DORSET Council has appointed a new executive director who could be earning more than £150,000 a year. 

Paul Dempsey has been appointed as the executive director of people and children at the local authority. 

He has been corporate director of care and protection since May 2022 and now replaces Theresa Leavy who has held the role since 2019. 

Ms Leavy came up on the recent Dorset Council ‘rich list’ as earning £173,000, which included a pension contribution of £26,000. 

Mr Dempsey will be responsible for all statutory services for children and young people – including safeguarding and social care, education and early help. 

His career started as a social worker, but over the past 26 years has led a range of children’s services authorities across the country, including as assistant director at Sheffield City 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."   

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."