Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway’s board chair John Dougan has stepped down from his role after serving his full term.
John, who is also CEO of Relationship Scotland Dumfries and Galloway, led his final AGM before leaving the board.
He said: “As I step down from my role as Chair of Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway, I’ve been taking a moment to pause and reflect on what this journey has truly meant to me. When I accepted the position, I knew I would be working alongside dedicated people.
“This role has never been simply about meetings, papers, or procedures. For me, it has been about people: the staff whose commitment goes far beyond their job descriptions, the trustees who give their time so generously, and the organisations and volunteers across Dumfries and Galloway who show—every single day—what compassion in action really looks like.”
He said he was privileged to have witnessed moments that would stay with him for years to come: small groups achieving big things; individuals finding strength at the hardest times; and communities coming together with creativity and determination. Those moments had shaped not just his leadership, but his perspective on what genuinely matters.
“There have been challenges too—some expected, many not—but facing them alongside such capable and dedicated colleagues made all the difference. I have learned a great deal about resilience, patience, and the value of listening, and I am grateful for every conversation, every shared idea, and every honest exchange that helped us move forward,” he added.
“I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the board for their trust and camaraderie, and to the staff team for their openness, energy, and professionalism. You have made this experience meaningful in ways that go far beyond the role itself. And to the wider third sector community, thank you for welcoming me, challenging me, and reminding me constantly why this work matters.”
Vice chair Jo Shearer paid tribute to John at the AGM and thanked him for his seven years’ service, as a trustee, vice chair and latterly as chair of the Board.
She said: “John has supported the board, encouraged the team, backed the staff and always kept the community of Dumfries and Galloway we serve at the centre of what TSDG does.
“His commitment has been amazing. He has seldom missed a meeting or an event and has always chaired with a professional but inclusive and genuinely human approach. For me it has been a delight to work alongside John, and we will all miss his loyalty, dependability and humour.
“Thanks John from all of us and I know that happily for us but sadly for him we will see lots of him in the future in all the forums and meeting he will still be a part of.”