Key messages 20 February 2026

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

  • Thank you to everyone who joined our staff briefing sessions to discuss Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and what it could mean for Lancashire.
  • If you weren’t able to attend, you can now access a recording of the first session and a summary of the questions and responses on the Local Government Reorganisation section of the intranet and staff website lancashire.gov.uk/staff.
  • Managers play a key role in sharing accurate and timely information with their teams. To support this, there are resources available to help cascade key messages through team briefings and everyday conversations.
  • If you manage people, please use these materials and share updates with your teams as soon as possible to help avoid confusion or misinformation. These resources are also available on the LGR intranet pages.
  • Any further questions about LGR can be sent to LGRQuestions@lancashire.gov.uk.
  • If you need information in another format, or have suggestions for improving future sessions, please contact the Internal Communications team at internal.communications@lancashire.gov.uk.

Senior management updates

  • We’re delighted to welcome three new senior leaders to the county council.
  • Emma Ashworth will be joining us in April as Director of People Services, bringing a wealth of experience in HR and organisational development from across central government and policing.
  • A lifelong Lancashire resident, Emma has shared how meaningful it is to take on this role and is looking forward to meeting colleagues and building on the great work already happening.
  • We’re also pleased to welcome Nabeel Chaudhry, who joined us in January as Director of Children’s Services Reform and Professional Standards.
  • Nabeel brings extensive experience in children’s social care and safeguarding and will lead delivery of the Families First reform agenda. We’re excited to have him on board as we continue strengthening our support for children, families and young people across Lancashire.
  • Subject to Full Council approval, Gary Fielding will join us in late spring as our new Corporate Director of Finance.
  • He joins the council from North Yorkshire Council, where he has served as Corporate Director of Resources for over 13 years.
  • Alongside extensive and highly relevant finance experience, Gary brings significant first-hand experience of local government reorganisation, having played a key role during major LGR changes in North Yorkshire.
  • This background makes his appointment particularly timely, and he will play a vital role in supporting the organisation and driving our ambitions for Lancashire as we navigate the period ahead.

Royal Lancashire Show

  • Be part of the Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show 2026
  • Dates: 3, 4 and 5 July
  • Location: Ribchester
  • We’re inviting services to register their interest in taking part in this year’s Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show (RLAS).
  • This three-day event promises a spectacular array of attractions, including:
    • Livestock displays
    • Show jumping
    • Equestrian sports
    • And much more
  • We'll be attending the event again this year, and our stand will be divided into themed zones linked to our priorities:
    • Our Lancashire (civic pride, place and communities, celebrating what makes Lancashire great, things to do and experience, environment)
    • Good Life Garden (agricultural, farm to fork, grow your own, recipe for health, food waste)
    • Safety Station (road safety, trading standards, advice and support
    • Next Steps (recruitment, volunteering, fostering and adoption, skills)
    • Feel-good Field (staying active, healthier you, independent living, wellbeing)
    • Little Lancashire (family support, children's)
  • Don't miss this opportunity to showcase your service area. Register your interest by completing the form by 13 March.
  • If you have any questions, contact: amy.hughes2@lancashire.gov.uk.