Decision details

To approve the appointment of Chairmen and Vice Chairman of Committees as listed below:

Strategic Planning Committee - Ernie Clark (Ind) (Chairman), Howard Greenman (Con) (Vice-Chairman)

Northern Area Planning Committee - Martin Denz (LD) (Chairman), Chuck Berry (Con) (Vice-Chairman)

Eastern Area Planning Committee - Philip Whitehead (Con)(Chairman), Kymee Cleasby (LD) (Vice-Chairman)

Southern Area Planning Committee - George Jeans (Ind) (Chairman), Nick Baker (LD) (Vice-Chairman)

Western Area Planning Committee - Stewart Palmen (LD) (Chairman), Christopher Newbury (Con) (Vice-Chairman)

Licensing Committee - Trevor Carbin (LD) (Chairman), Jerry Kunkler (Con) (Vice-Chairman)

Standards Committee - Paul Oatway QPM (Con) (Chairman), Andrew Matthews (LD) (Vice-Chairman)

Audit and Governance Committee - Mike Sankey (ReformUK) (Chairman), Andrew Griffin (LD) (Vice-Chairman)

Staffing Policy Committee - Matt Bragg (LD) (Chairman), Barry Pirie (Con) (Vice-Chairman)

Officer Appointments Committee - Ian Thorn (LD) (Chairman), Mel Jacob (LD) (Vice-Chairman)

Wiltshire Pension Fund Committee - George Simmonds (LD) (Chairman), Swindon Councillor (Vice-Chairman)

Health and Wellbeing Board - Ian Thorn (LD) (Chairman), Mel Jacob (LD) (Vice-Chairman)

Annual Council on the 20 May 2025 was the first meeting of the council following the local authority elections on 1 May 2025.

In accordance with the constitution, at annual Council appointments of Chairman and Vice-Chairmen of certain committees (as listed above) are made. However at the meeting this was delegated to the Monitoring Officer to determine after consultation with group leaders.

All group leaders have confirmed that they are content with the proposed list of Chairmen/Vice-Chairmen and therefore I am approving their appointment.

Following initial circulation to Members of appointments on 4 June 2025 there was updated agreement changing the appointed Vice-Chairman of Strategic Planning Committee, which is incorporated in the decision above

I confirm that in making this decision I have considered the following in line with Wiltshire Council’s Constitution:

Key decision requirements: Not applicable – not a key decision

Views of relevant cabinet member(s), committee chairman, area board(s): Yes - Views of group leaders considered in accordance with the decision at Council

Consultation with cabinet member(s), the Leader and Scrutiny (for Executive decisions taken under Emergency Powers): NA

Consultation in accordance with the council’s consultation guidance and the views emanating from that process: NA

Implication of any council policy, initiative, strategy or procedure: Yes

Staffing, financial and legal implications: Yes – there will be a financial implication due to committee Chairs receiving a Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA)

The assessment of any associated risks in accordance with the Council’s risk management strategy: NA

Involvement of appropriate statutory officers and/or corporate directors and directors: Yes – Monitoring Officer

Regional or national guidance from other bodies where relevant: NA

The council’s constitution, including the Procurement and Contract Rules (Part 10) and the Financial Regulations and Procedure Rules (Part 9), all relevant guidance, legislation, codes of practice, and protocols: Yes, Part 3 and Part 4 of the constitution

Chairmen and Vice Chairmen are required for committees and therefore must be appointed. Various proposals were made by group leaders, following consultation with one another, and I am approving the finalised list as above.