Dorset Council appoints new Director of Children’s Services

Paul Dempsey has been appointed as the Executive Director of People – Children at Dorset Council.  

Paul has been Corporate Director Care and Protection at Dorset Council since May 2022. He was appointed to the Executive Director role following a robust recruitment process. He replaces Theresa Leavy who has held the role since 2019. 

He will be responsible for all statutory services for children and young people – including safeguarding and social care, education and early help, as well as working with other partners to champion the interests of children and young people across Dorset.  

Paul started his career as a social worker and over the past 26 years has managed and led a range of children’s services authorities across the country, including as Assistant Director at Sheffield City Council, before he came to Dorset Council.   

He said: "I am incredibly pleased to accept the position of Executive Director. Having worked alongside Theresa for over two years I have a deep understanding of the things we need to do to get the best for our families.  

"By working with our partners as well as our children, families and communities, we will make Dorset a place where children thrive.  

"I am very lucky that I already have a great team here and I look forward to working alongside our families supporting them to be the best they can be."  

Councillors, employees, partners and young people were part of the recruitment process to make sure that all key stakeholders were reflected in the process of choosing the new director.  

Councillor Clare Sutton, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, said, "We’re committed to making Dorset the best place for children and young people to grow up.   

"It is essential that we have a strong leader to help deliver our Children, Young People and Families Plan and we are delighted to have appointed Paul to the role of Director of Children's Services. Because of his current role at Dorset Council, he really understands how to carry on the great work that Theresa started in better supporting families and making Dorset the best place to be a child."