Douglas has a PhD from Strathclyde University (2015): his research examined the impact of lean production in the UK Civil Service and the trade union response. Douglas has an MA in Medieval History and Scottish History from Glasgow University (1982) and an MSc in Human Resource Management from Stirling University (2007). He also spent around 20 years working in the public sector where he was active within the trade union at both national and local levels primarily in the area of health and safety. Douglas also has a TUC Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health from Stow College in Glasgow (2005). He is currently Deputy Vice Chair of the BAHSS Ethics Panel. His teaching include both undergraduate and postgraduate modules, and he holds doctoral supervision responsibilities. Douglas is the programme leader for the BA in Human Resource Management. His research interests include industrial relations, trade unions and lean systems of work.