Employability
Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway (TSDG) is committed to help increase employability for people in the region. The aim is to improve the capacity, scope, and influence of third sector employability provision in line with TSDG’s mission and objectives
Poverty is alleviated by having sustainable well-paid employment. Helping people to becoming employable, to avoid under-employment, and to stay in work is a priority for Third Sector in Dumfries and Galloway.

As a member of the Local Employability and Skills Partnership, we support the aims and objectives of its strategy and those of No One Left Behind. TSDG – with funding from Dumfries and Galloway Council – works to build the capacity of third sector providers in the region to support this goal.
We support improving the quality and scope of third sector employability services through: a monthly E-bulletin; hosting networking events, including the quarterly TSDG Employability Forum; aiding local partnership working and collaboration; updating an Employability directory; investing in skills development through training/ upskilling opportunities; offering one-to-one meetings to help inform third sector service development and delivery; and supporting the third sector in funding and finance discussions.
Our priorities are:
- Improving the quality and scope of third sector employability services in Dumfries and Galloway
- Raising the profile of the third sector as a key partner in delivering employment outcomes in the region
- Increasing third sector influence and understanding of policy development at national, regional, and local levels
- Improving awareness of the role volunteering can play in helping people build employability skills
- Improve collaborations between third sector organisations

The quarterly Third Sector Employability Forum is a chance for staff of third sector organisations with an interest in employability to share knowledge, experience, challenges and network.
Conversations feature presentations from guest speakers to update attendees on public policy and third sector practice. Places are limited to staff of third sector organisations.
We raise the profile of the third sector as a key partner in delivering employment outcomes in Dumfries and Galloway by representing the sector at local board and delivery group meetings and at national forums and events.
TSDG also support third sector influence and understanding of policy development at national, regional, and local levels through discussions on relevant consultations via e-bulletins, conversations, and forums – including the national Third Sector Employability Forum. We also support the coordination and design of the No One Left Behind Dumfries and Galloway framework.