How we work

Our structure is designed to foster collaboration and excellence across all sectors.  Here’s an overview of the functions and responsibilities of our five directorates:

Operations Directorate

Ensures the smooth and efficient running of all internal processes and systems, facilitating the effective delivery of services across the organisation.

Key Functions:

• People and Culture 
• Legal and Governance
• Communications Marketing and Engagement
• Business Transformation Performance and Insight

Transport Directorate

Transport work hard to deliver game-changing transport schemes and initiatives, and ultimately provide a greener, affordable, integrated transport network that works for everyone.

Key Functions:               

• Transport Policy and Strategy
• Enhanced Partnerships
• Bus Reform
• Rail Partnerships
• Transport Programmes
• Strategic Infrastructure

Economic Growth and Innovation

Our economic strategy guides investment in the region to boost growth and productivity, while proactively reducing inequality.

Key Functions:

• Strategy and Innovation
• Economic Delivery
• Inward Investment
• Business Growth and Support

Skills, Inclusion and Public Services Reform

Our ambition is to build an economy everyone can contribute to and benefit from. We will equip residents with the skills and support needed for the region to thrive.

Key Functions:

• Skills and Inclusion
• Public Service Innovation

Finance and Investment

Finance and investment underpins all the activities of the combined authority. It sets out a clear strategy to maximise investment within a plan for generating jobs, skills and inclusive growth.

Location and Communication

• The North East Combined Authority operates an Agile Way of working. This means splitting your time between the offices in the region and working remotely.
• The headquarters is located at The Lumen, St James Boulevard, Newcastle. There is public parking a short distance from the office.
• Discussions with your manager will establish how frequently you may be needed to work in the office, although it is generally expected that you will be in the office around two days per week.
• We have a weekly meeting with all staff invited, led by the Chief Executive and colleagues within the Executive Team. We also have a weekly staff newsletter. This is in addition to the communications that take place within your own directorate and teams.

Who we Are

Our purpose is to champion the full potential of our region. Collaborating with our partners and local authorities, we’ll create a better way of life by connecting communities, giving people the skills to succeed, and improving wellbeing for all, so that the North East is recognised as an outstanding place to live, work, visit and invest.

We have five commitments:

1. A fairer North East. We’ll help people thrive with aspirational jobs, new skills, and better homes, improving quality of life for everyone. We’ll create confidence in the North East by reducing inequalities and improving health.
2. A greener North East. We’ll take inspiration from our industrial heritage and unique mix of urban areas, countryside, coastline and rivers, to nurture our natural resources – creating green jobs, sustainable industry, and clean energy.
3. A connected North East. We’ll get behind businesses so they can improve productivity and connectivity. With better local transport networks and digital infrastructures, the North East will have a global reach, becoming the go-to place for innovative ideas and real-world results.
4. An international North East. Building on our economic strength, and championing our heritage, culture, arts and sports, we’ll drive the region’s ambition to continually attract visitors and investment.
5. A successful North East. Together, we’ll speak with one voice, and define our own future, cultivating the talent, skills and innovation that will help grow our existing economy, becoming green industry leaders and a cultural destination – making the North East one of the best places to live, work, and invest.