Dorset Council has appointed a new Corporate Director for Education and Learning, following a rigorous recruitment and interview process.
The successful candidate, Amanda Davis, will focus on the development and delivery of the Children’s Education and Learning Service, including school admissions, out of school services, Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) assessments, and Specialist Teaching and Advisory Services.
Amanda joins the senior leadership team from a previous role with Dorset Council as the Head of Locality and Strategy in the Chesil area. She has been instrumental in ensuring the council’s new ‘locality model’ of working has been implemented to great effect.
Taking the role over from the current Corporate Director for Education and Learning, Vik Verma, in the new year, Amanda said:
“It is an absolute honour to be afforded this opportunity to lead our education and learning agenda for and with our children, young people and families. It is a gift to be able to draw on my professional heritage in education and local government, to continue to be part of the child-centered and innovative partnership that is determined to support our children to thrive.
“As education and learning are the cornerstones of opportunity, it is a privilege to be able garner the unique assets and skills in Dorset to serve our children and ensure that we provide the best education for all.”
Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, said:
“I am really pleased to announce Amanda as our new permanent Corporate Director for Education and Learning. She brings with her an incredible track record of educational experience, empathy and knowledge. We know she will help drive our commitment to make sure we provide the best education for all our children and young people in Dorset.
“My thanks go to Vik Verma for his hard work and commitment while he has been in post. Vik now joins Newham as Director of Education, Inclusion and Achievement, and we wish him every success in his new role.”
Outgoing Corporate Director for Education and Learning, Vik Verma, said:
“Working with our talented team, our fantastic schools and partners to improve education for our children and young people has been a great privilege and I am immensely proud of our achievements. Dorset will always be a special place for me, colleagues have become friends and I am grateful to have been part of the Dorset family over these past three years. I wish you all the best for the future and thank you all for your support.”
