The Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority Employment and Skills Board met on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, to discuss the devolution of adult skills funding and the appointment of new co-opted members. Key decisions included the continuation of the Skills Bootcamp programme until July 2027 and the approval of two new non-voting members for the Board.

Adult Skills Funding Devolution

The Board discussed the devolution of adult skills funding, specifically focusing on the continuation of the Greater Lincolnshire Skills Bootcamp programme. It was agreed that the programme would continue until July 2027. Authority was delegated to the Chief Operating Officer to allocate the Skills Bootcamp funding, in consultation with the Chairman of the Employment and Skills Board and the Mayor, subject to budget approval by the Authority on 25 February 2026. The continuation of the programme through a service level agreement with Lincolnshire County Council was also endorsed.

During the discussion, members welcomed the engagement with local colleges and highlighted the Authority's potential to drive change and tailor services to local priorities. Concerns were raised about the geographical spread of Skills Bootcamps, with assurances that work would be done to ensure a strong presence across the region once funding was devolved. The importance of achieving better outcomes for all residents through improved literacy and skills development was emphasised. Members were reassured that the Authority would take a more proactive leadership role in shaping the delivery of the Skills Bootcamp scheme. The final funding allocation was expected within 14 days. It was noted that while providers should advise on effective delivery, they should not determine funding allocation, and a balance was needed between provider evidence and budget constraints. The six-month period following bootcamp completion for learners to enter employment was acknowledged as a potential risk for providers, which might discourage participation. The Board agreed to regularly monitor the effectiveness of the changes to support an ongoing review process.

The decision to support the continuation of the Greater Lincolnshire Skills Bootcamp programme until July 2027, delegate authority for funding allocation, and endorse the continuation through a service level agreement with Lincolnshire County Council was passed unanimously by 11 votes.

Appointment of Co-opted Members

The Board also addressed the appointment of new non-voting co-opted members. Professor Neal Juster, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lincoln, was approved as the Business Member for the Board, and Mark Locking, Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Lincoln College Group, was approved as a co-opted member. The Board also requested that officers proceed with a recruitment process to appoint two additional non-voting co-opted members.

Professor Neal Juster declared a non-pecuniary interest as a member of a skills organisation that receives grant funding. It was clarified that the membership of co-opted members would be reviewed annually as part of the review of the Board's terms of reference.

This decision was also passed unanimously by 11 votes.