Executive Director of Children’s Services to leave Dorset Council

Executive Director of Children’s Services, Theresa Leavy, has announced that she will be leaving Dorset Council.

Theresa has been with the council for five years and is widely acknowledged to have led a successful campaign to improve a range of services.

Theresa’s achievements were recognised last year when she was named as the Municipal Journal’s (MJ) Corporate Director of the Year.

Theresa said she was leaving the post with ‘deep sadness and a great deal of gratitude for the time I have had in Dorset’.

She added: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my five years in Dorset, and I trust and believe that we have made huge strides during that time in improving the service to children and their families across the County.”

She thanked colleagues for their support, kindness and dedication and says the service will remain in safe hands. “Dorset is an extraordinary place – it wasn’t always seen as such, but I know that locally and nationally the work you do is recognised and applauded.”

Matt Prosser, chief executive of Dorset Council, said: “She leaves a fabulous legacy of achievement and bright hope for the future delivery of services for our children and young people, with a highly motivated and strong team that she has personally developed in Children’s Services but has also had massive impact across the organisation and the wider public sector system.”

During her time at Dorset Council Theresa transformed Children’s Services and introduced new initiatives that make a difference to the lives of families.

She helped create a new ‘Thrive’ locality model to bring together experts from early years, social care, educational psychology, special needs and inclusion.
This innovative way of working ensures families are receiving tailored help to meet their needs and at the right time.

Theresa also oversaw the creation of specialist family hubs across the county. These centres are places where families can access a wide range of help and support all in one place. 

The impact of Theresa’s leadership was officially praised in an Ofsted inspection, when it said Dorset Council was delivering ‘Good’ services for improving outcomes for children and young people with ‘Outstanding’ leadership.

In their report, the inspector said: “The senior leadership team is an impressive and successful force for change, with a proven determination to give every child in Dorset a brighter future.”

Theresa said she plans to “undertake work across the country which ensures all our children are seen, supported, and celebrated.”