New Dorset council chief 'unanimously' recommended

Dr Catherine Howe is currently chief executive for Adur and Worthing Councils

A new chief executive for Dorset Council has been unanimously recommended.

The authority has revealed it is backing Dr Catherine Howe to take over, after former chief executive Matt Prosser left for New Zealand.

She has been recommended by the cross-party staffing committee, but the appointment is subject to a final vote on 10 April.

Dr Howe would take on the role from interim chief executive, Sam Crowe.

Mr Crowe has held the role since Mr Prosser announced he was leaving to join Wellington City Council.

In a statement, the council said Dr Howe was "a highly experienced local government leader".

It explained she had "extensive experience" in managing organisational change, promoting community-led initiatives and "driving digital transformation".

Former chief executive Matt Prosser left the role to join Wellington City Council in New Zealand

Dr Howe is currently working as chief executive of Adur and Worthing Councils and previously held senior roles at Cancer Research UK and Capita PLC.

She said: "I have been watching with great admiration the work which Dorset Council has done since it was created in 2019 and I feel both excited and very privileged to have the chance to be part of where we go next."

Council leader Nick Ireland said: "Catherine brings a wealth of experience, expertise and energy to the role.

"She has a clear vision and I am confident that she will drive delivery of excellent services for the people of Dorset."