Programme Director - Devolution

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town centre snapshot in Westmorland and Furness
Stone wall down open fell towards a lake, autumnal colours.
Allonby Sunset in Cumberland

This is an interesting time for Cumbria. 

In the English Devolution White Paper, the Government set out its intention to widen devolution across England, giving regions more power and responsibility in order to drive economic growth and public sector reform. Earlier this year, Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumberland Council joined the Devolution Priority Programme, making Cumbria one of just six areas to have been prioritised by the Government for accelerated progress towards devolution.

Should both councils’ formally consent to its creation this autumn, this paves the way for a new Mayoral Combined Authority for Cumbria to be established in early 2026, with an inaugural mayoral election in May of that year.

The MCA would be an entirely new organisation, working alongside the two constituent unitary councils, to deliver on an agenda covering transport and local infrastructure, skills and employment, housing and strategic planning, economic development and regeneration, environment and climate change, health, well-being and public service reform, and public safety across Cumbria. We are now at the first stage in this journey.

To ensure readiness for the creation of an MCA, we are seeking a Programme Director to lead Cumbria’s engagement in the Devolution Priority Programme and to oversee the establishment of a MCA for Cumbria, should both council’s consent to its creation. This will be a fixed term role until August 2026.

In this important role, you will help to drive Cumbria’s engagement in the Devolution Priority Programme and will report directly to the Chief Executives of both Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumberland Council, as well as working very closely with the two council Leaders. The role will involve close working with the senior teams of both councils, as well as working collaboratively with private and public sector partners and directly with Government officials to shape devolution in Cumbria. This fascinating role will involve providing support and leadership to manage the process and decision making for the establishment of the MCA, as well as providing assurance and effective governance in relation to the requirements of the Devolution Priority Programme.

Cumbria is a beautiful and inspiring place to live and work. The economy is diverse, with key industries including defence and manufacturing, clean energy generation, tourism and agriculture. The region is home to several large employers such as BAE Systems, Sellafield and the University of Cumbria. There is potential here that can be unlocked. If the right agreement can be reached with Government, devolution offers a big opportunity to make a real difference to our economy and the lives of our communities. 

Roles like this do not appear very often – we have already made very good progress and set the scene in terms of what is to come - we now seek the expertise of a senior leader who can implement the plans and help shape the direction of travel. This represents is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced, strategic leader with a thorough understanding of local government to play a significant role at a critical time for the whole of Cumbria – leaving a legacy that will last for generations to come. 

About Devolution

What Devolution is and how it works

The Government has set out its intention to widen devolution across England, giving regions more powers and decision-making over matters such as economic development, transport, employment support, planning and housing.

Under devolution arrangements, central Government transfer powers and money to regions across the country. This allows people who know their areas best to decide where money is spent.

This has already happened in lots of areas, particularly in the North of England where Greater Manchester, the Tees Valley and more recently, North Yorkshire, have agreed to greater devolution. 

Devolution Priority Programme

The Deputy Prime Minister, Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP, announced on Wednesday 5 February 2025 that six areas were to join the government’s Devolution Priority Programme. 

The programme will support the areas to move towards devolution, becoming mayor-led strategic authorities by May 2026 if they proceed. 

Cumbria has been included within the programme, alongside Cheshire and Warrington, Greater Essex, Hampshire and Solent, Norfolk and Suffolk, and Sussex and Brighton.  The six successful areas are now working towards devolution, with full government backing. Final agreement to proceed with devolution requires the consent of both councils.

Devolution revolution: The Government’s press release

What does Devolution mean for Cumbria

The Government’s proposed approach is explained in the English Devolution White Paper, published in December 2024. An English Devolution Bill is expected to go through the Parliamentary process later this year and subject to a final decision by each council in autumn 2025, this sets Cumbria on the path to becoming a devolved administration - with elections for a Mayor happening in May 2026. A MCA for Cumbria would be in addition to the two unitary councils, Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness. 

While the final scope of the powers transferred to the new authority is still being determined, the expectation is that the vast majority of powers will be transferred to the new authority from central Government. A small number of powers may be transferred from Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council to the new authority.

Devolution would potentially unlock more funding and more powers for our area, with decisions being made in Cumbria rather than in London.

The new MCA would include representatives from both councils and the Mayor, with the MSA taking on the powers and responsibilities that will be set out in the English Devolution Bill. These include responsibilities around: 

  • strategic planning
  • economic development
  • transport
  • housing
  • skills
  • climate and environment
  • public sector reform

The MCA would be an entirely new organisation and would work closely with the two constituent authorities to deliver its agenda. It is the responsibility of the two councils, working closely with Government, to ensure that, if agreed, a new MCA could be operational in early 2026 and elections conducted in May 2026. The Programme Director has a critical role in this process.

About the role: Programme Director – Devolution

Term: Fixed term until August 2026
Full Time (Part time options could be considered with a minimum of 3 days a week)
Location: Based in Penrith with hybrid working
Salary: £79,486 to £87,973 with an additional market supplement of £10,000.

Based in Penrith, in this role you will be employed by Westmorland and Furness Council as the host council and will report directly to the Chief Executives of both Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumberland Council, also working very closely with the Leaders of each council. 

The role will operate on a hybrid basis working across Cumbria; the ability to be visible will be extremely important as you get to know the key stakeholders. You will be required to attend offices across Cumbria for in person meetings and partnership working as is needed for the role and service, with the ability to work remotely from home as and when appropriate.

The role will also involve close working with the senior teams of both councils, as well as working collaboratively with private and public sector partners and directly with Government officials to shape devolution in Cumbria. This fascinating role will involve providing support and leadership to manage the process and decision making for the establishment of the MCA, as well as providing assurance and effective governance in relation to the requirements of the Devolution Priority Programme.

Role profile

What will you bring to the role?

We are looking for a strategic and politically astute leader with a proven track record of delivering complex change in multi-agency environments — particularly where new organisations, governance structures or strategic partnerships have been created from the ground up. This role requires someone who can operate confidently in uncertainty, build consensus across institutional boundaries, and shape a new organisation with vision and credibility.

You will bring strong experience of working within or alongside local government and a deep understanding of the devolution agenda. Experience of working directly with central government departments is highly desirable, as is a background in strategic programme delivery, economic development, inclusive growth or regeneration. Knowledge of Cumbria’s local economy and socio-political landscape would be an advantage.

This is not a traditional service delivery role. The Programme Director will play a critical role in preparing the ground for a new Mayoral Combined Authority, working at pace and scale to establish the core organisational architecture and stakeholder partnerships needed for success. You will lead the development of the programme, provide high-level strategic advice to both councils, and act as a key liaison between local partners and Whitehall.

You will need to demonstrate:

  • Exceptional leadership and relationship-building skills
  • Strong political awareness and confidence in engaging with Elected Members, Government, and diverse stakeholder groups
  • Experience of building trust in politically complex environments
  • The ability to lead with humility, resilience, and clarity in an emerging, high-profile setting

This is a unique opportunity for someone who thrives in a formative environment and who understands that successful devolution requires not just technical programme management, but also vision, diplomacy, and deep collaboration.

What will you gain in return?

This is an important moment for Cumbria. Devolution has the potential to unlock a better future for everyone in the region and provide an opportunity to leave a legacy that will last for generations to come.

This is an opportunity to play a key role in the setup of a MCA which would be quite unique compared with others in England – it would include a heavily rural area which would probably be the largest in terms of land size, but one of the smallest in terms of local population. 

The role will also involve working with Enterprising Cumbria which boosts economic development across Cumbria and will be at the forefront of activities to drive forward the regional economy, working with Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumberland Council, businesses and local people, to make sure that Cumbria is seen as a great place to live and work. For more information please see their website here https://enterprisingcumbria.org.uk

Our benefits

We are a caring council. We are dedicated to supporting your health and wellbeing while you are working for us. We have a variety of fantastic benefits that ensure you can achieve a healthy work-life balance. 

If you want to find out more about our benefits and working for Westmorland and Furness, please visit the link below.

Find out more

Approach to recruitment

We are committed to building a diverse and skilled workforce that reflects the character of our community.

We believe in treating all applicants fairly and without bias. Our recruitment process is designed to be open, inclusive, and supportive, ensuring that you feel valued and able to demonstrate your strengths. We aim to make the process as transparent and equitable as possible for everyone.

For more information, please visit Working with us | Careers.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion

Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.

Safer recruitment

At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expects all employees, volunteers and workers to share this commitment.

About Cumbria

Living in Cumbria

Cumbria is located in the northwest of England, and is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, including the famous Lake District National Park. The region offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and a high quality of life, making it a very attractive place to live and work.

Cumbria is celebrated for its picturesque scenery, from rolling hills and serene lakes to charming villages and historic towns. The area is perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and water sports. The Lake District itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a major draw for both residents and visitors, offering breathtaking views and a peaceful environment.

The lifestyle in Cumbria is enriched by its cultural heritage and residents have access to local festivals, arts, and music events throughout the year. The food scene is vibrant, with a variety of local produce and culinary delights available at farmers' markets, restaurants, and cafes.

The region boasts a strong sense of community and for residents, there is even a MyCumbria card which offers a fantastic range of discounts, making it easier to enjoy all that the region has to offer. This membership-based discount scheme provides savings on shopping, dining, and entertainment, including 2-for-1 deals on cinema tickets and discounts at various visitor attractions. The card encourages residents to explore local businesses and attractions, supporting the local economy and fostering a sense of community.

Working in Cumbria

Cumbria's economy is diverse, with key industries including tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and energy. The region is home to several large employers such as BAE Systems, Sellafield Ltd, and the University of Cumbria, whilst the tourism sector provides many different opportunities in hospitality, retail, and outdoor adventure companies.

For more information on working and living in Cumbria please see:

Ashness bridge in Cumberland
Penrith Town Hall
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