Bournemouth County Borough Council was established under Hampshire Council in 1890 and underwent Local Government re-organisation in 1974. Various countywide services became administered by the County Council whilst others fell under Dorset County Council. In 1997 Bournemouth Borough Council became a unitary authority with responsibility for Education and Social Services.

The Executive Director of the Children & Families Service is Jane Portman who is responsible for three Business Units:

Learning & Engagement: Service Director - Di Mitchell

Children's Strategic Services: Service Director - Neil Goddard (Interim)

Children's Social Care: Service Director - Ann Graham

Following the Ofsted Inspection in 2001, this Local Authority has emerged as one of the very best in the country and is a beacon for other authorities to aspire to.