MCA York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority

Welcome, and thank you for your interest in learning more about the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority ( “the Combined Authority”) and these exciting new roles.

As the first Chief Executive of the Combined Authority, I am very proud to be at the forefront of an organisation which will bring positive and lasting change for the residents and business communities of our fantastic region. This is a very exciting time for York and North Yorkshire - we are at a pivotal point in our history, and these two roles will be fundamental to both the development, implementation and running of the Combined Authority itself, as well as ensuring it generates future successful economic prosperity for the whole area. These roles really are vital and will appeal to ambitious and experienced leaders who, like me, are eager to play a key role in making sure we forge a bright future and create a lasting legacy for York and North Yorkshire. Our ambition, is resolute and palpable!

This is where you come in – I am looking to establish a talented team of inspirational leaders with the vision and ambition to help spearhead the charge. With David Skaith our new Mayor now in place, we will work closely with him and many other influential leaders both locally and nationally, to help bring about significant change and make sure the region fully capitalises on all that devolution can offer.

Reporting to the Director of Economy, as the Head of Transport, you will collaborate closely with the Mayor to provide strategic and executive leadership for the transport services within the Combined Authority. You will be a proven leader within the transport field with a forward-thinking, ambitious approach, and the drive to work progressively and collaboratively with local authorities. Your passion for delivering an ambitious transport agenda will motivate you to shape the transport strategy and secure investment for our region. Transport is the gateway to growth, working closely with our partner local authorities you will provide the platform to achieve accessible, green and effective transport solution for our region. This is a highly visible and influential role.

Reporting to the Director of Resources, as the Head of Finance and Resources, you will strategically lead and develop the finance and corporate services functions alongside the Director of Resources within the Combined Authority. This pivotal role involves blending the finances and resources necessary to achieve the Combined Authority's ambitious plans, making a substantial difference to the communities in our region. You will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, working on diverse projects and building a high-performing team. Placed at the heart of the Combined Authority in its early formation provides you with the opportunity to build the base systems and processes that unites us, provides a strong delivery base for growth whilst integrating the various teams and resources.

I am looking to continue to create a leadership team who will engage effectively with a wide range of partners, including other authorities, central government, commercial partners, statutory agencies, residents and local businesses to ensure that everyone involved in the Combined Authority has a shared purpose and common goals. We will be looking to take full advantage of our devolved decision-making powers to harness millions of pounds of funding for both York and North Yorkshire - the devolution plans will bring significant benefits to our 815,000 residents and more than 32,000 businesses across York and North Yorkshire, including new jobs, more affordable housing and measures to tackle climate change.

To sum up, the Combined Authority and devolution plans provide a fantastic opportunity to put York and North Yorkshire at the forefront of economic development and become a true ‘city and rural powerhouse’ in supporting the UK’s key business sectors, growing small and medium enterprises, improving regional connectivity, leading the country’s activity towards net-zero and enhancing the UK’s visitor economy. These roles provide an amazing opportunity to lead this next phase of the York and North Yorkshire success story at a critical moment in its’ history. Opportunities to join a brand new organisation, make your mark and leave a legacy will not come much better than this.

The role: Head of Transport

Salary: £67,081 - £75,599 plus relocation support

Location: York; Hybrid

Transport is one of the key pillars of our devolution deal and a key priority for us. The elected Mayor and Combined Authority are ambitious and want to capitalise on the opportunities that devolution present to develop transformational transport plans for the region and as the Combined Authority is now the Transport Authority for York and North Yorkshire the Head of Transport will lead a team that will develop these opportunities, working in close collaboration with both City of York and North Yorkshire Council to ensure our joint transport and wider objectives are met.

As the Head of Transport you will;

lead the transport function within the Combined Authority, providing both strategic and executive leadership and , building and inspiring high-performing teams to ensure effective and efficient service delivery.
provide leadership across highways, rail, active travel and public transport working closely with the City of York and North Yorkshire Councils as the Local Highways Authorities, to ensure transport funding for the region delivers on the ambitions of the Combined Authority.
establish relationships with key strategic stakeholders such as Network Rail, Great British Railways, National Highways, Strategic Transport Bodies, Department for Transport, Active Travel England, the bus industry, Mayors, Combined Authorities, local councils, and other relevant authorities.
have an in-depth knowledge of the strategic transport implications of development proposals, ensuring alignment with transport objectives and sustainability goals.
be key leader as part of the Economic Directorate Management Team, reporting to the Director of Economy within the Combined Authority.
lead a positive culture, working closely across the wider economy directorate, understanding the enabling role of transport in delivering the wider agenda and reflecting the influence wider economic growth ambitions have on future transport demands.
support the development of innovative solutions to address the net zero challenge, including strategies for decarbonisation, skills, innovation and sustainable transportation.

In return, this is a great opportunity to mark your mark in our great region. This is a highly visible role creates an exciting career opportunity; Combined Authorities are the strategic vehicle to unlock national and local government priorities. You are joining us at the start of this journey, with the opportunity to secure our future whilst advancing your career.

What will you bring to the role?

You will be the strategic and executive lead for transport providing leadership and direction, building and inspiring high-performing teams to ensure effective and efficient service delivery. You will bring an ambitious, forward thinking and strategic approach, collaborating and partnering with key strategic stakeholders. We are looking for a combination of the following key skills:

Experience of developing and implementing organisational culture change within a large diverse organisation.
Significant experience within a Combined Authority, Local Transport Authority or similar setting, with a deep understanding of local transport governance, regulations, and operations.
Proven record of developing innovative solutions to address the net zero challenge, including strategies for decarbonisation and sustainable transportation practices.
Proven experience of developing and implementing transportation strategies at a regional or governmental level
Demonstrable ability to align local transport plans and other transport programmes with broader economic and land use plans and strategies.

Proven track record of providing strategic leadership and direction, with a demonstrable ability to build, nurture and inspire high-performing teams.

Full job description for this role is available in 'Key Documents' section of this page.

The role: Head of Finance and Resources

Salary: £56,433 - £64,951 plus relocation support

Location: York; Hybrid

The Combined Authority is the delivery vehicle for significant new powers and funding, which together will support communities and economic development across the region for years to come. The newly formed organisation combines the former operations of the North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership, Office of the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service alongside new and developing powers and functions that have been secured for the region through devolution.

As the Combined Authorities Head of Finance and Resources, you will work closely with the Director of Resources, initially leading on the finance aspects of a major long- term project to bring together the newly combined organisation’s finance and information systems and processes, as well as taking ownership of the day to day provision of financial management advice and support to internal clients and key stakeholders now and into the future. Your role will ensure that the organisation develops and maintains best in class financial and performance systems and reporting and complies with all relevant financial reporting and regulatory requirements.

This role forms the bridge between the strategic and operational and is an outstanding opportunity to make a lasting mark in rapidly growing and ambitious organisation benefitting from exposure to key decision makers across the organisation and its key stakeholders. As the Head of Finance and Resources you will play a key part in shaping the organisation’s future approach to key support functions ensuring a fit for purpose service that underpins the organisation’s goal of ultimately achieving deeper devolution and a more flexible single funding settlement.

Initially you will take responsibility for resources provided under several third-party service level agreements whilst at the same time working with the Director of Resources to scope and implement the changes needed to the systems and processes that are needed to support the Authority’s future target operating model. Initially this role will manage staff on a project/matrix basis with increasing direct management responsibilities as team is developed under your leadership.

The Combined Authority is growing, this presents an unrivalled career opportunity to develop and practice all aspects of corporate financial leadership; leading complex and diverse projects to underpin growth in our region. In this highly visible role you will work at pace across a wide range of diverse and complex business challenges, a platform to advance your career with tangible results.

What will you bring to the role?

We are looking for an influential and experienced strategic leader, who can bring together the finances and resources of the Combined Authority, to successfully deliver our ambitious plans. A real problem solver and change maker that provides the ability to see the bigger picture. We are looking for a combination of the following key skills:

- Experience in a senior financial management or leadership role, preferably within the public sector or a similar large, complex organisation. If you work in public sector you will be familiar with public sector governance, and in this role have the opportunity to practice a diverse range of financial management solutions. If you work in private sector you will have experience of a range of financial management and will be committed to meeting strong transparent governance.
- Experience of commissioning financial systems whilst working alongside other system stakeholders to ensure the organisation joins up its business intelligence.
- Ability to drive a complex programme through leadership and demonstrate that you have deployed the right leadership approach for the circumstances.
- Experience of working in local government and knowledge of the CIPFA’s Code of Practice and the Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities, or the ability to develop this swiftly on appointment.
- Proven track record in developing and delivering financial strategies, including budget management, financial forecasting, and long-term financial planning.
- Extensive experience in producing financial reports for senior stakeholders, boards, and audit committees, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations and governance standards.
- Significant experience in managing substantial budgets, controlling costs, and maximising the efficient use of resources.

Full job description for this role is available in 'Key Documents' section of this page.

It will lead to more, higher paid jobs and access to training which provide the opportunity to build a career locally and better transport and digital connections to enable this to happen. Opportunities to make your mark and leave a legacy will not come much better than this.

York sits within North Yorkshire as a County and together they combine the best of the traditional and the modern and are widely regarded as one of the best places to live in the UK. York and North Yorkshire are great places to live, work and do business.

North Yorkshire is a county which already has firm foundations – a strong culture and identity which is rich in heritage; thriving communities where the people and places are resilient and innovative; beautiful scenery with stunning landscapes, quaint villages, market and coastal towns; plus the vibrant city of York which is renowned for its’ history and cosmopolitan culture.

These roles will operate on a hybrid basis from home in addition to working across York and North Yorkshire. The Combined Authority operates from administrative offices in Harrogate, Northallerton and York and the postholder will be required to attend these offices for in person meetings and partnership working as needed for the role and service.

Understanding the York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority

In January 2024, the Secretary of State signed off the decision made in Parliament and local leaders subsequently met to formalise the creation of the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. On 7 May 2024, David Skaith assumed office as the first Mayor of the Combined Authority following his election to the post.

The Combined Authority is not a council – it works in partnership with North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council, all working together with the Mayor, to understand how investments need to made across the region to improve on issues such as transport, housing and economic growth. The functions of the Office of Police, Fire and Crime and the Fire Service have transferred to the Combined Authority and the former Local Enterprise Partnership has also been integrated into the Combined Authority.

Home - Mayoral Combined Authority (yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk)

The Combined Authority works in close partnership with North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council to champion the North Yorkshire and York regions and help ensure prosperous and attractive places to work and live, and that we are seen as places where it is easy to do business. It assumes responsibility for providing some services which were previously held by central government so as to directly benefit the people of North Yorkshire as a whole – for example, taking ownership of transport, infrastructure, skills, business investment, housing, culture and tourism. Making local decisions to support local people and drive economic growth.

The Combined Authority places local investment and economic success right at the heart of its activity, championing our region and fostering cohesive working relationships to ensure we get a fair share of money through devolution deals and a bigger voice to attract even more investment. It also ensures that York and North Yorkshire is a safe and inclusive place to live, that communities are well connected with each other and that everybody has a voice which is heard. Affordable housing, environmentally-friendly businesses and support for issues like arts and culture will all feature as a fundamental part of the agenda.

The Combined Authority represents the interests of local communities and ensures the Police and Fire & Rescue services are delivering the best possible service to them by maintaining an efficient and effective Police Service and Fire & Rescue Service for the area. Including;

setting the Services’ budgets and determining the police and fire precepts, and issuing the Police and Crime Plan, Fire & Rescue Plan and Risk & Resource Model for North Yorkshire;
commissioning policing & crime services and fire & rescue services, alongside convening work with other agencies and partners to improve overall public safety.
working with partners to enhance the delivery of criminal justice in the area.

The Combined Authority is the employer of the Chief Fire Officer, all Fire & Rescue staff and the staff of what was the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and is responsible for developing and maintaining a workforce that is professional, resilient, skilled, flexible and diverse.

How devolution works

Over the last 10 years, the government has progressed a number of individually agreed ‘devolution deals’ in other English sub-regions, to transfer funding on specific policy areas, along with appropriate powers to partnerships of local authorities, known as ‘Combined Authorities’. These deals typically last for 30 years and can bring in significant local investment.

Areas that are seeking devolution must become part of a joint body - a ‘Combined Authority’ and have a regional directly elected mayor who will work with councils through the Combined Authority to use the powers and resources gained through any deal. The elected mayor has access to devolved powers and resources and acts as an individual to unite and work across the region. The elected mayor can be held to account for decisions made on a regional level.

Devolution is primarily about strengthening regional arrangements, with greater democratic accountability and powers to take decisions which are currently made in London.

What does devolution mean for York and North Yorkshire

The devolution deal delivers more local powers and decision making and additional funding. The planned 30-year agreement includes an investment fund of more than £540 million for York and North Yorkshire. Coupled with other funding secured from the government, the deal represents a total of £750 million.

This is an historic moment and the first powerful step towards long term change. Devolution will unlock a better future for everyone in York and North Yorkshire. It will lead to more higher paid jobs and access to training which provide the opportunity to build a career locally and better transport and digital connections to enable this to happen.

The Mayor

The deal for York and North Yorkshire sees the introduction of an influential Mayor, David Skaith, who will be figurehead for the region covering more than 800,000 people and 32,000 businesses and will forge close links with the government for better control at a local level. The Mayor will lead the Combined Authority and oversee strategic projects ranging from major transport improvements and boosting skills and education to providing more affordable housing.

As Mayor for York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith will:

Take on new local powers for issues such as transport, housing and skills
Lead on delivering projects such as more affordable housing, environmentally-friendly business and support for issues like arts and culture
Champion our region nationally, making sure we get a fairer share of money and a bigger voice to attract even more investment The devolution deal includes:£18 million per year in Gainshare funding over 30 years to invest in local priorities
£13 million for the building of new homes on brownfield land across 2023/24 and 2024/25
Up to £2.65 million to deliver affordable, low carbon homes across the area
Up to £50m investment for the York Central brownfield regeneration scheme
£7 million investment to enable York and North Yorkshire to drive green economic growth towards the ambition to become a carbon negative region
Closer relationships with key government departments to drive investment in digital broadband and mobile infrastructure
Boost regional innovation through better collaboration on projects such as the Scarborough Cyber-Cluster and the BioYorkshire programme
New powers from government to drive regeneration and build more affordable homes
New transport powers to improve and integrate the regional transport network
Integration of the former York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership functions
Integration of the Police, Fire & Crime Functions

Living and working in York

We are proud of York’s status as one of the safest and best cities to live in the UK, engaging our 202,000 residents and 7 million visitors to live healthier, happier independent lives.

We are a vibrant, digital city at the heart of Yorkshire - the best of tradition and the modern. With excellent connectivity by road and rail, the neighbouring towns and cities of Leeds, Hull and Harrogate are in easy reach. National Parks and areas of areas outstanding natural beauty are on our doorstep, with their quaint villages and market towns, whilst the Yorkshire coast provides a retreat ideal for sunny days.

We are known for our considerable assets – we have our internationally important heritage, with strong creative industries and a significant cultural offering. We have strengths as a science city, and our digital infrastructure recognises us as the UK’s first Gigabit City. We have a young and highly skilled workforce, and lay claim to world-leading universities and some of the highest performing schools and colleges in the country.

We are ambitious and aim to be a prosperous city for all - where local businesses can thrive and residents have good quality jobs, housing, opportunities and access to quality public services. We celebrate and champion the diversity of our population and encourage everyone to play an active role in the city, so that our vibrant economy and rich communities can make York the acclaimed city it is. We are one of the safest cities in the country and offer some of best available education.

A city of Sanctuary and Human Rights, our community is truly multicultural and diverse. We are the first city in the North of England to set the aspiration to make our city an anti- racist and inclusive one. We are committed to tackling discrimination in all aspects of services that the Council delivers, including public health, in order to have an impact and bring about positive change to our residents.

Our thriving retail and visitor economy welcomes millions of visitors every year. We have been recognised as the ‘foodie centre of the universe’ and our Christmas market is the best in the UK. Our many awards include Sunday Times best place to live, Conde Nast city of best architecture and in 2018 YouGov found that we are the nation’s favourite city. We are friendly, community-spirited, festive and summer-friendly – what’s not to like?

Find out more about working and living in the City of York here It's All York

Living and working in North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire is a thriving county that adapts to a changing world and remains a special place to live and work.

North Yorkshire's natural beauty is captured in its three areas of Outstanding Natural Parks, National Nature Reserves, stunning coastlines, scenic rural villages, vibrant cities and market towns. North Yorkshire really is a beautiful, thriving and special place to live and work, rich in heritage and culture.

North Yorkshire features significantly in the ten best places to live in the UK in Halifax Quality of Life Survey. The Quality of Life index aims to quantify where living standards are highest in the UK by ranking local performance across a range of indicators. Local areas featured in the top ten included Richmond, Selby and Malton.

Figures released by the Office for National Statistics bulletin positions North Yorkshire as the safest place in England with extremely low crime rates.

In addition, the county benefits from excellent road and rail links, with easy access via the east coast mainline, the A1(M) and A19. Leeds, York, Newcastle, Durham and Teesside are all easily commutable, and London and Edinburgh are just two hours away by train.

From its lively cities to pretty villages, rolling countryside and grand coastline, North Yorkshire has so much to offer including great employment opportunities for your family members, along with a higher proportion of schools which are good or outstanding compared to national figures.

You can find out more about what North Yorkshire has to offer on the No place like North Yorkshire website North Yorkshire - start planning your visit - VisitNorthYorkshire.com

Head of Transport

Closing date: 22 January 2025

First Stage (remote): 29 – 31 January 2025

Final Interview (in person): week commencing 3 February 2025

Head of Finance and Resources

Closing date: 22 January 2025

First Stage (remote): 29 – 31 January 2025

Final Interview (in person): week commencing 3 February 2025

Contact us and apply

For an informal confidential discussion about Head of Transport or Head of Finance and Resources role please contact Katherine Brioude on 07974 406 838/ Katherine.Brioude@northyorks.gov.uk

Please submit one Word document that details a comprehensive CV, including current salary, and a supporting statement outlining your suitability for the role.

Applications should be emailed to Executive.ResourcingSolutions@northyorks.gov.uk. Please do not send PDFs.

It is important that your written application fully addresses the experience criteria as detailed in the person specification.

You should include contact details for at least two referees, one of whom must be your current / most recent employer/engager. If you specifically do not wish referees to be approached without your permission, please indicate this.

We will remove your personal details from your application on receipt to enable anonymised shortlisting, therefore it is important that your application is made using one Word document. Please do not send PDF versions.

Please ensure that you have included both your work and home telephone contact numbers and e-mail addresses where applicable.

We believe in the importance of inclusion, which is why we are always working towards being a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive employer.

These are politically restricted posts and will require police security vetting.

We will not accept applications nor services from agency suppliers.

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority

City Region and Rural Powerhouse

Head of Transport £67,081 - £75,599 per annum, plus relocation support

Head of Finance and Resources £56,433 - £64,951 per annum, plus relocation support

About the roles

The role: Head of Transport

The role: Head of Finance and Resources

What will you gain by joining the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority?

About the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority

The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and what the future might hold

About Devolution