Leading Dorset Council

Executive Director – People – Adults (social care and housing)

We are on a mission to transform the landscape of Adult Services, and we are looking for an exceptional leader to join us in the role of Executive Director, People – Adult Services.

This role will play a crucial role in shaping the future of social care and housing in Dorset, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities that define our community.

Watch a video of Chief Executive, Matt Prosser, giving an overview of the role and working at Dorset Council.

Watch a video of Councillor Jane Somper, the portfolio holder for Adult Services, talking through the role in more detail and the benefits of combining adult social care and housing.

Join us and be part of a team dedicated to addressing the unique social care and housing challenges in Dorset. Your leadership will have a profound impact on the lives of our residents, fostering a brighter future for our community. If you're ready to embrace this exciting opportunity and support us in our mission to make Dorset a great place to live, work, and visit, apply now.

Apply now

Situated on the idyllic Jurassic coast, Dorset is known for its beautiful beaches, landscapes and history. Many visitors have been known to choose Dorset as their retirement location in later life. But Dorset isn’t just a place to visit for relaxation. It is the perfect setting to level up and further develop your career.

With our flexible working offer you will have the opportunity to explore the breadth and beauty of Dorset all whilst shaping the future for local communities.

We’re not a traditional council that’s set in its ways. Our residents’ needs are constantly evolving, so we need to be adaptable and open to continuous change. That’s why we challenge ourselves to work collaboratively with them to design and deliver services differently. We think innovatively about how we use technology and create services based on data and research, so we genuinely meet people’s needs.

Dorset offers a great quality of life. So, we’re proud that everything we do improves that quality of life for the people of Dorset, both now and for the future. And that we all play a vital role in making this happen. Our work delivers real benefits to residents, businesses and visitors across Dorset.

We all share a passion for improving life throughout Dorset. So, we work as one team, energising, challenging and inspiring each other every day. We openly support and develop each other, going out of our way to offer knowledge, time and practical help. It means keeping everyone informed through leadership and employee forums and celebrating individuality and diversity through our employee networks.

What we do matters. We play a vital role in the life of everyone who lives in, works in or visits Dorset. You’ll find a variety of exciting challenges, in a workplace that inspires you to grow professionally and personally. Somewhere you know you’re making a real difference, whatever your role, because you see the results across our county every day.

You’ll be joining an organisation that works as one team in an open, friendly, supportive atmosphere. Where everyone trusts and respects each other. Where people go out of their way to share their knowledge and skills, so you always feel well-informed. Most of all, a place where you feel trusted, respected and valued for your unique contribution.

Every decision you make and every conversation you have will paint the picture of leadership and management within Dorset Council. In the same way that our roles differ, so will our style of managing employees and the way you each lead your teams.

Whatever role someone takes within Dorset Council, it's important they know what to expect from their manager and that you as a manager are also clear about what you should be doing. 

There are 3 clear expectations we have of all our managers:

1. Take responsibility as a leader.
2. Deliver effectively in your role as a manager.
3. Recognise your role in working together as One Team.

We want our managers to be successful and influential leaders who are committed to developing themselves. It is important you do this for not only your own personal development, but also so we know we are serving our customers, residents, colleagues, and teams in the best possible way.