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- Tasks: Lead initiatives to drive growth, transport, and innovation in the West of England.
- Company: West of England Combined Authority, a dynamic and influential local government body.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape regional policies and make a real difference in your community.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of transformative projects that impact thousands of lives.
- Qualifications: Passion for public service and understanding of local governance.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to improving the West of England.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
On 1 May 2025, Helen Godwin was elected as mayor of West of England with 25% of the vote. Godwin leads the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), which controlled a £119m revenue budget and an estimated £83m capital budget for the 2024/25 financial year.
Helen Godwin’s highest share of the vote was in Bristol (30.8%) and her lowest was in South Gloucestershire (19.2%).
The West of England Combined Authority (WECA) is a legal body established by parliament in 2017. It brings together three local authorities: Bath and North East Somerset Council, Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council. The combined authority is formed of one representative from each of the three constituent local authorities and the directly elected mayor who chairs the authority. The chair of the local enterprise partnership also attends meetings but has no voting rights.
The mayor and combined authority hold devolved powers over transport, skills, economic development and planning. WECA controls an investment fund, with the government allocating £30m per year over 30 years. The mayor has the power to charge a business rates supplement to fund infrastructure. The mayor has the power to adopt a statutory spatial development strategy (SDS) – subject to unanimous combined authority vote – and to undertake land assembly and compulsory purchases. The mayor also has the ability to establish mayoral development corporations (MDCs) with the agreement of the leader of the council where the MDC would operate. In practice, neither of these powers – to establish an SDS or MDC – has been exercised.
The WECA region performs better than the national average across many social and economic indicators, including gross median weekly pay, employment rates, digital connectivity and housing standards. The West of England performs particularly well on adult skills. 70% of adults have a level three qualification or above, compared with 61% across the UK. However, there is substantial variation between the region’s local authorities on some metrics. For example, South Gloucestershire exceeds the national average of productivity (gross value-added per hour worked) by 22%, but Bath and North East Somerset and Bristol fall 35% and 15% below it respectively. Although in line with the national average of 28% overall, the use of public transport to commute also varies across the region. Public transport usage is highest in Bristol (35%) and lowest in South Gloucestershire (18%).
The WECA area is not coterminous with a police force area. While Avon and Somerset Police covers all three councils, the police force geography extends beyond the combined authority area to North Somerset, as well as Somerset Council. There are two integrated care boards that overlap with the WECA area: NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board and NHS Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board. WECA falls within the wider South West Department for Education region.
West of England Mayor: Drive Growth, Transport & Innovation in Bristol employer: Institute for Government
Contact Detail:
Institute for Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land West of England Mayor: Drive Growth, Transport & Innovation in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in your field. Attend local events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Make sure you can articulate how your skills align with their goals, especially around growth, transport, and innovation. Practice common interview questions to boost your confidence!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can set you apart from other candidates. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace West of England Mayor: Drive Growth, Transport & Innovation in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your passion for driving growth, transport, and innovation in the West of England.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the responsibilities of the West of England Mayor position. We love seeing how you can contribute to our mission!
Keep It Clear and Concise: While we appreciate detail, clarity is key! Make your points straightforward and easy to understand. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and remember, less is often more when it comes to written applications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our values there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Institute for Government
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the history and structure of the West of England Combined Authority. Brush up on key facts, like the budget figures and the powers of the mayor, so you can confidently discuss how you would drive growth and innovation in the region.
✨Showcase Your Vision
Prepare to articulate your vision for transport and economic development in the West of England. Think about specific initiatives or projects you would propose and how they align with the goals of WECA. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and commitment to the role.
✨Engage with Local Issues
Familiarise yourself with current local issues and challenges facing the region, such as public transport usage and economic disparities. Be ready to discuss how you would address these challenges and improve outcomes for residents across Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and Bath and North East Somerset.
✨Practice Collaborative Leadership
Since the role involves working with various councils and stakeholders, think about examples from your past where you successfully collaborated with others. Highlight your ability to build consensus and lead diverse teams, which is crucial for navigating the complexities of local governance.
