The role of combined authorities in driving regional growth and delivering public services has never been more critical. Our latest report explores how strategic leadership can unlock innovation, collaboration, and resilience across these complex structures.
GatenbySanderson has worked alongside Combined Authorities since their inception, supporting the recruitment of senior leaders, shaping governance models, and helping to embed new cultures. As the landscape matures, we are seeing a shift in expectations, from reactive delivery to strategic leadership, from siloed operations to collaborative systems, and from transactional engagement to long term partnership building.
This paper draws together insights from a series of interviews with current and former Chief Executives of Combined Authorities. Their reflections offer a candid view of what it takes to build and lead these organisations, what they wish they had known, and what others might learn from their experience.
We hope these insights will support those embarking on similar journeys and help inform the next phase of devolution in England.
Key insights include:
▪️The evolving leadership challenges in combined authorities
▪️How to foster collaboration between local and regional stakeholders
▪️Practical recommendations for building future-ready leadership teams
This is essential reading for anyone passionate about public sector transformation and leadership excellence.
Find out more about GatenbySanderson’s Local Goverment practice.