The Employment Committee of Lancashire County Council met on Tuesday 10 February 2026, and subsequently on Monday 16 February 2026, to interview candidates for the Director of Finance and S151 Officer position and to discuss strategies for retaining senior colleagues. A decision on the Director of Finance and S151 Officer appointment was deferred to allow for an additional candidate interview, after which the committee resolved to recommend Gary Fielding for the role. The committee also approved measures to retain senior staff during Local Government Reorganisation.

Appointment of Director of Finance and S151 Officer

The committee conducted interviews for the critical role of Director of Finance and S151 Officer¹ at Lancashire County Council. Following the initial interviews on 10 February 2026, a decision was deferred to allow for an additional candidate to be interviewed. The committee reconvened on Monday 16 February 2026 to conduct this further interview. After deliberation, the committee resolved to ask Full Council to appoint Gary Fielding to the position.

Retention of Senior Colleagues

A report was presented by Jacquie McGeachie, Interim Director People Services, outlining a strategy for retaining senior officers and critical post-holders during the upcoming Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). The committee initially deferred discussion on this item until after the Director of Finance and S151 Officer interviews. Upon reconvening on 16 February 2026, the committee discussed the report, considering the workforce challenges and strategic planning required due to anticipated disruption from LGR. The committee resolved to approve the proposed extension of the Grade D2 band to provide flexibility and consistency, and authorised the Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service to implement changes based on market evidence.