Northwest Regional Development Agency

Introduction and Mission Statement

The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) is one of nine regional development agencies established by the government to develop the English regions.

The NWDA is responsible for building a dynamic, sustainable international economy in England's Northwest, which covers the sub-regions of Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire and Cumbria. The Agency aims to drive forward the economic regeneration of the region through the delivery of the Regional Economic Strategy, the Northwest's economic blueprint, and has five key priorities: Business, Skills and Education, People and Jobs, Infrastructure and Quality of Life.

With a budget of £1.5 billion over the next three years, the Agency works to forge a clear identity for the Northwest as vibrant, ambitious and globally competitive, building on its history of innovation, a skilled and productive workforce and an outstanding quality of life.

The NWDA offers an excellent range of employment opportunities in the growing field of economic development and regeneration.  Through the delivery of a wide range of projects and programmes across a broad range of activity such as business and skills development, physical regeneration, infrastructure and marketing and tourism, the NWDA provides a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference to the economic prosperity of one of the UK's fastest growing regions. 

Currently employing over 350 people, the Agency has a diverse workforce with a large remit in roles including:

• Programme and project development, management and delivery
• Marketing and communications
• Tourism
• Policy and partnerships management
• Strategy and performance management
• European policy
• Health and social inclusion
• Science and innovation
• Skills policy
• Business relations and business support
• Rural policy
• Sustainable development and climate change
• Planning, transport and housing
• Finance and accountancy
• Property management and surveying
• Procurement
• Human resources, organisational change and development

The NWDA has been awarded the highest possible score, Performing Strongly, in the recent Independent Performance Assessment carried out by the National Audit Office and has also been recognised as an Investor in People. The Agency is committed to providing employees with training and career development opportunities in order to maintain and enhance the Agency's strong performance through a wide range of measures.
 
Our managers ensure their teams have the skills and capabilities to deliver their current and future role requirements through a range of practices including skills need assessments, on the job training, secondments, distance learning, team development, courses, conferences, career planning and professional training.

In addition, the Agency has a number of initiatives underway to support the development of individual, leadership and people management skills.  New employers joining the organisation also undertake a comprehensive induction programme which marks the beginning of their development to ensure effective transition into their new role.

The NWDA is a best practice employer which is reflected in all our employment policies and practices.  All NWDA employees are provided with a competitive pay and benefits package including:

• An annual performance related pay review of basic salary based on the NWDA's structured performance review system.
• An annual leave entitlement of 30 days per annum as well as 8 statutory bank holidays. 
• A Principle Civil Service Pension Scheme offering a final salary scheme and a stakeholder scheme.
• Enhanced sickness benefit, linked to length of service.
• An enhanced maternity benefit scheme.
• Health screening facilities.

Through a firm commitment to workforce development, the NWDA offers employees an exciting and rewarding working environment and the chance to play a key role in the economic growth and regeneration of one of the UK's most dynamic regions.