Devolution Programme Director

Shape the Future of Regional Governance

The Opportunity

We have a rare and exciting opportunity available for a Devolution Programme Director to join us and lead the development of a proposed Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) for the Thames Valley region (exact configuration to be confirmed), on behalf of the Berkshire Prosperity Board.

As Devolution Programme Director, you will develop and deliver the regional devolution vision, strategy, and business case to central government in collaboration with other area leads and on behalf of the six Berkshire unitary councils.

You will work closely with Council Leaders and Chief Executives across all six Berkshire local authorities to drive the region's devolution ambitions in line with the vision and priorities set by the Berkshire Prosperity Board, the English Devolution White Paper, and forthcoming legislation. This will also include designing the operating model and governance framework for the proposed MSA.

This pivotal leadership role requires strategic vision, political acumen, and consensus-building across various partnerships which operate across Berkshire and the wider proposed MSA area. 

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of regional growth governance, empower local communities, and drive transformational change in public services.

This is a part time (3-4 Days Per Week), secondment 1 year role (subject to review).

The Person

We are looking for a senior strategic leader with vision, drive and a deep understanding of local government and public sector transformation.

You’ll bring experience in collaborative impactful action, of complex programme delivery, excellent stakeholder engagement skills, and the ability to lead confidently.

A proven track record in leading delivery in complex environments and organisational transitions, particularly in the development or implementation of new governance structures such as combined authorities is essential.

You’ll be confident operating in a fast-paced, politically sensitive environment and able to guide multiple partners through transformational change while maintaining a focus on long-term outcomes. 

The Area:

Berkshire is a dynamic and economically significant county in the South East of England, comprising six unitary authorities: Bracknell Forest, Reading, Slough, West Berkshire, Windsor and Maidenhead, and Wokingham. The region is home to a diverse mix of urban centres, thriving market towns, and rural communities, offering both economic opportunity and a high quality of life.

Berkshire plays a critical role in the UK economy, with strengths in technology, life sciences, digital industries, and finance. It hosts a number of global corporate headquarters, research institutions, and high-growth SMEs, underpinned by strong transport connectivity—including the M4 corridor, Great Western Railway, and proximity to Heathrow Airport.

With excellent schools, cultural assets, and natural landscapes, Berkshire is both a desirable place to live and a powerful engine for regional growth. The area is also committed to innovation in public service delivery and partnership working, making it well-positioned to take on new powers and responsibilities through devolution.

Working Arrangements: The role will be hybrid in nature.  It will require in person attendance at some meetings and travel across the Thames Valley area (including but not limited to Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Swindon)

Benefits:

Not only is this a fantastic time to join our team and deliver positive change, but you will receive an extensive range of employee benefits, which include a generous annual leave allowance, an excellent local government pension scheme, an employee assistance programme including a 24/7 wellbeing helpline, salary sacrifice car and bike schemes, local and lifestyle discounts, free use of an onsite gym (situated at Shute End Office) and much more!

This is a politically-restricted post, and the post holder cannot be elected as a councillor in any local authority.

If you’re inspired to help shape the next phase of Berkshire’s journey and want to make a lasting impact on the future of regional governance, we look forward to receiving your application!

To request further information or to have an informal discussion about this role, please email  Claire Elderfield (claire.elderfield@reading.gov.uk) for an informal conversation with Jackie Yates, Chief Executive Reading Borough Council and SRO for the Berkshire Devolution Programme.

Closing Date: 7 August 2025, 12:00

Interview Date: Shortlisting interviews – (in person) 15 August, Reading Borough Council; Final member lead interview 21 August (in person) Wokingham Borough Council.

Application Process: To apply for this role please email your CV and supporting statement to recruit@wokingham.gov.uk and Natalie.Gartell@wokingham.gov.uk

Internal Applications Only - This is a secondment opportunity, therefore the usual permission requests for secondments apply and you must speak to your line manager in the first instance before applying.

Please note that as this is a jointly funded post to support regional devolution, your application will be shared with partner local authorities involved in the recruitment process.

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.