Secretive council staff departures to be investigated

HUSH hush exits of senior officials from Dumfries and Galloway Council have come under scrutiny amid calls from councillors for more transparency.

An independent investigation into the past processes of chief officer recruitment had been planned, but this will now be extended to the departures of leading officers that have gone under the radar.

It has also been revealed that secretive non-disclosure agreements were made with council staff leaving – which was only uncovered after Annandale North Councillor Carolyne Wilson submitted a freedom of information request (FOI).

At last week’s full council meeting, councillors discussed the arrangements for the commission of an independent review, which has followed on from some initial investigations carried out by Annandale South Councillor Ian Carruthers.

Councillor Wilson, leader of the Labour Group, said: “We moved to seek an independent review into past processes and we all know that it was due to the information that came to light during the piece of work Councillor Carruthers was undertaking following the departure of a senior officer.

“During that piece of work some things came to light that not all members were aware of.

“I myself – through an FOI – became aware of non-disclosure agreements being made. In fact, three in the last three years.

“I'll be corrected that these are ‘settlement agreements’. However, I personally like to call a spade a spade.

“I do therefore believe that the scope of this investigation needs to be widened to include the exit process of staff.

“Although non-disclosure agreements are used in a number of circumstances, as far as I’m aware they have not been used in this council until very recently – and certainly not in the departure of senior officers."

She pointed out there has been no 'elected member oversight' of their use and that it's not contained in any agreed HR process, including disciplinary and performance-related policies.

She added: “And lastly, I’m going to address the elephant in the room because there does appear to be a breakdown of relationships between some members and senior officers. This has been talked about by staff and the public alike.

“I would hope following this review there will be learning and recommendations to full council which will help support transparency and build trust because we all should be working well together for the betterment of our communities.”

December 2025 was the original timescale for the review findings to be completed, but is unclear if that deadline will be met.