An inspiring leader who is helping to transform the lives of families and young people across Dorset has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.
Dorset Council’s Executive Director for Children’s Services, Theresa Leavy, is a finalist in the Municipal Journal’s (MJ) Achievement Awards.
Theresa, who has worked at the council since 2020, has been shortlisted in the ‘Corporate Director of the Year’ award.
Her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children in Dorset is at the heart of everything Theresa does to support Dorset families.
Councillor Andrew Parry was the portfolio holder for Children, Education, Skills and Early Help until earlier this month and made the award submission, he said: “Theresa inspires, enables, and promotes everyone around her to bring their best to enrich the support and services we provide.
“The lives of so many in our communities have been directly improved by the impact of Theresa’s loving leadership.
“Theresa has transformed the look, feel and importantly the performance of children’s services by improving outcomes for children, young people and families in Dorset.”
Theresa Leavy has three decades of experience in social work, including working at director level for the last 10 years.
Her most recent experiences have seen her work at Wiltshire Council, Cambridgeshire County Council and the London Borough of Merton.
And away from work, Theresa is a proud mother and grandmother who loves walking, swimming in the sea and has a passion for sculpture and architecture.
After joining Dorset Council Theresa set straight to work to transform Children’s Services and introduce 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 two new specialist family hubs in Ferndown and Wimborne.
These centres are places where families can access a wide range of help and support all in one place. This includes help with mental and physical health, getting a job, looking after children, paying bills and special educational needs services.
The impact of Theresa’s leadership was officially praised in an Ofsted inspection last year, 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.”
On learning her colleagues had nominated her for this award, Theresa said: “I am overwhelmed and surprised that my colleagues put me forward for this award. To be nominated by them feels like a win already.
“To be a finalist is an incredible honour and as far as I’m concerned this recognises the achievements of every single member of staff who works for Children’s Services.
“Most of all, the biggest award for me is that every child in Dorset, especially those in care or have left care, are given the best support and opportunities possible.”
The results of the MJ awards will be announced at a special ceremony in London on 23 June.
So well deserved – it is good that our Officers and Directors are recognised for their unstinting service, especially in Corporate Parenting, safeguarding and social care. Well done.
Thank you for your kind words
Fantastic news and well deserved to Theresa and all of her team. It’s been a tough few years and Good news stories like this are a great moral booster, wishing you all the best of luck at the final awards ceremony.
thank you for your kind words