Head of Inclusion and Reform

Join our team and help shape the future of the East Midlands through developing and implementing critical strategic initiatives.

Welcome to EMCCA. At the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), we are unlocking billions of pounds of investment for our region through our devolution deal with the government. Our elected Mayor is a powerful voice on the national stage for the people of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, overseeing devolved powers around transport, housing, skills and adult education, economic development, and net zero. We will make our region more prosperous, sustainable, and fairer, helping our people and businesses to create and seize opportunities. EMCCA’s overall work programme is evolving, ambitious and focused on the future to deliver tangible, sustainable, lasting, and systemic change for all our communities.

Your role in elevating the East Midlands: As Head of Inclusion and Reform, part of the Strategy and Inclusive Growth directorate, you will have a wide-ranging and outward-looking remit leading some of the most strategic and cross-cutting issues facing EMCCA and the region. You will collaborate with regional partners to achieve inclusive growth in public service reform, health integration, homelessness, inclusion, community sector development, and public safety. You will have a major part to play in the development, promotion and implementation of a range of strategies, developing policies for better regional outcomes and acting as a liaison with local, regional, and national networks. The role involves building a trusted function within EMCCA, and working closely with the executive leadership team and the Mayor.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading on EMCCA’s role in the developing area-wide agenda for public service reform generally, and specifically in areas including public health and health system integration; homelessness; inclusion and inequalities; voluntary and community sector development; and public safety.
• Providing expert policy advice, support, and challenge into significant area-wide strategies in these areas.
• Working across the Combined Authority and with partners on live and pressing policy issues, responding as needed to ad hoc or longer-term issues as required by Mayor, EMCCA Board, Chief Executive and wider senior leadership team on your areas of responsibility.
• Developing and managing network groups aligned to your work priorities and ensuring programmes/work streams are delivered.
• Leading for EMCCA on the developing agenda of alignment and/or integration with wider public sector bodies, including public safety and health, as well as with regional voluntary and community development sectors.
• Ensuring effective delivery of agreed programmes, including the Mayoral Community Development Fund.
• Partnering with the Programme Management Office to support corporate strategies and plans, and from time to time, overseeing delivery of certain projects that emerge from the above responsibilities, including those that are commissioned by the Mayor.
• Representing EMCCA externally, particularly at the UK Mayors’ group and similar forums.
• Building and maintaining a strong, collaborative network with local, regional, and national partners.
• Deputising from time to time for the Director of Strategy, Reform and Insight when required.

Your profile: With a relevant degree, or equivalent experience, you will have a proven track record of delivering results in similar roles within combined authorities, local or central government, or relevant policy bodies. The ability to navigate high-profile political environments together with a strong understanding of key government policies and priorities. Evidence of innovative thinking, encouraging ideas, and translating them into policy and practice. High-level strategic and analytical skills for effective decision-making allowing you to deliver successful programmes in complex environments across the private and public sector landscape. Experience in budget management, commissioning, and procurement. Excellent communication skills, able to provide strong and visible leadership to your team, as well as effective engagement with partners and external stakeholders. Evidence of growing and developing high performing teams.

Please note: This post is politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, as amended by the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 and the post holder may not have any active political role either in or outside of work. Please note: At this time EMCCA cannot offer sponsorship.

For more details on EMCCA including our rewards and benefits, please visit: https://eastmidscareers.co.uk

Closing date: 15th June 2025