Dorset Council’s chief executive, Matt Prosser, is to take on a two-year presidency of a national organisation – in addition to running the council.

He is to become the next President of Solace, the representative body for more than 1,600 chief executives and senior managers working in the public sector in the UK.

Mr Prosser has been Solace’s spokesperson for Leadership & Learning for the last two years and, before that, digital leadership spokesperson for four years. He will take over from current president Joanne Roney on 1 January 2023.

Following his appointment Mr Prosser said: “It is a huge honour to be the next president of Solace and to represent a membership of such fantastic public servants who are working incredibly hard every day to deliver better lives for residents the length and breadth of the country…

“While the challenges facing the sector are many and varied, I am determined to ensure the voice of local government professionals continues to be heard loud and clear in Westminster and Whitehall, and that the Government continues to see Solace as a trusted organisation it can work with.”

Said Cllr Spencer Flower, Leader of Dorset Council: “I am delighted Matt has been appointed the next president of Solace. Matt is an excellent, forward-thinking chief executive and I am sure he will excel in the role on top of his daily duties in Dorset. This is not only a great opportunity for Matt but it is also a huge compliment for Dorset and helps to promote both the council and the county.”

This week Dorset Council is advertising for a personal assistant for Mr Prosser, paying up to £26,500 a year. The job description says the role will involve working at the heart of the organisation supporting both Mr Prosser and the council’s senior leadership team.