Matt will take up his new post in August when the current Director, Denise Stokoe retires.
He will lead a new department that incorporates both the council’s education and children’s social services responsibilities. This includes the huge range of support for schools and work to protect vulnerable children and young people across the county.
Matt is delighted to be taking up the post. He said: "I am thrilled and honoured to have been given this new opportunity. The agenda is an exciting and challenging one, and I look forward to working with, and learning from, all the partners involved in the creation of an East Sussex Children's Service, including the children and young people themselves. I will be working hard to ensure we realise all of the huge potential benefits of this service to the community."
Cheryl Miller, Chief Executive of the county council welcomed the appointment. She said: "I am delighted that Matt Dunkley has been appointed to this very important post following a national advertisment and rigorous selection procedure. He brings a wealth of experience and local knowledge, particularly in the field of education, to this crucial agenda.
"The joint ambitious aims we and our partners in the community have set ourselves, should mean that all of East Sussex's children will achieve more, that the most vulnerable will be even better protected, and that the quality of all their lives should improve significantly in the future. It's a big job and we are confident Matt has the experience, skills and tenacity to do it well."
Matt Dunkley joined East Sussex in 1992 as Education Officer for primary schools, following various posts at the Inner London Education Authority and London Borough of Greenwich. He has since held a variety of senior positions within the Education Department, and took up his current post of Assistant Director of Education (Strategy & Resources) in September 2003.
Matt is married with three children aged 9 months, 12, and 8.
Reference:
05/163/MF
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