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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 (MCA) to be established in early 2026, with an inaugural mayoral election in May of that year.

To ensure readiness for the creation of an MCA, WAF 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.

Further information regarding this exciting role can be found on Westmorland and Furness Council's website - Programme Director - Devolution | Careers

For an informal confidential discussion about these opportunities, please contact:

Please submit one Word document that details a comprehensive CV, including current salary, and a supporting statement outlining your suitability for the role. Please do not send PDF versions.

Applications should be emailed to Executive.ResourcingSolutions@northyorks.gov.uk

It is important that your written application fully addresses the experience criteria as detailed in the person specification. You should include contact details for at least two referees, one of whom must be your current / most recent employer/engager. If you specifically do not wish referees to be approached without your permission, please indicate this. Please ensure that you have included both your work and home telephone contact numbers and e-mail addresses where applicable.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 11 May 2025

Technical interviews: Thursday 15 May 2025

Final interviews: Monday 19 May 2025

This is a politically restricted post.