This isn't just a political story. It's a talent story. 

Why the UK's potential shift towards regional power could re-shape where and how membership organisations influence, recruit, and grow.

For decades, Westminster has understandably been the centre of political influence for many membership organisations.

If you wanted to influence government, build relationships with policymakers or understand the direction of legislation, London was naturally where many conversations began.

But is that about to change?

Recent debates about deeper devolution,  including Andy Burnham’s vision for a “No.10 North” in Manchester,  have re-ignited a vital question: where should political power, investment, and influence really sit within the UK?

 "The biggest rebalancing of power the country has ever seen."  Andy Burnham, Manchester, 29th of June 2026

Whether or not every idea comes to fruition, one thing is becoming harder to ignore:

The UK’s political map is on the brink of meaningful change.

And that could have significant implications for membership organisations.

So, what is devolution?

In simple terms, devolution is the transfer of powers and decision-making from the UK Government in Westminster to governments, mayors and local authorities in different parts of the country.

The principle is straightforward.

Many decisions affecting local people, businesses and communities are often best made by those who understand those regions most closely, rather than being directed solely from Westminster.

The UK has already been moving in this direction for many years.

  • Scotland has its own Parliament.

  • Wales has the Senedd.

  • Northern Ireland has its own Assembly.

Across England, powers have increasingly been devolved to combined authorities, led by directly elected metro mayors including Andy Burnham (Greater Manchester), Steve Rotheram (Liverpool City Region), Tracy Brabin (West Yorkshire), Richard Parker (West Midlands) and others.

Today, many of these regional leaders already have responsibility for areas including:

  • Economic development 

  • Skills and adult education 

  • Transport 

  • Housing 

  • Planning 

  • Business investment 

  • Elements of health integration 

If further powers continue to move away from Westminster, the way any organisation engages with government could change significantly.

Why is this suddenly becoming such a big conversation?

The UK Government had historically made clear its intention to continue expanding devolution across England, giving regions greater control over investment, infrastructure, skills and economic growth.  Andy Burnham has recently gone a step further, proposing what has become known as "No.10 North".

Rather than replacing Westminster, the vision is to create a stronger centre of government within Greater Manchester, allowing ministers, senior civil servants and major policy discussions to have a permanent presence outside London.

Whether that exact proposal happens isn't really the point.

The bigger picture is that influence may become increasingly regional.

What does this mean for membership organisations?

This is where things become particularly interesting.

Many trade associations, professional bodies and membership organisations have traditionally concentrated much of their:

  • Public affairs activity 

  • Government relations 

  • Policy engagement 

  • Stakeholder management 

around Westminster and Whitehall.

But if more political influence sits within regions, organisations may increasingly find themselves building relationships with:

  1. Metro Mayors 

  2. Combined Authorities 

  3. Regional Growth Partnerships 

  4. Local Enterprise and Investment Boards 

  5. Skills Partnerships 

  6. The devolved governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland 

Instead of one political centre, membership organisations could soon be operating across multiple centres of influence.

That has implications not only for strategy......but for people.

The membership skills organisations may increasingly need for the future

As the political landscape evolves, so too may the skills organisations value most.

We're already seeing growing demand for professionals who can confidently navigate regional stakeholders as well as national government.

That could include people with experience in:

  • Public affairs across devolved governments 

  • Regional policy and economic development 

  • Stakeholder engagement beyond Westminster 

  • Commercial partnership development across multiple regions 

  • Skills policy and workforce development 

  • Local government and combined authority engagement 

These aren't entirely new disciplines.

But they may become increasingly important as decision-making becomes more geographically distributed.

Membership Sector Recruitment is already becoming less London-centric

Long before "No.10 North" entered the headlines, another shift had already begun, in our experience.

  • Hybrid working changed expectations.

  • Professionals discovered they could build highly successful careers without relocating to London.

  • Membership organisations became increasingly confident recruiting nationally rather than within commuting distance of their offices.

We're seeing that every single day.

Exceptional membership professionals are building careers in Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Bristol, Newcastle, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Belfast, Nottingham, Cambridge and dozens of other locations across the UK.

The best talent has never been confined to one postcode.

Increasingly, neither are the best opportunities.

Why regional recruitment is a critical strategy for membership organisations

At Membership Bespoke, we've never viewed recruitment through a London-only lens.

For over a decade, we've been helping membership organisations recruit exceptional people right across the UK.

  • Whether it's a Membership Director in Manchester.

  • A Policy Lead in Cardiff.

  • A Commercial Director in Birmingham.

  • A Chief Executive in Edinburgh.

  • Or an Events Manager in Bristol.

Our approach has never been centred solely on London.

For more than 14 years, we've built deep relationships across the UK's regional membership communities. As membership organisations continue embracing hybrid working and devolved leadership, those regional networks are helping our clients access broader talent pools and exceptional professionals wherever they choose to build their careers.

What lies ahead

Whether Andy Burnham’s vision becomes reality, or devolution takes a different course under future governments, one outcome appears increasingly likely.

The UK's centres of influence are becoming more diverse. For membership organisations, that isn't simply a political story.

  • It's a workforce story.

  • It's about where future leaders emerge.

  • Where relationships are built.

  • Where expertise develops.

  • And where membership organisations choose to look for exceptional people.

About Membership Bespoke

Helping membership organisations unlock exceptional regional talent beyond traditional recruitment boundaries.

Membership Bespoke is the UK's specialist recruitment partner for membership organisations, regulatory bodies, trade associations, professional bodies, and Barristers' Chambers.

For over 14 years, we've been connecting organisations with exceptional membership professionals across the UK's regional hubs, building trusted talent networks that extend far beyond London.

Whether you're recruiting in Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast or anywhere in between, our regional expertise gives you access to a wider, more diverse and highly skilled talent pool.

As political influence, hybrid working and workforce expectations continue to evolve, we believe the organisations that think regionally will be best placed to attract tomorrow's membership sector leaders.