Sarah Parker, Executive Director for People – Children, has resigned from her role in order to carry out other work outside of Dorse, and will leave Dorset Council at the end of December, the council has announced.

Sarah joined Dorset County Council at the end of January this year and became the new council’s first Executive Director for People – Children.

Sarah Parker said: ‘It’s been a privilege to work with the fantastic children, young people and families of Dorset. I wish them and colleagues at Dorset Council all the very best for the future.’

Matt Prosser, Chief Executive of Dorset Council, said: ‘Sarah has made a huge impact on the new Dorset Council. She has brought an incredible amount of passion and energy, and is dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for children and young people. Although she’s leaving Dorset, we are committed to delivering her legacy and putting children at the centre of our decision making. This remains a priority for Dorset Council.’

In the short-term, Children’s Services will be led by Theresa Leavy, who will fill the statutory role of Director of Children’s Services. Theresa is an experienced leader of Children’s Services and led transformation programmes for several local authorities, including Cambridgeshire and Wiltshire. Theresa is already supporting the council with its own children’s services transformation programme, known as Blueprint for Change. Theresa has also worked for Ofsted, which inspects children’s services and schools across the country.

Matt Prosser added: ‘Theresa Leavy has a great track record in leading children’s services during times of change, including in Wiltshire – which has gone through the process of becoming a unitary council. She has a played a key role in our Blueprint for Change programme and I’m grateful that she’s able to take on this leadership role while we agree the best way forward.’

Sarah Parker added: ‘We’ve worked really hard to create an ambitious vision for Children’s Services and I have complete faith in Theresa taking this forward. I’ll know she’ll lead this work with great passion and make sure the needs of children are put first.’