Momentum is building behind DGCollective—a bold, sector-led concept being developed by Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway to establish a collective and collaborative approach to third sector leadership across the region.
The core ambition of DGCollective is to unite the sector in addressing shared challenges, seizing emerging opportunities, and harnessing its collective strength for greater impact. Alongside the Collective, the InvestDG model is intended to attract greater investment in our sectors collaborative priorities and encourage the adoption of Fair Funding, collaborative commissioning and long-term and direct investment in our communities.
The initiative is grounded in a model of inclusive leadership, equity, and shared values, and is already gaining significant attention at both the local and national level.
Strong Backing and Strategic Alignment
The development of DGCollective has already secured the backing of senior leaders from DumfriesandGallowayCouncil and NHS Dumfries and Galloway, recognising the strategic value of the third sector in delivering public benefit and advancing Scottish Government policy priorities, including Public Service Reform and Scotland’s Population Health Framework 2025-2035.)
There is also initial strong endorsement from lead officers across the third sector, highlighting a growing recognition of the need for change, innovation, and more collaborative ways of working.
Driving Change Through Collective Leadership
At the heart of DGCollective will be an approach to Collective Leadership, where sector leaders work together to:
- Establish and uphold a shared set of values to ensure fairness and equity;
- Amplify the voice of the wider sector and ensure meaningful representation;
- Guide the strategic use of DGCollective funding and resources.
The Role of ‘Collabs’
A key feature of the DGCollective model is the creation of ‘Collabs’—shared spaces for collaboration based on areas of People, Place, and Policy. These will be flexible and responsive to emerging priorities, providing platforms for shared influence, pooled resources, and sector-wide learning.
To support this, a digital platform is being explored to ensure that engagement is continuous and accessible, avoiding a reliance on meetings and instead embedding DGCollective as an everyday way of working, open to all across our sector.
Investing in Transformation
DGCollective is making a strong case for external investment, particularly in transformation and capacity-building efforts. This investment is distinct from core and individual organisation funding and is essential to enabling the third sector to adapt, collaborate, and deliver impact in new and innovative ways.
Get Involved
As development continues, feedback and sign-ups from across the sector are crucial to shaping a model that reflects the needs and ambitions of third sector organisations throughout Dumfries and Galloway. It will be for sector leaders to transform the initial concept to a viable model than can be widely adopted.
To learn more or take part in shaping the concept, click here: DG Collective Concept
For more in-depth information, download the full DGCollective document here.