Councillor Richard Burton is the Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People.

This portfolio includes:

• children’s social care
• education and SEND programme
• liaison with Ofsted and DfE
• liaison with schools, universities and colleges
• liaison with children and young people
• children’s transformation programme.

Richard moved into the Poole area more than 35 years ago, getting his first teaching job in Corfe Hills school. Working predominately as a science teacher he was also heavily involved in pastoral care and personal, social and health education (PSHE).

His first involvement with local government came through his participation with residents’ campaign groups and volunteering. Standing for election in 2019, Richard was successful on his first attempt. He went on to be elected to Chair Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny, remaining in the post for the full first term of BCP Council.

Helping children and young people reach their full potential has always been incredibly important to Richard. He says:

“As adults we often forget how challenging it was when we were young, and it’s so important to have the right adults around to guide and support us.

“The Children’s and Young People Portfolio has a complex improvement journey ahead of it, and I am pleased that this journey is underway. My main ambition is that BCP becomes a place where our children can grow in a safe and caring environment, fully supported by the local authority.”

Richard lives with his wife, Marion and the couple have a grown daughter whom they adopted when she was four.

He is passionate about the environment and in his free time loves cycling and walking his dog, Lexi.