Combined Authority welcomes experienced leaders to its corporate management team

Combined Authority welcomes experienced leaders to its corporate management team

The Combined Authority has strengthened its corporate management team with the permanent appointments of two experienced leaders as the organisation continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of the region.

Janice Gotts (pictured) will join as Executive Director Resources, becoming the authority’s most senior finance officer – the Section 73 Officer – responsible for the financial management and budgetary responsibilities of the organisation.

Matthew Cumberbatch will join as Director of Legal and Governance and Monitoring Officer, the authority’s most senior legal officer post.

The Combined Authority Board approved the appointments at its meeting on Wednesday (March 20).

Janice has worked in Local Government for many years with experience in county, unitary and metropolitan councils. Janice is currently the Executive Director of Finance and Performance (section 151 Officer) for North Northamptonshire Council. Janice has also worked for Manchester City Council, including providing senior support to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).

Matthew has significant experience as a lawyer within local authorities and is currently the Director of Law and Governance (Monitoring Officer) at Warrington Borough Council, a unitary authority. Matthew has also worked at Telford and Wrekin Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

They are due to take up their roles in early summer. Current post holders Nick Bell, Executive Director Resources and Performance, is retiring, and Edwina Adefehinti, Director of Legal and Governance, will be leaving the Combined Authority after completing an interim contract and handing over to Matthew.

Janice said: “I am delighted to be joining the Combined Authority at such an exciting time and to be involved in taking forward its ambitions for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. It is a real honour for me to have been given this opportunity and I look forward to working with new colleagues, elected members and partners across the region.”

Matthew said: “It is a real privilege for me to be joining the Combined Authority at this time and I am really looking forward to the new challenge.’’

Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Dr Nik Johnson, said: “The Combined Authority is continuing to bring in the skills and experience we need to support our work building sustainable, inclusive growth which benefits the whole region. I welcome Janice and Matt to the Combined Authority and look forward to working with them.

“I would like to thank both Edwina and Nick for all the professional support they have provided to both me personally and the Board in their time with us.”

Chief Executive of the Combined Authority, Rob Bridge, said: “I am really pleased that an extremely competitive and thorough cross-party recruitment process has resulted in two outstanding appointments. The range of expertise and knowledge they will bring to the corporate management team will be invaluable as we continue to improve and drive the Combined Authority forward in delivering for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

“Both Edwina and Nick’s knowledge and strong professional advice have been hugely valued by all of their colleagues in the Combined Authority and they have helped us make great improvements to our effectiveness as an organisation, our governance, and decision making. I wish Edwina and Nick well for the future.”