High profile name takes role as interim chief for East Mids devolution programme

The man who played an important role in the formation of the West Midlands Combined Authority has been appointed as the interim chief officer of the East Midlands devolution programme.

Mark Rogers will oversee the establishment of a new mayoral combined authority covering Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Nottingham, which is due to come into existence next year subject to Royal Assent for a new Act of Parliament.

In his most recent role in public service, Rogers served as a director general for the Government of Jersey. Since 2022 he has held the role of chief executive of the Leadership Centre.

Rogers, who also has senior leadership experience in local government as chief executive of both Birmingham City Council and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, will be joined by other new interim appointments.

Working with the four councils involved in the devolution programme, Mark and his team will develop the key actions underpinning the deal, which include improving transport, skills, education, housing and working towards net zero across the region.

Derbyshire County Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Derby City Council and Nottingham City Council have been working with the Government on devolution plans, which include a package of local powers and funding worth £1.14bn.

Plans for an East Midlands Combined County Authority is subject to legislation being approved, but it would mean a new guaranteed funding stream of £38m a year for the region, over a 30-year period.

A regionally elected mayor would lead a new combined authority, which would include representatives from existing local councils, with decision-making powers and resources moving from London to the East Midlands.