About West Midlands Combined Authority

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is made up of 18 local authorities and four Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs). They work together to move powers from Whitehall to the West Midlands and its locally elected politicians, who know the region best.

The authorities and LEPs also work collaboratively on many projects to deliver their vision of a more prosperous West Midlands.

Andy Street was elected as the first ever Mayor of the West Midlands in May 2017 and will serve a three-year term. Deborah Cadman was appointed Chief Executive in September 2017 and, with the Mayor, will build and head the WMCA's leadership team.

They host a lunch and learn programme to share understanding on some of the company’s projects and topics. The programme was designed as a casual alternative to formal training and seminars and each session is run by a staff member.

What is it like to work for West Midlands Combined Authority

My Manager

81% of staff agreed:

I feel that my manager talks openly and honestly with me

Managers can get coaching and mentoring as well as the opportunity to shadow. They can get additional advice and guidance through the HR Business Partners. A library service houses a range of management books, and managers meet regularly through their board groups.

81% of staff agreed:

I feel that my manager talks openly and honestly with me

My Company

93% of staff agreed:

I believe I can make a valuable contribution to the success of this organisation

In 2018, the authority launched Lunch and Learn sessions, floor walks with the senior leadership team, and new values. At the managers’ forums and staff conferences, Slido was introduced to make them more engaging. The tool gathered feedback in real time to produce a ‘word cloud’.

93% of staff agreed:

I believe I can make a valuable contribution to the success of this organisation

Fair Deal

62% of staff agreed:

I am happy with the pay and benefits I receive in this job

Employees are encouraged to recognise colleagues who go above and beyond. Thank You recognition cards are in all communal areas for employees to use. Individuals are also nominated for an award aligned to each corporate value and presented at the annual staff conference.

62% of staff agreed:

I am happy with the pay and benefits I receive in this job

Learn more about the 8 factors of workplace engagement here

Benefits:

Women

At least 40% of senior managers are women
Gym

Companies offering either free gym/ sports facilities or offering subsidised gym membership for all employees
Pensions

Companies offering a final salary, non-contributory pension scheme to all staff or one in which the employer puts in at least three times