The Glasgow & West of Scotland Forum of Housing Associations (GWSF) represents Housing Associations and Co-operative Housing organisations in Glasgow & the West of Scotland.  GWSF has been representing and campaigning on behalf of these organisations since 1978.

GWSF exists to promote the growth of community controlled housing associations across the West of Scotland, with a specific focus on Glasgow.  During 2006, it was agreed that GWSF would be registered as an independent company, limited by guarantee, to enable it to focus on an expansion of its representational, campaigning and communication/ networking activities.  These are associated with establishing sensitive policy and resourcing frameworks which will ensure a gradual growth of community controlled and owned housing in Glasgow and the West of Scotland.

The immediate focus is upon issues associated with the second stage transfer programme in Glasgow; the housing investment programmes being managed by local authorities and Communities Scotland across the West of Scotland; and the contribution which the voluntary housing movement makes to alleviate homelessness.  Formal sub-groups of GWSF have been developed to address each of these issues, and working relationships are being established with the SFHA, the national representative organisation for all RSLs across Scotland.

GWSF undertakes a number of key activities on behalf of its Members, and also non-Members. These activities include:-

• Events - seminars/briefing sessions & annual conference.
• Campaigning and lobbying activities on issues such as the second stage transfer of stock from the GHA to local housing organisations.
• Representation on different working groups e.g. Glasgow City Council's homelessness working group, The Citywide Investment Forum, and the Ministerial Progress Group on Second Stage Transfer.
• Information Sharing.