SHARE was started in 1985 by a small group of staff and committee members from housing associations in the Glasgow area who saw that the training needs of the sector were not being met by existing providers. The idea of SHARE was based on a group training scheme model which was quite common in England at the time – a group of associations coming together to source and deliver training through a jointly owned organisation. In the late 70’s and early 80’s housing associations increased in size and numbers and SHARE was founded to meet the needs of their staff and committee members.
SHARE is a membership organisation and was supported in its early years by funding from the Housing Corporation in Scotland and later Scottish Homes. SHARE is now self sufficient, relying on membership subscriptions and training income. SHARE is a company limited by guarantee and is registered with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR). SHARE is controlled by an Executive Committee elected by its member organisations. There are currently around 80 members mostly based in west central Scotland with others in all parts of the country. SHARE has delivered training to non-members in the Western Isles and the Highlands.
SHARE is now located in Kirkhaven Church, which boasts the most ornate plaster ceiling in Glasgow.