Welcoming Chair Emeritus Sandra McDonald

The Dementia Trust is proud to announce the appointment of Sandra McDonald as the charity’s first Chair Emeritus and Founding Fellow.

This honorary role has been created to formally recognise Sandra’s remarkable leadership and lasting contribution to the development of the Trust. During her tenure as Chair, Sandra’s leadership, with her Trustee colleagues,  provided vision, stability, and a deep commitment to excellence, laying the foundations for the growth and impact we continue to build upon today.

Sandra brings a wealth of experience to this new role. A respected leader in health, care, and public service governance, she has served in senior roles across the voluntary and statutory sectors, including as Public Guardian for Scotland. Her understanding of complex care systems, rights-based practice, and ethical leadership has made a lasting impact on how the Trust operates and engages with the communities it serves.

Dylan Harper, Chair of The Dementia Trust, said:
“It was such a pleasure to spend time with Sandra and reflect on how far we have come, a journey that simply would not have been possible without the groundwork she led so capably. I am delighted that she has accepted this role. It is not only a well-deserved mark of respect, but a way to retain her voice and wisdom as part of our evolving story. Sandra’s continued support will be a great asset to the team. Welcome back aboard, formally.”

As Chair Emeritus, Sandra will serve as a goodwill ambassador and occasional adviser, offering her experience and insight to support key moments and projects. While the role does not form part of the charity’s formal governance, it reflects her continued standing as a trusted figure within the organisation.

Sandra McDonald commented:

“The Dementia Trust remains close to my heart, and I am honoured to accept this new role. I have always believed in the importance of doing the work, not just holding a title, and I look forward to contributing in a practical and purposeful way, wherever I can add value. I see this as an evolving role and welcome the opportunity to support Dylan and the Board in shaping it together.”

The role of Chair Emeritus will be reviewed periodically to ensure its continued value and relevance, with clear deliverables agreed on a project-by-project basis. The Board looks forward to this next phase of collaboration and expresses its deep thanks to Sandra for her enduring commitment to The Dementia Trust.