Donald McPherson, who has chaired The Circle’s board for the last six years, retired from his role last week. Donald worked in legal and governance roles in listed companies for 30 years, latterly as Company Secretary of Alliance Trust PLC, where he was responsible for setting up and chairing the Alliance Trust Foundation. Donald is also the Chair of Tayside Health Fund (Tayside NHS Board Endowment Fund). He joined the board of The Circle in 2019 following a merger with The Circle’s sister company ACK Third Sector Consultants, where he was Chair from May 2017. Since then he has skillfully helped us to navigate a number of changes, challenges, and opportunities as we have continued to grow and develop. We asked Donald about his time at The Circle, and also whether he had any advice for others thinking of joining the board of a social enterprise.
What made you get involved in The Circle?
I first got involved by accident! The Circle was looking for someone to give a company’s perspective on Corporate Social Responsibility – when I visited The Circle and Kirsty explained her vision for how it could support local charities and social enterprises I wanted to do something to help and the rest, as they say, is history.
What skills do you need to be a good board member and a good Chair?
Every board needs to have a mix of people with complementary skills – eg finance, marketing, HR – but it’s just as important to be willing to listen and engage with different ideas and perspectives. For the Chair, it’s a bit like being the conductor of an orchestra – your job is to set the scene, then keep quiet and get the best from the people around you.
What have been some of the challenges that have surprised you about being Chair of a social enterprise
Well, money is always a challenge! But we’re no different from any other organisation operating in the third sector, and we’ve been fortunate to have the support of a number of long-standing partners who see the value in what we are doing for our communities.
What have you enjoyed about being the Chair?
Seeing its growth over the last six years – both the organisation itself and the individuals who I’ve had the privilege to work with over that time.
What has been your proudest moment?
Definitely our open day at Dudhope Castle in 2022, not long after we moved there. It felt like coming home and there was a real sense of community with so many people from the city there to offer their support.
Any advice for the incoming Chair?
I wouldn’t dare! Campbell has a huge wealth of experience and will do a great job working with Kirsty and her team, with the support of his amazing board colleagues who give so freely of their time and expertise.
Any tips for people with skills looking to join a charity or social enterprise board?
Just do it! Ask lots of questions about the role first to make sure you and the organisation are a good match for each other. And no matter how much or how little experience you have around a board table, you have something to contribute, so make the most of the opportunity.
Any advice for The Circle for the future?
Never stand still – keep moving forward, but always take time to recognise the positive impact you are having on our communities.
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We cannot thank Donald enough for the contributions he has made in his time as our Chair. We’re so grateful for the support and insights he has given over the years. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
Thank you, Donald!
