This week in West Midlands Combined Authority:

Chief Finance Officer Recruitment Under Scrutiny

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is looking to appoint a new Chief Finance Officer (CFO). This critical role oversees the financial health and strategic direction of the entire region's combined authority. The Employment Committee met on Thursday 30 April 2026 to discuss the recruitment process.

The recruitment of a CFO is vital for ensuring the WMCA can effectively manage its budget, secure funding for vital projects, and maintain public trust. A strong CFO is essential for making sound financial decisions that impact everything from transport infrastructure to economic development initiatives, and ultimately, the services available to residents, particularly those most vulnerable.

The meeting agenda indicated that the process for recruiting this key position was the main focus. While the specific details of the recruitment plan were not made public, the role of CFO is fundamental to the WMCA's ability to deliver on its promises and manage public funds responsibly.

Learn more about the Employment Committee meeting

Audit Committee Reviews Financial Health and Governance

The Audit, Risk & Assurance Committee convened on Monday 27 April 2026 to review the WMCA's financial oversight and governance arrangements. Key discussions included the external audit plan, internal audit progress, and the draft annual governance statement.

External Audit Plan 2025/26

Grant Thornton presented the External Audit Plan for the year ending 31 March 2026. This plan outlines how the WMCA's financial statements will be audited, ensuring they are accurate and that the authority is using its resources efficiently and effectively. The audit will scrutinise significant risks, including how management controls are handled and the valuation of pension liabilities. This is crucial for ensuring taxpayer money is managed with integrity and that the WMCA can continue to fund essential services. The proposed audit fee is £179,301.

Internal Audit and Governance

The committee received an update on internal audit activities, noting that the team was on track to deliver its plan. New work has been undertaken to improve how the WMCA addresses findings from external reviews, aiming for greater transparency and accountability.

The draft Annual Governance Statement (AGS) for 2025/26 was also considered. This statutory document confirms that the WMCA has effective governance in place, with plans for further improvements. A strong governance framework is essential for preventing fraud, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, and building public confidence in the council's operations.

Risk Management and Assurance

The committee reviewed quarterly risk reporting, which highlighted the most significant risks facing the WMCA. The overall risk profile was reported as stable, though one risk increased due to acknowledged challenges in organisational transformation.

An Assurance Performance Report for Q4 2025/26 indicated that the WMCA's Single Assurance Framework (SAF) is being embedded to improve project management. While compliance was deemed adequate, there were noted risks regarding the pace of review activities and business case submissions, particularly for the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) programme. This could impact the timely delivery of transport projects across the region.

Health, Safety & Wellbeing

The committee received an annual overview of the WMCA's health, safety, and wellbeing performance. The authority maintained its ISO 45001:2018 certification for its Occupational Health & Safety Management System. Future priorities include enhancing leadership visibility, strengthening governance, and embedding psychological safety within the workforce.

Learn more about the Audit, Risk & Assurance Committee meeting