Local Integrated Transport Settlements Lead

Have you got strong communication and stakeholder management skills?

Are you looking for an exciting new role which you can shape and that gives you the opportunity to lead on important high priority work?

If so we would love for you to apply!

The Local Transport Directorate Directorate’s work is front and centre of all of the Department’s three priority outcomes. Local Transport directorate’s work improves transport for its users; helps decarbonise transport and grows and levels up the economy.

Local Integrated Transport Settlements (LITS) were announced as part of Network North in October 2023. The new £4.7bn fund is for the local transport authorities (LTAs), outside city-regions, in the North and Midlands. The LITS fund includes £2.5bn for local authorities in the North and £2.2bn for local authorities in the Midlands. Funding will be available from 1 April 2025.

Local communities know best what transport improvements work in their areas and so LITS will be designed to empower local authorities to fund the transport interventions that meet the needs of local people and communities.

LITS is a Prime Ministerial and Departmental priority and represents a huge opportunity to deliver a step-change in local transport in these areas by providing a significant, long-term uplift in their local transport funding. This funding should be transformational, enabling regeneration and unlocking housing.

The LITS delivery team is a brand-new part of the Highways, Active Travel and Strategy Division, headed by a Grade 6, and these two new Grade 7 roles each provide an excellent opportunity to lead on important aspects of this top priority area.

Whilst we welcome applications from those looking to work with us on a part time basis, there is a business requirement, for the successful candidates to be able to work at least 30 hours per week.

Responsibilities:

The two new G7 posts we are creating in the Local Transport Funding and Strategy team will both be at the centre of developing the plan to deliver at pace on this ambitious government priority. While the precise split of responsibilities between the two roles has not yet been finalised, each will include some or all of the following elements.

• Forming constructive working relationships with the central DfT Network North and Strategic Finance teams.
• Developing the department’s understanding of the LITS recipients, how best to engage with them, and what long-term support they may need to deliver on the LITS opportunity.
• Working collaboratively with the Regions and Cities Directorate to understand the varied devolution settlements of the LITS recipients.
• Supporting the G6 on the transition to the new long-term BAU LITS team, including inputting into discussions on future team structures, using their insights into the LITS area needs.

Some of the particular responsibilities of the post holders will be in the following areas:

• Provide leadership to the LITS programme, alongside the Grade 6.
• Respond to any emerging commissions from HM Treasury or Cabinet Office as part of the Network North programme and build strong working relationship with the Network North team.
• Work with DfT Strategic Finance and HM Treasury to agree details of LITS allocations as needed.
• Build relationships with DfT Area leads and the LITS recipients, and work with them to understand how the department can best support LITS recipients.
• Build relationships across local transport, DfT and wider Government to ensure successful delivery of LITS.
• Help to build and enhance the reputation of the Division and help ensure that the Highways, Active Travel, and Strategy Division is a brilliant and inclusive place to work.

For more information about the role and responsibilities please see the attached Role Profile.