How we work

While there are numerous examples of local authorities and other organisations working in partnership across administrative and national borders to progress shared interest, there is not any currently a legal mechanism for a cross-border partnership with statutory powers

As a result we commissioned Metro Dynamics to recommend a governance and delivery model that is simple and proportionate to allow us to work effectively across the English/ Welsh border.

A quarterly partnership board comprising leaders and chief executives from the four local authorities will oversee the strategic focus of the partnership. The role of chair will rotate through the four local authorities. The partnership and board will not be able to make any decisions on behalf of, or which bind, any partner organisation.

The board will approve the establishment of time-bound programme management groups as required to drive our interventions. The board will determine on a case-by-case basis whether programme management groups operate under agreed terms of reference or require a more formal joint venture arrangement with additional scrutiny and assurance.

The partnership will be resourced through in-kind contributions of staff time and will be coordinated by a dedicated programme lead.

There will be an assurance and scrutiny committee, made up of wider stakeholders, including business and third sector representatives as well as elected officials.

Its role will be to steer the overall value for money objectives of the programme and project development process, ensure that projects meet objectives and deliver best value.