Introducing Douglas- New Development Manager!
Hi Douglas!
Before we start the serious questions lets break-the-ice a little and get to know you better.
What’s your favourite film and why?
My favourite film (s) is the Star Wars Trilogy, specifically the 3 originals. The films are a core childhood memory for me, and I was totally inspired by the blonde hero, Luke Skywalker. I felt a sense of camaraderie with him- a blonde hero fighting to save the galaxy!
I also love that I can watch them with my sons and have enjoyed taking them to see all of the prequels and sequels. I’ve also enjoyed taking part in many lightsaber fights!
Thanks Douglas! What is your favourite meal and why?
I love Thai food and can cook a mean seafood Thai Curry. After spending time in Thailand, I got to experience a lot of the different food, and it always tasted so good! The taste of Thai food gets the full mouth freshness, and it is an easy way to use up any vegetables we’ve got in the fridge.
Thanks Douglas! Now moving onto some more serious questions…tell us a little about your journey that has led you to working for Circle, for example your previous roles, qualifications, or experiences.
I’ve previously worked within substance use arena, and I’ve been involved in working with families for the past 10 years. I helped co-create Year of the dad, and I’ve always been behind supporting parents.
I’ve worked around culture systems change for decades and my role at Circle seemed like the natural next step, giving me the opportunity to work for an organisation that works passionately on behalf of families.
What excites you the most about for working for Circle?
The opportunity and the openness to be bold is what excites me the most about working for Circle. As an innovative and growing organisation, I believe there will be a lot of buy in to try new things, whilst also helping to evolve what already works really well. The breadth of experience amongst staff at Circle, as well at its high reputation makes it a great organisation to be part of, and it has a lot of potential, which I’m excited to explore.
What will your specific role entail/what are you going to be doing and who will you be working with?
My role as Development Manager means I’ll be working with everyone across the organisation, including staff, families, and partners. The role is specifically focused on the Promise, which is a massive ambitious change of the whole family support approach.
Hopefully, I’ll be able to create lots of opportunities for people to get involved with to help support families, both across the organisation and out with to ensure we continue to develop and grow.
Thanks Douglas! And finally, if you could click your fingers and change one thing (societal, financial, political) that would instantly help the families you support, what would it be?
Putting families at the heart of what everyone does to create a person-centred society that doesn’t blame and shame people.
If you would like to support our fantastic staff with the vital work they do alongside children and families then you can donate here – Make a Donation – Circle Scotland
And if you would be interested in joining our team then keep any eye out on our vacancies page – Job Vacancies – Circle Scotland
Meet other new Circle team members here:
Emma- Introducing Emma- New Haven Manager!
Hazel-Introducing Hazel- A New Family Outreach Worker- Circle Scotland
Find out more about Circle’s longstanding staff here:
Meet the Circle Team – Staff Insights and Interviews – Circle Scotland
Bob- A Family Outreach Worker in East Lothian- Circle Scotland