, and Moray.

Ms Johnston said: “I’ve always been interested in the third sector – housing associations in particular – and it’s great to have the opportunity to work within an organisation whose values align so closely with my own.”

The apprentice scheme is the brainchild of Osprey director of corporate services, Clare Ruxton, who added: “Our strategy is a win-win, bringing huge benefits to Osprey and to those selected for these apprenticeships.

“Like most not-for-profits, our existing board has historically mainly comprised retired professionals and they bring us an enormous wealth of sector experience and skills. But our boards have not always reflected our tenant base quite as closely as they could, and this scheme will widen our demographic and help us connect more effectively.

“For our apprentices, this is an amazing opportunity to gain first-hand experience of how a board works and will provide them with vital skills and knowledge to become effective full members further into their careers.”