Dorset Council announced changes to Cabinet roles at their Full Council meeting on Thursday 14 May.
The Cabinet will still have 10 members, but the aim is simple: make it clear who leads on what. It will also make it easier to join up services, so people get the right support faster.
The biggest change is a new role for Cllr Matt Bell – Cabinet Member for Public Health, Prevention and Communities.
This brings together work that helps people stay well and safe. It includes public health and prevention, community support, emergency planning, and services such as environmental health, trading standards and licensing. Leisure services will also sit within Cllr Bell’s portfolio, to support healthier, more active lives.
Cllr Ryan Hope will be stepping down from Cabinet after two years, which was the timeframe he set out when he took on the role. He will continue to serve residents as a Dorset councillor and through his wider community responsibilities.
Cllr Nick Ireland will continue as Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Climate, Performance, Communications, and Safeguarding.
Other Cabinet roles are:
- Deputy Leader Cllr Richard Biggs: Regeneration, Economic Growth and Strategic Assets
- Cllr Simon Clifford: Resources and Finance
- Cllr Ben Wilson: Transformation, Customer and Workforce
- Cllr Clare Sutton: Children, Families and Education
- Cllr Steve Robinson: Adult Social Care and Health
- Cllr Gill Taylor: Housing and Homelessness
- Cllr Jon Andrews: Place Services (including Highways, Waste, and Transport)
- Cllr Shane Bartlett: Planning.
Cllr Nick Ireland said: “This refresh gives clearer leads where we need them most. It helps us prevent problems earlier, work better with partners, and makes it easier for residents to know who to contact.”
Cllr Matt Bell added: “I’m pleased to join Cabinet and take on the Public Health, Prevention and Communities portfolio. My priority is helping people in Dorset stay well, reducing health inequalities, and supporting communities to get help earlier.
“I’ll work with health partners and community groups to strengthen prevention, including leisure services that support physical and mental wellbeing. I also want to back practical local action that protects nature and helps communities cope with climate impacts.”
This is a mid-term refresh of responsibilities. Dorset Council elections last took place in 2024, with the next whole-council election due in May 2029.
At the same meeting, councillors also re-appointed the Chair of Dorset Council, Cllr. Stella Jones, and the Vice-Chair, Cllr. Les Fry, for the coming year. The Chair is the council’s civic figurehead, chairs Full Council meetings and represents Dorset Council at civic and ceremonial events. The Vice-Chair supports the Chair and deputises when needed.
Councillors also unanimously agreed on appointments to Dorset Council’s various committees, as well as joint committees, boards and panels for 2026/27.
