The Chief Executive of Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway (TSDG), Alan Webb, will step down from his role later this summer after two years of leadership marked by significant organisational development, partnership building and collaboration across the region and at a national level.
During his time with the organisation, TSDG has strengthened its role as the regional Third Sector Interface, supporting charities, community groups, social enterprises and volunteers while helping to connect the sector with community planning and public service partners.
Over the past two years, TSDG has operated in a rapidly evolving environment for both itself and the wider third sector.
The organisation has helped position the sector as a key partner in local systems change, as pressures increase on community organisations to help address inequalities, support wellbeing and contribute to the design of public services.
One of the most significant developments during this period has been the strengthening of partnerships across the region.
Working closely with statutory partners including Dumfries and Galloway Council and the Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership, TSDG has supported the growing role of the third sector in shaping public service reform and improving population health outcomes.
Alan, pictured, said leading TSDG was a unique role and one he was grateful to have had the opportunity to experience.
“When I joined, the Board asked me to address three important factors; building our organisations to better support and represent our sector; strengthening our partner relationships and our capacity to lead; bringing greater voice to our position on the role of the community and voluntary sector, including the need for change,” he said.
“I’m proud that we have made significant progress across all three aspects. I’m looking forward to seeing TSDG and the team continue to thrive.”
Key sector-connected achievements during his time include:
- Helping establish and support the HSCP Alliance, strengthening collaboration between the third sector and health and social care partners.
- Securing and supporting new investment into community organisations and social enterprise activity across the region.
- Developing and shaping a community transport model designed to meet future needs and improve connectivity for communities.
- Expanding support for neurodivergent (ND) families, ensuring families receive stronger community-based support networks.
- Investing in collaboration and shared leadership through DGCollective, helping bring organisations together to work more effectively on shared challenges.
Internally, the organisation has also undergone significant development to position it for the future. TSDG has invested in expanding and strengthening its team, reshaping its organisational structure and ensuring that staff across the organisation are fully involved in defining the organisation’s purpose, culture and values.
These changes have helped ensure that the organisation continues to deliver towards its core ambition of people and communities in Dumfries and Galloway thriving through a strong third sector, its collective impact, and securing equity, dignity, belonging and justice for all.
Jo Shearer, TSDG’s Board of Trustees Chair, said that Alan had provided the organisation with strong and innovative leadership at a critical time for both the organisation and the communities it seeks to support.
“We will continue to build on his vision and direction in the future,” she said. “Staff and trustees are sad to say goodbye but are grateful to Alan for all his commitment and hard work. Alan will be leaving us in a very strong position and the Board are committed to a smooth transition and look forward positively to continuing the good work and supporting our communities to the best of our ability.”
Looking ahead, the organisation believes the role of the third sector will continue to grow as communities take a greater role in shaping services and solutions. Collaboration across organisations, sectors and communities will be central to that future.
TSDG will continue to champion the importance of the third sector working differently – building deeper collaboration, supporting community action and strengthening community leadership across Dumfries and Galloway.
The recruitment process to appoint the next Chief Executive of Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway will open shortly, with the Board committed to ensuring a smooth and positive transition while continuing the organisation’s momentum.