Supporting a new Mayoral Combined Authority

Ben played a senior, operational role in the establishment of a new Mayoral Combined Authority, with responsibility for labour markets and skills during its formative phase.

Working alongside colleagues in a newly established Combined Authority, Ben supported the development of strategic policy as well as practical delivery capacity. His role focused on helping to put in place the evidence, approaches and internal capacity required to develop credible skills and workforce policy in a complex, multi‑partner environment.

Key elements of the work included contributing to the development of the initial draft Local Growth Plan, supporting preparation for the next Local Skills Improvement Plan, and working with colleagues to establish practical ways of working on skills, labour market analysis and workforce priorities. This involved aligning emerging mayoral priorities with local economic evidence, national policy requirements and the realities of delivery across local authorities, employers and training providers.

The overall contribution helped strengthen the Combined Authority’s early capability on labour markets and skills; supporting informed decision‑making, effective collaboration, and a more joined‑up approach to economic growth and workforce development at a critical point in the organisation’s development.