Interim chief to take the reins at WYCA
Posted by The Editor
Experienced local government and regeneration figure, Mike Palin, will become interim chief executive officer at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Mr Palin will start his role at Wellington House on November 2, after a handover with outgoing chief executive Ben Still.
The appointment, subject to approval at the Combined Authority meeting on October 29, follows a competitive process run by the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE).
Mr Palin has recently been advising Combined Authorities and Local Authorities on partnership working, organisational capacity, and on increasing their delivery capabilities. He brings with him strong working relationships with key government departments which will help build on West Yorkshire’s momentum at the heart of decision making around devolution.
Mr Palin was previously executive director of Markets, Partners and Places at Homes England where he led on work with Mayors and Combined Authorities, and the £1 billion brownfield infrastructure and land fund. He was also previously Chief Executive of St Helens Council when the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority was formed. As Chief Executive he led an nationally leading, joint-working approach that integrated health and social care, as well as implementing a broad economic growth strategy.
Mr Palin is expected to be in post for six months, and the recruitment process for the Combined Authority’s permanent chief executive will begin in the coming weeks.
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said: “We are delighted to welcome Mike to the Combined Authority during what is an exciting time for devolution.
“His experience of the public sector at a local, regional and national level, working across economic development, public service reform and housing, will be pivotal as we embark on an exciting new chapter in West Yorkshire’s history.
“I would like to repeat my warm gratitude to our outgoing chief executive Ben whose support throughout my time as mayor has been invaluable.”
Mike Palin said: “I’m delighted to take on this role at such an exciting time for devolution in West Yorkshire and the Country as a whole.
“My background is in devolution, delivery and public service, and I am sure this will be crucial to helping the Combined Authority build on its impressive track record for the people of West Yorkshire.
“I’m looking forward to working with the brilliant team at the Combined Authority and to meet partners over the weeks ahead – and as a huge rugby league fan, it will be great to be working in the birthplace of the game.”
