About us

The Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority Board is the Authority’s principal decision-making body. The Board is responsible for setting the strategic vision, approving policies and frameworks, agreeing budgets and overseeing the delivery of the Authority’s objectives. Board Members work collectively in the interests of the Hampshire and Solent area, bringing together regional perspectives to support better outcomes for residents, businesses and communities.

The Board operates in the spirit of partnership, mutual respect and consensus, ensuring that decisions are informed by evidence, local knowledge and stakeholder engagement and actively demonstrate a commitment to collaboration, transparency and accountability.

Our Purpose

The HSCCA is built on a simple principle: that the region is stronger when it works together. Collaboration and collective ambition driving what is required to unlock investment, improve opportunities, strengthen public services and create a region where people can thrive. Together, the Board, working with partners, is helping to shape a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable future for Hampshire and the Solent to:

• Drive sustainable economic growth and investment
• Improve skills, employment and opportunities for residents
• Enhance transport connectivity and infrastructure
• Support housing delivery and regeneration
• Champion business innovation and productivity
• Strengthen collaboration between local authorities and key partners
• Ensure public funding is invested effectively, transparently and delivers value for money
• Engage communities in shaping the future of the region

Councillor Nick Adams-King is Leader of Hampshire County Council and Chair of the Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority (HSCCA) Board. He is passionate about creating opportunities for residents and businesses through investment, skills development and collaborative regional working. With a background in business and extensive local government leadership experience, Nick brings a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Hampshire and the Solent.

Read Nick’s full profile to find out more about his career, public service and leadership roles.

Councillor Jonathan Bacon is Leader of the Isle of Wight Council and Vice-Chair of the Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority (HSCCA) Board. With extensive experience in local government, law, education and business, he is a strong advocate for collaborative working across the region to support economic growth, investment, skills development and improved connectivity. Jonathan is committed to ensuring the Isle of Wight’s unique needs are represented within regional decision-making and to securing long-term benefits for Island communities through devolution and partnership working.

Read Jonathan’s full profile to learn more about his experience, leadership journey and priorities for the Isle of Wight and the wider region.

Councillor Steve Pitt is Leader of Portsmouth City Council and a member of the Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority (HSCCA) Board. With extensive experience in local government, culture, regeneration and economic development, he is passionate about using culture and partnership working to drive growth and create opportunities for communities. Steve has played a key role in regional collaboration across Hampshire and the Solent and is committed to supporting investment, innovation and economic prosperity across the region.

Read Steve’s full profile to learn more about his experience, leadership journey and priorities for Portsmouth and the wider Solent area.

Councillor Sarah Bogle is Leader of Southampton City Council and a member of the Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority (HSCCA) Board. With extensive experience in local government, business, higher education and change management, she is passionate about driving growth, prosperity and opportunity for Southampton and the wider region. A strong advocate for partnership working, Sarah is committed to championing Southampton on the national and international stage and working collaboratively to support economic growth, skills development and cultural prosperity.

Read Sarah’s full profile to learn more about her experience, leadership journey and priorities for Southampton and the Solent region.

Councillor George Madgwick is a member of the Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority (HSCCA) Board, representing North East Havant on Hampshire County Council and Paulsgrove on Portsmouth City Council. With experience in local government, business and community leadership, he is committed to strengthening public services, supporting economic growth and ensuring strong local accountability. George brings a practical understanding of the challenges facing residents, businesses and local communities, informed by his background in entrepreneurship and public service.

Read George’s full profile to learn more about his experience, leadership journey and priorities for Hampshire and the Solent.

Dr Ruth Adams is Chief Executive of the Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority (HSCCA), leading the organisation’s work to drive economic growth, strengthen communities and improve opportunities across the region. With more than 20 years of senior leadership experience in local government, regional economic development and public service reform, she has a strong track record of delivering organisational transformation, devolution and strategic investment programmes. Ruth is committed to building effective partnerships that support skills development, connectivity, innovation and sustainable growth for Hampshire and the Solent.

Read Ruth’s full profile to learn more about her career, leadership experience and priorities for the region.