The Employment Committee of Lancashire County Council met on Tuesday 18 August 2026 to approve recommendations regarding the committee's constitution, membership, and terms of reference, as well as changes to senior leadership responsibilities. The meeting confirmed County Councillor Stephen Atkinson as Chair and County Councillor Simon Evans as Deputy Chair of the committee for the 2026-27 municipal year.

Constitution, Membership and Terms of Reference

The committee approved recommendations concerning its constitution, membership, and terms of reference for the 2026-27 municipal year. This included noting the appointment of County Councillor Stephen Atkinson as Chair and County Councillor Simon Evans as Deputy Chair. The membership of the committee was also noted, following the county council's Annual Meeting on 21 May 2026. The Employment Committee's Terms of Reference, which outline its responsibilities for overseeing arrangements for the appointment and dismissal of senior officers and certain staffing functions, were also approved. These terms of reference are established by the Full Council and detail the committee's remit in areas such as senior and statutory officer appointments, conditions of service, and disciplinary actions.

Changes to Senior Leadership Responsibilities

The committee approved recommendations for temporary senior leadership arrangements to support the Chief Executive during Local Government Reorganisation and to ensure the continued effective leadership of the council's core business. These decisions were made following the consideration of a private and confidential report presented by Mark Wynn, Chief Executive, and Jacquie McGeachie, Director Advisor/LGR.

Key resolutions included:

• Approval for a temporary Deputy Chief Executive acting-up arrangement for an existing member of the Executive Leadership Team until Vesting Day, in light of the Chief Executive's additional responsibilities related to the Lancashire Combined County Authority and Local Government Reorganisation.
• The establishment of a sub-committee of the Employment Committee to act as the appointment panel for the Deputy Chief Executive role.
• Authorisation for the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Employment Committee Sub-Committee, to approve a temporary salary supplement or uplift for the successful candidate during the acting-up arrangement.
• Approval for the temporary secondment of the Corporate Director of Finance to the Lancashire Combined County Council, for the role of Chief Finance Officer (Section 73 Officer), on an in-kind basis for up to 20% of their working time.

These discussions and decisions were held in private session due to the likely disclosure of exempt information, as defined in the Local Government Act 1972.