By Local Democracy & Public Affairs Reporter for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland,
Oakham Town Council Faces Key Personnel Decisions Amid Ongoing Administrative Transition, Staffing Meeting 29th July, Extra Council Meeting 31st July 2026
Oakham Town Council is navigating a critical period of operational transition and structural review, with crucial meetings scheduled for the coming days to address staffing matters, governance improvements, and interim leadership.
The Oakham Town Council Staffing Committee has been summoned to meet on Wednesday, 29th July 2026, at 6:00 pm at the Town Council Offices in Rol House, Long Row. This will be followed closely by an extraordinary meeting of the Full Council called for Friday evening, highlighting the pressing nature of the council’s current administrative challenges.
The upcoming Staffing Committee agenda includes foundational administrative tasks, such as the election of a Chairman and Vice-Chairman, alongside vital discussions concerning employee contracts. Members are set to review a new contract of employment to recommend to the Full Council for adoption.
Furthermore, the committee will move into a confidential session under the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 to consider a comprehensive staffing review presented by Locum Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer S. Haywood, as well as general updates on internal staffing issues.
A central focus of the council's upcoming deliberations centers on administrative stability. The council faces an immediate transition following the resignation of its temporary administrative assistant, who will be departing shortly. Council Chairman Cllr Martin Brookes expressed deep gratitude for her contributions over the past year, noting that she joined the council during a challenging period and played a vital role in helping the organisation begin its upward trajectory.
To maintain momentum and prevent disruption, an extraordinary Full Council meeting on Friday, 31st July 2026, will weigh a crucial proposal: a one-month extension to the contract of Locum Clerk S. Haywood, commencing immediately from the meeting date.
With recent staffing changes and upcoming recruitment initiatives underway, retaining experienced interim management is deemed critical. The proposed extension aims to provide a structured handover period, bridging the gap until newly recruited permanent staff are fully onboarded and integrated into their roles. Funding for the four-week extension may be drawn from existing salary underspends or designated council reserves.
Despite the ongoing administrative hurdles, leadership remains focused on long-term recovery and reform. Cllr Brookes acknowledged that while the council still has a significant journey ahead, the steady guidance of the Locum Clerk is helping the organisation actively move past previous governance failings a complex task essential to restoring full public confidence in Oakham Town Council.
Including Market Place, Market Street, Church Street, Crown Walk,
John Street, Melton Road and Deans Street and Gaol Street.
https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/highstreetoakham
