Behind the professional success of any major charity lies a foundation of friendship and quiet dedication.

Last week, Community Action Dacorum celebrated the retirement of Doug Root, and Chris Dove—whose combined service has navigated the organisation through decades of change.

The evening was a masterclass in how professional expertise from the corporate world—specifically from the “Kodak era”—can be transformed into community gold.

Doug Root’s 24-year tenure as a trustee is a record of unwavering stability. Former Chair Glenda Fernyhough recalled the “latter years” of executive meetings held at Doug’s home, where the serious business of charity governance was always accompanied by tea, coffee, and if they were lucky, cake.

But it wasn’t all biscuits and parking spots. Doug, an HR Director at Kodak, was the “moral compass” for staff welfare. Whether navigating the closure of the Paradise Project or restructuring salary ranges to keep Community Action Dacorum competitive, Doug’s focus was always on ensuring people were recognised for their hard work. “Doug knew the right way to do things,” Glenda noted, “He always wanted to make sure staff were dealt with correctly.”

His most visible legacy, The Repair Shed, grew from a small idea into a lifeline for residents facing isolation—a project Doug helped build with his own hands and will continue to support as a volunteer driver.

The story of how Chris Dove became the charity’s Honorary Treasurer is a testament to the power of a persistent friend. It was Doug who spent his down time on the golf course persuading Chris that his financial mind was exactly what Community Action Dacorum needed.

Chris “threw himself heart and mind into the role,” arriving just as the charity faced the dual tempests of Brexit and a global pandemic.

Alongside Colin Gage, Chris held daily meetings during the lockdowns, working tirelessly to protect staff from furlough while ensuring the charity’s survival. His crowning achievement was the commercial transformation of HITS (Herts Interpreting and Translation Service), turning it into a “profit-for-purpose” engine that now funds countless other community projects.

The mayor summed up the sentiment of the borough perfectly: “They thought it might involve the occasional meeting and a few papers… instead, it became years of leadership and rather a lot of emails.”

Peter Ashman, chairman of Community Action Dacorum said “the time and effort that Doug and Chris have dedicated to Dacorum is incredible. Our charity thrives thanks to the selfless support of people like Doug and Chris and we cannot thank them enough.”

The Legacy Continues

As these three men step down, they leave an organisation that supports approximately 80,000 local people annually. They proved that “good intentions” are vital, but it is the combination of professional rigor and “extreme kindness” that truly builds a community.

While they may be stepping back from the board, their influence remains—in the financial stability Chris built, the HR professionalisation Doug led, and the strategic partnerships they both fostered. And for Doug, the work continues; as he continues to volunteer to support the charity.

Carry the Torch

Inspired by Chris and Doug and their decades of service? Community Action Dacorum is looking for the next generation of volunteers to help “make life better” in our community.

Get Involved: Visit www.communityactiondacorum.org

Start a Conversation about volunteering: Call 01442 247209

Photo Credit: Erin McGuire – West Herts College

For more information about Community Action Dacorum visit www.communityactiondacorum.org