Two new Executive Directors appointed at West Berkshire Council.

Following the departure of the Director of People Andy Sharp earlier this year, the Council took the opportunity to create two new Director posts to enable a greater focus to be placed on the strategic leadership of Children and Family Services and Adult Social Care.

AnnMarie Dodds will be taking on the role of Executive Director (People) Children and Family Services, from Monday 16 October 2023.

AnnMarie arrives at West Berkshire Council from North Northamptonshire Council where she was the first appointed Director of Children's Services in the newly created unitary authority. During seven years of successful senior leadership experience AnnMarie has driven improvement of children's services from 'inadequate' to 'good' and 'outstanding'.

Paul Coe has been leading the Adult Social Care in the People Directorate from September 2023.

Paul has spent the last 25 years in senior management roles in local government and the Ministry of Defence.  He has been at West Berkshire Council since 2014, where he started as Service Manager for Adult Social Care before moving on to Service Director of Adult Social Care and then Acting Interim Executive Director of People. Whilst Service Director, Paul improved the performance of the department and successfully managed some significant challenges.

Speaking about the new appointments, Chief Executive, Nigel Lynn said:

"I am delighted to welcome AnnMarie and Paul to the new roles. Both were outstanding candidates with strong track records in delivering within their services. I look forward to them joining the Corporate Leadership Team along with myself, Joseph Holmes, Executive Director - Resources and Clare Lawrence, Executive Director - Place."

Speaking about her appointment ahead of her arrival in West Berkshire, AnnMarie said:

"I am delighted to be the incoming Executive Director (People) for Children and Family services in West Berkshire. It will be a huge privilege to work with the committed and talented workforce and the wider partnerships."

Speaking about his appointment Paul said:

"I am thrilled to be the new Executive Director (People) for Adult Social Care. It's a huge privilege to be able to continue working with the team and continue to grow our services and make them even more successful."