Councillor Dobbie is a supply teacher (secondary science) and Chairman of the Gainsborough and District Liberal Democrats. He was also the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Bassetlaw at the May 2005 General Election.

He is a member of the Gainsborough Riverside Festival Committee and a member of the Old Nick Theatre regularly working the bar on the Friday performances.

"You will often see me walking around the area with my Black Labrador Barney".