The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has appointed Rob Tabb as its new Director of Public Service Innovation, with the experienced public sector leader set to take up the position on 1 November 2026.
The newly created role will focus on working with public services across the city region to develop innovative approaches to tackling the challenges facing residents. A key priority will be driving early intervention and prevention strategies, alongside exploring opportunities for a more integrated, place-based approach to delivering public services.
As Director of Public Service Innovation, Rob Tabb will lead the Office for Public Service Innovation (OPSI) team, which is spearheading innovation, service redesign and best practice sharing across the public sector. The team is currently supporting a range of ‘test, learn and grow’ pilot projects in collaboration with the Bloomberg i-Team, helping public service organisations trial and scale new solutions to complex social challenges.
Rob Tabb brings significant experience to the role, having spent the last nine years at the Combined Authority. During that time, he has held senior positions including Programme Lead for OPSI and Policy Lead for Employment and Skills. Before joining the Combined Authority, he worked at Knowsley Council and Cheshire County Council.
Rob Tabb said:
“I am both excited and humbled to be taking on this critical role. Working with our partners we have an opportunity to enable significant improvements in people’s lives and their outcomes.
“We have strong foundations to build on, and a real chance to do things differently: focusing more on prevention, testing and scaling new ideas and working together around the needs of residents. I’m looking forward to getting started and helping to turn that ambition into practical change.”
The appointment comes at a significant time for the Combined Authority as it continues to develop new models of public service delivery and prepares for deeper devolution.
Kirsty McLean, Executive Director for Innovation and Partnerships, welcomed the appointment and highlighted the opportunities ahead for the organisation.
She said:
"I’m delighted that Rob is taking on this important new role at such a pivotal time for our organisation. His experience, dedication and passion for public service will be invaluable as we embark upon the next chapter for the Combined Authority and our residents. I am looking forward to seeing the impact of his leadership as we prepare for deeper devolution and continue to develop and scale bold new approaches to public services that make a real difference to people’s lives.”
With public sector organisations under increasing pressure to improve outcomes while managing limited resources, the Combined Authority is positioning innovation, prevention and partnership working at the heart of its future strategy. The leadership of Rob Tabb is expected to play a key role in shaping and delivering that vision across the Liverpool City Region.
Image credit: iStock
