A web-based central resource, the Inclusive Employment Journey (IEJ), has been established to promote and accelerate diversity and inclusion within the coach and bus industry.
It is the product of a partnership between Women in Transport’s Diversity and Inclusion Bus Group and the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT). CPT hosts the resource, which will cover “every step of employment, from community engagement and recruitment through to support with life after a career in bus and coach”.
As part of that, the platform promotes and shares projects that represent best practice on diversity and inclusion within the industry. More will steadily be added. Although CPT hosts the site, it is not necessary to be a member to access its content. Sponsorship has been received from the operating and supplier side of the industry.
Caroline Ward, Director at JAW Consultants and co-founder of IEJ, says that it is hoped the resource “will become a central reference point that all levels of management within the industry can access to understand opportunities to improve diversity and inclusion. Collaboration is key, and we know that IEJ can make that happen.”
Adds Diversity and Inclusion Bus Group Chair Chloe Leach-O’Connell: “This is just the beginning. We know that there are some amazing examples and pockets of excellence out there, and we want to know all about them. This resource has only begun its journey. It belongs to all of us, so please use it and help us add to it, too.”
Among the case studies already uploaded to the site are those detailing:
- Go North East’s One Team GNE initiative, which brings together all work on diversity, inclusivity and community engagement
- The mental health support given by Pulham’s Coaches to its employees
- The ‘fast track’ StepUp career development programme undertaken by Transdev.
