Beyond the Mayor: The First Four Key Hires Every New Combined Authority Must Get Right

When a new combined authority (CA) is formed, public attention often gravitates towards one figure: the Mayor. This is understandable. The Mayor is the visible face of the authority, the elected leader, and the one who often sets the tone for the region’s ambitions. But as anyone who has worked within a mature CA will tell you, the Mayor is only one part—albeit a crucial one—of a much larger and more complex political and administrative machine.

As one executive director from a well-established CA put it during a recent conversation,

“The Mayor is the tip of the spear, but it’s the shaft—the team behind them—that gives it direction and force.”

For newly formed combined authorities, the early months are critical. Decisions made now will shape the organisation’s culture, capacity, and credibility for years to come. And while the temptation might be to focus on policy, strategy, or public engagement, the most important decisions you’ll make early on are about people.

Here are the four key hires that seasoned leaders say every new CA must prioritise to set itself up for long-term success.

Subscribe to the Truth about Local Government podcast

1. Chief Executive: The Architect of the Authority

The first and arguably most important hire is the Chief Executive. This individual will be the operational backbone of the authority, responsible for turning political vision into deliverable outcomes.

“You need someone who’s done this before. Setting up a CA isn’t like running a council. It’s a different beast—more political, more strategic, and with a lot more ambiguity.”

An experienced Chief Executive will understand the nuances of regional governance, the importance of partnership working, and the need to build credibility quickly with both internal teams and external stakeholders. They will also be instrumental in shaping the authority’s structure, recruiting the right talent, and embedding a culture of delivery.

2. Chief of Staff: The Mayor’s Strategic Buffer

While the Chief Executive runs the organisation, the Chief of Staff is the Mayor’s right hand. This role is often filled by a Special Adviser (SPAD) or someone with deep political acumen and operational savvy.

“The Chief of Staff is the person who makes the Mayor effective. They manage the flow of information, protect the Mayor’s time, and ensure that political priorities are aligned with organisational capacity.”

This role is particularly important in the early days when the Mayor is establishing their public profile and political agenda. A strong Chief of Staff can act as a buffer between the Mayor and the wider officer team, helping to manage expectations, resolve tensions, and keep the show on the road.

3. Head of Democratic Services: The Guardian of Governance

Combined authorities are political entities, and as such, they require robust democratic processes. A skilled Head of Democratic Services is essential to ensure that governance structures are sound, transparent, and responsive.

“Things move quickly in a new CA. You’ll be setting up committees, drafting constitutions, and managing member relationships all at once. You need someone who knows how to do this with their eyes closed.”

This role is not just about process—it’s about legitimacy. The Head of Democratic Services ensures that decisions are made properly, that scrutiny is effective, and that the authority operates with integrity from day one.

4. Director of HR: The Culture Builder

Finally, no organisation can succeed without the right people—and that means having a top-tier Director of HR. This person will be responsible for building the workforce, shaping the culture, and ensuring that the CA is an attractive place to work.

“You’re not just hiring staff, you’re building a brand. The people you bring in now will define how the organisation is seen, both internally and externally.”

A great HR Director will understand the unique challenges of a start-up public body. They’ll be able to recruit at pace, design flexible structures, and support leaders in creating a high-performance, inclusive culture.

Final Thoughts: Building the Machine Around the Mayor

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new Mayor, a new mandate, and a new vision for the region. But the real work of a combined authority happens behind the scenes—in the offices, meeting rooms, and Teams calls where strategy is turned into action.

As one of the directors put it,

“The Mayor is the figurehead, but it’s the team around them that delivers. Get that team right, and everything else becomes possible.”

For newly formed combined authorities, the message is clear: invest early in your people. Hire experienced, capable leaders who understand the unique demands of regional governance. Build a team that can support the Mayor, serve the region, and deliver real, lasting change. Because in the end, it’s not just about who leads—it’s about who builds.