I am sure that many of you join us, in saying a huge thank you to Paula for everything she has contributed, not only through her leadership of Dorset VCSA, but throughout more than 12 years working alongside and championing Dorset’s voluntary and community sector. Paula has been a passionate advocate for the value of our sector and has worked hard to strengthen its voice, build relationships and bring people and organisations together. We have really valued working alongside her and wish her every success in whatever comes next.

Paula’s message reads “As I prepare to leave Dorset VCSA at the end of October, I find myself reflecting not just on the last 18 months, but on more than 12 years of working alongside Dorset’s extraordinary voluntary and community sector. And what a sector it is. I have seen first-hand the passion, resilience, creativity and sheer determination of organisations large and small, often achieving remarkable things with limited resources and very little fanfare.

When I took on the role at Dorset VCSA, there was a very clear job to do – to help stabilise the Assembly, strengthen its foundations and ensure that Dorset’s VCS had a stronger, more confident voice within our wider health and care system. I’m genuinely proud of what we have achieved. We have grown our reach and influence, strengthened relationships across the NHS, local authorities and wider partners, created new opportunities for collaboration and, importantly, helped make sure the VCS is increasingly in the room when conversations and decisions affecting our communities are taking place.

None of that happens because of one person or one organisation. It happens because Dorset has an incredible sector behind it – knowledgeable, connected to its communities and never short of people prepared to roll up their sleeves and make things happen. My privilege has been helping to join some of those dots, open a few doors and amplify that collective voice.

So, while I am enormously proud to leave Dorset VCSA on firmer foundations and ready for its next chapter, what I will take away most is gratitude. After more than 12 years in Dorset’s VCS, I remain as passionate about its value as I have ever been. I may be moving on from Dorset VCSA, but I certainly won’t stop championing this sector, the people within it and the difference YOU all make every single day. It has been an absolute privilege to play my part – and I’m excited to see what comes next.”

We very much hope this isn’t goodbye and that we will continue to see Paula involved in Dorset’s VCS for many years to come.