The report shows a workforce that is adapting to change, supporting communities and delivering vital services across the region.
Key facts at a glance:
- The council employs 6706 people – a small increase on last year.
- 89.5% of colleagues are in permanent roles.
- 55% of the workforce work part-time, reflecting our commitment to flexible working.
- The average length of service is 10.6 years.
- 74.98% of the workforce are women; 58.5% of the council’s top 5% of earners are female.
- 243 staff are active in one of six staff networks, supporting wellbeing and inclusion.
- 320 vacancies were reported at year end, up from 230 last year.
- Turnover remains low at 8.07%, well below the UK average of 34%.
- Sickness absence for Scottish Joint Council (SJC) staff was 13.78 days per Full-Time-Equivalent (FTE) employee (up 5.2% on last year) but remains below the Scottish average. For teachers, absence was 9.7 days per FTE.
Councillor John Campbell, Chair of the Enabling and Customer Services Committee, said:
“Our people are our greatest asset. This report shows we’re making progress on flexibility, diversity and inclusion, and that Dumfries and Galloway Council continues to be a great place to work. We know there are challenges, especially around absence and recruitment, but we’re tackling these head on.
“Our committee will be discussing these encouraging results and challenges on Tuesday 18 November.”
Vice-Chair Councillor Ben Dashper said:
“We’re proud of our colleagues and the difference they make every day. As the largest employer in the region, by supporting our workforce we are supporting Dumfries and Galloway. We’ll keep investing in wellbeing, training and support so we can deliver for our communities.”
The full report is available in the committee papers at: Agenda for Enabling and Customer Services Committee on Tuesday, 18th November, 2025, 10.30 am | Dumfries and Galloway Council