Blackpool Council appoints new director to lead adult services

Thursday, 14 May 2026 12:00

By Central Radio News

Blackpool Council has appointed Martin Lawton as its new Director of Adult Services.

Martin is currently Deputy Director of Adult Services at Rochdale Borough Council and will join Blackpool this summer.

Martin Lawton, who has been confirmed as the new DASS, succeeds Karen Smith, who retired from the role at the end of 2025 after 25 years of committed service in the town.

She stepped down following a December 2025 announcement, four months after the department received an "inadequate" rating from the CQC, although she stated her retirement was not directly related to that report.

Having started work as a social worker at Salford Royal Hospital, he worked for fifteen years with Liverpool City Council in a variety of operational and senior management roles across mental health and neighbourhood teams, before joining Rochdale as a Deputy Director of Adult Services in 2022.

Martin Lawton will continue the work the council is doing to create stronger communities in the town, and improving adult social care.

Cllr Neal Brookes, Blackpool Council’s cabinet member for adult social care, said: “I’m pleased to welcome Martin to the Blackpool family.

“People who work in Blackpool and for the council are really committed to making our town better for the people who live here and Martin really showed that commitment to make a difference.

“He will join us at a really interesting time, as we are making improvements to our adult social care in a way that will help adults to take ownership of the care that works for them and looking ahead to the challenge that will come with Local Government Reorganisation.

“Fortunately for Martin, he will lead a workforce that is highly passionate and committed to the task at hand - making sure that everybody who needs to draw on our support can rely on an excellent service.”