Women in Bus and Coach (WiBC) has named a nine-strong inaugural board of Directors. It is a step that the organisation says represents a move forward in its mission to promote gender diversity in the coach, bus and community transport areas.
Five women and four men have been chosen for their leadership skills, expertise, and commitment to advancing gender equality. Knowledge of advocacy, finance, marketing, operations, people, policy, safety and technology are captured, reflecting what WiBC says is the multifaceted nature of the sector:
- Louise Cheeseman (Chair) – former Transport for London (TfL) Director of Buses
- Kerri Cheek – TfL Senior Bus Safety Development Manager
- Tom Cunnington – TfL Head of Bus Business Development
- Laurence Jenkins – Reading Buses Finance Director
- Stephen Lynn – TRL Marketing Director
- Candice Mason – Masons Minibus and Coach Hire Director
- Lorna Murphy – Transport UK London Bus Operations and HR Director
- Paul Sainthouse – Dawsongroup Bus and Coach Managing Director
- Caroline Whitney – Community Transport Association Director for England.
As part of their mandate, board members will oversee the strategic direction of WiBC, spearhead initiatives to address gender disparities, and serve as ambassadors for diversity and inclusion within the transport community.
WiBC says that composition of the board underscores the organisation’s commitment to amplify the voices of women within the industry. By leveraging their collective insights and networks, board members “aim to implement initiatives that empower women, break down barriers to entry, and promote equal opportunities for all professionals in the field.”
As board Chair, Ms Cheeseman founded Women in Bus and Coach and oversaw its national launch in November 2023. She has described WiBC colleagues as “a distinguished group of leaders,” adding: “Their collective expertise and passion for fostering diversity and inclusion will undoubtedly drive meaningful progress in our industry.”
Ms Cheek is also a founding Director of WIBC. She says that the organisation will continue to work with companies to challenge and eliminate barriers faced by women in the sector, “creating a more inclusive service that is representative of our customers.”
Adds Ms Cheek: “We want women, whatever their background, to have equal access to a career in the industry and a workplace designed around their needs.”
