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 longterm 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.
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