I am writing shortly after the announcement of my appointment as the next Chair of Women in Bus and Coach (WiBC). I am incredibly proud to be taking on this role and am humbled by the many messages of support I have received from operators, suppliers and stakeholders across the coach, bus and community transport sector.
WiBC has a clear and compelling purpose: to drive meaningful change that enables more women to join, stay, progress and lead within our industry. Since it was founded, the organisation has grown significantly in both reach and impact, building a strong and committed community dedicated to making our sector one where women are supported, visible and represented at every stage of their careers – from the frontline to the boardroom.
I have championed diversity throughout my own career, and I step into the role of Chair with both a strong sense of privilege and a clear understanding of the responsibility the role carries.
I am enormously grateful for the support of the WiBC Board and the volunteers who lead our regional groups across the UK. Together, they form a passionate, driven team united by a shared commitment to positive change.
I am also very conscious that I am following in the footsteps of Louise Cheeseman OBE (big shoes to fill!) and I would like to place on record my sincere thanks for her outstanding leadership as Chair. Louise has been a tireless champion for women in our industry, combining strategic clarity with warmth, humour and an unwavering belief in what WiBC can achieve. Under her leadership, the organisation has grown in confidence, credibility and impact, while never losing sight of the individuals it exists to support. I am hugely grateful for Louise’s generosity, her guidance through this period of transition, and the strong foundations she leaves behind.
Looking ahead, we will build on these foundations as WiBC enters its next phase: moving from start-up energy to sustainable delivery, from activity to alignment, and from good intention to shared impact.
With ongoing skills shortages and the need for a sustainable workforce, improving the attraction, retention and progression of women across our sector is business critical.
One of our greatest strengths at WiBC is our grassroots, regional reach. This is not a top-down or London-centric initiative. Our regional groups are the heartbeat of WiBC, and strengthening our regional structures and representation will be a key priority as we move forward.
Similarly, we recognise that lasting change depends on more than senior leadership endorsement alone. In our next phase, we aim to create clearer routes for frontline colleagues to participate, ensuring that the value of WiBC is experienced throughout organisations and strengthening the connection between frontline experience, our regional activity and
national priorities.
A particular focus will also be supporting organisations to improve practice and policy. Too often, equality, diversity and inclusion are seen as additional or onerous tasks. WiBC aims to change that narrative by sharing practical guidance, case studies and toolkits that help embed better practice into the day-to-day.
We will also continue to work closely with key stakeholders to ensure WiBC provides a credible, informed and constructive voice on equality, diversity and inclusion across the sector.
On a personal level, I am immensely proud of what has been achieved so far, but I recognise there is still much to do. To lead an organisation with such purpose, passion and potential and to take forward a strategy that is grounded in real experience, practical ambition and collective effort is a real honour.
This next chapter is about thinking boldly about the future: building stronger organisations, a more resilient workforce, and a sector that benefits from a wider range of talent and perspectives.
I am excited and hugely motivated by what lies ahead.
