About Dorset

About Dorset

Nestled in the heart of southern England, Dorset offers a unique blend of stunning coastline and rolling countryside. With several vibrant towns alongside large rural communities, the county provides a diverse range of lifestyles and experiences. Bordered by Somerset, Devon, Wiltshire and Hampshire, Dorset is home to around 350,000 residents, making it the 20th most populated county in the UK.

Much of Dorset’s coastline forms part of the spectacular Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site – the only natural World Heritage Site in England – celebrated for its breathtaking scenery and geological significance. Beyond its natural beauty, Dorset has a rich cultural heritage, from historic buildings and castles to its literary legacy. Writers such as Thomas Hardy, Jane Austen and Enid Blyton, along with artists including JMW Turner and Paul Nash, all drew inspiration from the county.

Working and Living in Dorset

Choosing a career in Dorset means choosing an opportunity to find your happy place, designed for living life to the full. By joining us, you’ll not only help transform the lives of others but also enrich your own through a better work‑life balance in an exceptional setting.

Dorset consistently offers a high quality of life. The county enjoys around 364 more hours of sunshine each year than the UK average, while life expectancy is higher than the national average. With 100 miles of coastline, including award‑winning beaches in Bournemouth, Christchurch, Swanage and Weymouth, plus countryside where half the county is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, outdoor living comes naturally.

Families are well supported, with 93% of Dorset’s schools rated good or outstanding by Ofsted, and modern infrastructure keeps you connected, thanks to 97% superfast broadband coverage across the county. New housing developments provide a wide range of housing options, from town living to village communities with strong local identity.

Dorset is also a place of celebration and creativity. The county hosts an eclectic calendar of festivals, including Camp Bestival and the Great Dorset Steam Fair, alongside events celebrating food, film, literature, walking, arts, fossils, kites and more. Thriving market towns, historic attractions and family‑friendly destinations ensure there’s always something to discover.

Food lovers are equally at home here, with award‑winning local produce attracting renowned chefs such as Hugh Fearnley‑Whittingstall, Rick Stein, Mark Hix and Lesley Waters.

A Great Place to Work

Dorset benefits from strong transport links, including direct rail connections to London and ferry services to the continent, making it easy to stay connected nationally and internationally.

At Dorset Council, you’ll work alongside colleagues with diverse skills, backgrounds and experiences, all united by a shared commitment to making Dorset a great place to live, work and visit. Our employees are our best ambassadors – they know first‑hand why Dorset and Dorset Council are such rewarding places to build a career.

If you’re ready to combine meaningful work with an outstanding quality of life, your future could be here.

Search and apply for jobs in adult social care and discover why Dorset is the place to be.