A DORSET care firm has appointed a new managing director.

Adult social care provider Care Dorset, owned by Dorset Council, has announced Chris Best as a permanent MD, following a two-day recruitment process.

Chris had been performing the role in an interim capacity since September last year, following the decision by previous MD, Steve Veevers, to step down.

Before stepping into the interim role, Chris had been Care Dorset’s director of HR and organisational development since its inception in October 2022.

Care Dorset is a local authority trading company, meaning it is a private company owned by the council.

“My heartfelt thanks to everyone who assisted with the selection process, which included people we support, their families and my colleagues,” Chris said.

“The challenges facing the adult social care sector are well-known. But I believe we are in a better place than others not just to chart a way through – but indeed offer more and ever-improving services.

“My first priority in that effort is to bring our five-year strategy into being, and I know I have the support of our chair and the board in that. I also thank them today for this appointment.”

The role became permanent on April 1.

Care Dorset chair, Caroline Tapster, said: “Since stepping into the role, Chris has combined his knowledge and experience of the care industry to manage and build strong relationships.

“Chris has lived the values of Care Dorset and has incorporated them, not only into his day-to-day delivery of his role, but also into the development of the company strategy.”

And Jon Price, executive director adults and housing at the council, said he was pleased with the ongoing positive working relationship between the local authority and Care Dorset.

He said: “I’m delighted that Chris has been appointed as managing director and look forward to building on the great work Care Dorset have been doing to help residents across our county.”