Karen French Cihcm

Karen French CIHCM is a highly experienced housing professional with a diverse background in housing management, law, and community outreach. Currently serving as a Housing Officer at Port of Leith Housing Association since May 2019, Karen manages a substantial portfolio of SST properties and oversees a £2m annual rental income, handling multiple business-critical priorities. Previously, Karen worked as a Senior Adviser and Volunteer Mentor at Shelter Scotland for twelve years, specializing in housing law across various tenures, while also mentoring volunteers and delivering training. Earlier roles include Editor of Dactyl magazine and Senior Housing Officer at The Access Point Edinburgh, where Karen managed a multidisciplinary team supporting vulnerable populations. Karen holds a Postgraduate Degree in Housing Studies from the University of Stirling, a Diploma in Health and Social Welfare from The Open University, and a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and Social Policy from the University of Stirling, complemented by an HND in Hospitality Management.