From broadcast to boardroom: Jill Douglas MBE on sport, equality and the power of giving back
We’re thrilled to welcome renowned sports presenter, Gallagher ambassador, and CEO of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, Jill Douglas MBE, to Jersey this week.
A captivating speaker and passionate advocate for women’s roles in business, sport, and charitable work, Jill is well known for her work on ITV, BBC, and BT Sport, covering rugby union, cycling, athletics, and snooker. A devoted supporter of Hawick Rugby Club, she is also married to former Scotland international Carl Hogg.
In 2017, Jill became the CEO of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, established by the late Doddie Weir to fund research into Motor Neurone Disease. Her remarkable contributions to sport and charity were recognised in the 2022 New Year Honours list, where she was awarded an MBE.
Jill is visiting the island ahead of the Siam Cup, proudly sponsored by Gallagher, and we had the pleasure of catching up with her to find out her thoughts on what she loves about rugby, what truly motivates her and what she thinks can be done to encourage more women and girls into sport!
What do you love most / value most about the game of rugby?
I love the values of the game, the friendships I have developed over the years, the physicality and the way it welcome people of all shapes and sizes, is inclusive and not only is it a sport I love to watch, it is also one which has given me a successful career in broadcasting.
Who has inspired or motivated you the most and why?
I am inspired by many people, I have been fortunate to work with great mentors over the years, from my first newspaper editor, John Smail, to many great broadcasting professionals who have been generous in their encouragement and support. And of course the great Hawick RFC club side of the 1980s was when, as a young girl, I started watching the game. Players like Jim Renwick, Alan Tomes and Colin Deans.
What’s the best bit of advice ever given to you?
Never feel you need to prove why you are there, don't over do your questions. Keep it simple, listen as much as you talk and remember "it's only telly".
Which of your achievements are you most proud?
I was proud to present BBC Grandstand - there's nothing like hearing the opening titles of one the most iconic sporting programmes. I'm also very proud to have been part of ITV's coverage of Rugby World Cups. But I think I'm most proud of the success of My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, the MND charity. We have a great team and have worked hard to raise the profile of this terrible disease, invest millions into vital research and stay true to Doddie's vision and values.
What is it like/what’s the best thing about being a Gallagher ambassador?
I work across Gallagher's business, not as an ambassador, but in supporting our partnerships with the likes of the Gallagher premiership. I also enjoy working with our leadership programmes and a number of other projects as well as some business development.
What would you say to anyone who would like to try a new sport (or undertake a challenge), but don’t have the confidence to go for it?
Go for it!! Take every opportunity that comes your way, you never know where it might lead. Find like minded people who can help and support you.
Do you think there is greater equality in sport for women and do you think there is still further to go? How can we achieve greater equality?
It is certainly improving. Girls and women need strong role models and they need to see women in action to be inspired and to realise what it possible. The increased coverage of women's sport is fantastic but we need to keep it up!
What can be done to help encourage women/girls to participate in sports?
Better facilities, both in our communities and in our schools. I am a trustee of Sported charity, which is committed to supporting organisations and clubs that provide sporting opportunities in some of our most disadvantaged areas. We know how vital sport is and how it can enhance our lives, we need to give everyone the chance to experience it.