North of Tyne CA – Director of Policy and Performance

Director of Policy and Performance

Salary: circa £90k

Role Summary:  The new Director of Policy and Performance (DPP) will be the eyes and ears of the Chief Executive, the policy powerhouse for the Combined Authority and the critical lynchpin for performance oversight, streamlined governance and effective communication between the all members of the CA.  This role will live and breathe the corridors of power, within NoTCA, its regional partners, Elected Members and Whitehall.

Priorities and Impact: The new DPP will build relationships with all stakeholders and the Elected Mayor as a priority. Understanding the Mayor’s priorities and policies (and where possible ensuring these are reflected in the already agreed programme) will be key, as will putting together bids for new initiatives.  Delivering a step-change in thinking about inclusive economic growth, skills and employability and sustainable communities is critical.  We want policy that makes a difference and stimulates action not just well-intentioned thinking. Our different approach to policy will lead to greater investment across the region and better outcomes for young people, communities and business partners.  Underpinning this will be governance, communications and performance oversight that is insightful and fit for purpose.

The person: The new DPP will bring deep, relevant policy experience but will be more than just a policy specialist.  They’ll have made the link between policy and results, with a deep understanding of programme oversight, bid preparation and performance management. They also understand how good governance relies on transparency, judgement, trust, communications and must be fit for purpose. With excellent judgement, they’ll gain trust and win respect across the region’s key players and will have real insights into the political dynamics of NoTCA.

Candidates might be an experienced Assistant Chief Executive, Assistant Director or Private Secretary, possibly a policy or performance lead but certainly used to working at the corporate centre in central or local government, another relevant public body or possibly in a ‘think tank’ or consultancy.  If outside the public sector, they’ll have worked closely with senior politicians and will have excellent political instincts.  They’ll know how politicians work and how to work with them.  They might aspire to be a Chief Executive and see this as a chance to work at the heart of an organisation and exert real influence across a region.

 What makes this role so exciting?

The chance to shape and deliver on regional priorities as a new organisation establishes its credibility, with a newly Elected Mayor, in a different democratic model, with a core city, a large urban area, diverse rural economy, a coastline, good funding and the chance to bid for more.  People will be paying close attention.  The chance to succeed in the spotlight can make careers and secure reputations.  These are exciting times to be in the North of Tyne.

To download  the Job Description and Person Specification for this role, please fill out the form below, click “Send” and you will be taken to another webpage where you can view and save a PDF of the JD and spec.