Women in Bus and Coach Third Annual Awards Ceremony – nominate your colleague

Do you know someone who is making a real difference in the bus, coach or community transport sector?

The Women in Bus and Coach Awards return for a third year on Tuesday 6th October 2026, as part of our Annual Summit, sponsored by BT, in Birmingham. The awards celebrate the women, allies, teams and organisations who are helping to shape a more inclusive, supportive and successful future for our sector.

Since launching in 2024, the awards have recognised inspiring individuals at every stage of their career, from rising stars and frontline colleagues to senior leaders, mentors and allies. They have also highlighted the organisations and initiatives that are driving positive change across the industry.

Nominations are free and open until 10th July. Browse the award categories below and submit your nomination today.

Entry Criteria and Eligibility

The Women in Bus and Coach Awards are for those who possess the qualities that make them a credit to the bus, coach and community transport industry and the organisations they work for, at any stage of their career. They are talented individuals who have exceeded expectations and inspire success in others.

Categories and how to enter for 2026:

Categories

• Best Woman in Bus Award, sponsored by Metroline
• Best Woman in Coach Award, sponsored by CPT UK
• Best Woman in Community Transport Award
• Rising Star Award sponsored by Albatross Travel
• The Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill Allyship Award, sponsored by the Go-Ahead Group
• Woman of the Year Award, sponsored by MCV
• New for 2026: The Louise Cheeseman OBE Better Together Award, sponsored by Arriva

The judging process

Judging will take place in July and August 2026.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online discussion with the judges as a second stage of the awards process. The award organisers will work with you to identify a convenient time and date for this discussion; however, it is a mandatory part of the awards process and there will be a limited three-week window after the awards closing date for these discussions.

How to enter

• Write an email up to 500 words describing the person and how they meet the individual award criteria set out for each award.
• Make the subject line the name of the award category.
• Include your contact details in case we have a query.
• Send the email to hello@womeninbusandcoach.org.uk by 6pm on Friday 10^th July 2026.

General information for all awards

• You may self-nominate. You must provide a supporting reference from a member of your management team.
• You may nominate another individual, but you must ask their permission before you do so.
• The nominee must work in the bus, coach, or community transport industry at the time of making the award nomination.
• There will be one winner per award category. The Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill Allyship award is open to nominations of both men and women. The other awards are open to nominations of only women or those who identify as a woman.
• We encourage nominations of individuals at any stage of their career and from both small family or charity-run organisations to large national companies.
• You may enter as many award categories as you like. Entries should cover the period from the start of 2024 until the awards closing date.
• Nominations must be received before the deadline for consideration.
• A headshot photograph (more than 1mb) of the person nominated should be supplied where possible and will be required if the person is shortlisted.
• Supporting evidence may be supplied outside of the word limit e.g. photographs, certificates, links, testimonials etc.
• You will not be penalised for going slightly over the word count, please use it as a guide, however excessively long entries may be disqualified.
• Winners of the awards will be announced, and presentation of awards given at the Women in Bus and Coach Summit on Tuesday 6^th October 2026 in Birmingham.
• Shortlisted finalists will be asked to provide a short video taken on a smart phone – full guidance will be provided.

Conditions of entry

• All decisions are final, and the judges will not enter into discussion or provide feedback about their decisions.
• By entering these awards, you agree to all submitted materials, images and your name and company name being used in the promotion of these awards at any time.
• These awards are only open to individuals living and working in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
• Should any nominee wish to be withdrawn from the nomination process, they are able to do so at any time. Notification of this must be received in writing by email to hello@womeninbusandcoach.org.uk.
• Shortlisted nominees may be eligible for reimbursement of costs for attending the Women in Bus and Coach Summit and Awards on 6^th October 2026 where the winners will be announced.

Questions?

Please email: hello@womeninbusandcoach.org.uk

Categories and individual judging criteria

Best Woman in Bus award sponsored by Metroline criteria:

• This category is only open to women who work in the bus sector. ‘Bus sector’ means bus operating company, bus manufacturer, bus operations licensor, regulator or supporting function etc including roles in public transport authorities and local authorities that are directly related to the bus sector.
• Judges are looking for women who have been exceptional in one or more of the following:
  • Leadership and Impact:
    • Demonstrates strong leadership skills within the bus industry.
    • Has made a significant positive impact on the company, community, or industry.
  • Innovation and Problem Solving:
    • Showcases innovative solutions or ideas that have made significant improvements in the bus sector.
    • Successfully implements strategies that address and solve industry challenges.
  • Professional Achievements:
    • Has achieved notable milestones or accolades in her career within the bus industry.
    • Exhibits a track record of excellence and dedication in her role.
  • Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:
    • Advocates for and actively contributes to equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives within the workplace.
    • Encourages and supports the development of women and underrepresented groups in the industry.
  • Community Engagement and Corporate Social Responsibility:
    • Involves herself in community outreach programmes and initiatives that benefit the local community.
    • Demonstrates a commitment to corporate social responsibility through sustainable and ethical practices.

Best Woman in Coach award sponsored by CPT UK criteria:

• This category is only open to women who work in the coach sector. ‘Coach sector’ means coach operating company, coach manufacturer, coach operations licensor, regulator or supporting function etc including roles in public transport authorities and local authorities that are directly related to the coach sector.
• Judges are looking for women who have been exceptional in one or more of the following:
  • Leadership and Impact:
    • Demonstrates strong leadership skills within the coach industry.
    • Has made a significant positive impact on the company, community, or industry.
  • Innovation and Problem Solving:
    • Showcases innovative solutions or ideas that have made significant improvements in the coach sector.
    • Successfully implements strategies that address and solve industry challenges.
  • Professional Achievements:
    • Has achieved notable milestones or accolades in her career within the coach industry.
    • Exhibits a track record of excellence and dedication in her role.
  • Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:
    • Advocates for and actively contributes to equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives within the workplace.
    • Encourages and supports the development of women and underrepresented groups in the industry.
  • Community Engagement and Corporate Social Responsibility:
    • Involves herself in community outreach programmes and initiatives that benefit the local community.
    • Demonstrates a commitment to corporate social responsibility through sustainable and ethical practices.

Best Woman in Community Transport award criteria:

• This category is only open to women who work in the community transport sector. ‘Community transport sector’ means community transport operating company, community transport manufacturer, community transport operators licensor, regulator or supporting function etc including roles in public transport authorities and local authorities that are directly related to the community transport sector.
• Judges are looking for women who have been exceptional in one or more of the following:
  • Leadership and Impact:
    • Demonstrates strong leadership skills within the community transport industry.
    • Has made a significant positive impact on the company, community, or industry.
  • Innovation and Problem Solving:
    • Showcases innovative solutions or ideas that have made significant improvements in the community transport sector.
    • Successfully implements strategies that address and solve industry challenges.
  • Professional Achievements:
    • Has achieved notable milestones or accolades in her career within the community transport industry.
    • Exhibits a track record of excellence and dedication in her role.
  • Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:
    • Advocates for and actively contributes to equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives within the workplace.
    • Encourages and supports the development of women and underrepresented groups in the industry.
  • Community Engagement and Corporate Social Responsibility:
    • Involves herself in community outreach programmes and initiatives that benefit the local community.
    • Demonstrates a commitment to corporate social responsibility through sustainable and ethical practices.

Rising Star Award sponsored by Albatross Travel criteria:

• This award is to recognise exceptional potential and early career accomplishments in the bus, coach or community transport sector, in any role with the exception of senior management roles.
• This award is open to up-and-coming talent or women who are within the first three years of their transport career.
• We welcome applications from apprentices and graduates who meet our criteria.
• Judges are looking for a special woman who:
• • • Is, or has the potential to be, a role model.
    • Has achieved early success and results.
    • Is inspiring others or is giving back to the sector.
    • Is recognised by others as having the potential to become a future leader in the sector.

The Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill Allyship award sponsored by Go Ahead Group criteria:

• This award is open to men or women who work in or otherwise directly associated with the bus, coach or community transport sectors.
• Judges are looking for individuals who have been allies in supporting and encouraging women across the bus, coach, and community transport sector.
• These individuals will have contributed significantly to the professional growth and empowerment of women, for example through mentorship, advocacy, or creating opportunities for women to thrive.
• These individuals will have played a crucial role in promoting gender equality and diversity in our sector.

NEW FOR 2026: The Louise Cheeseman OBE Better Together Award, sponsored by Arriva

This award is open to men and women who work in or is otherwise directly associated with the bus, coach or community transport sectors.

Nominations can be submitted for Individuals, teams, depot or businesses.

Judges are looking for:

• Leadership in equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI)
• Positive impact on workplace culture and inclusion
• Collaboration and innovation in bringing people together
• Ongoing commitment to EDI across the sector

Woman of the Year award, sponsored by MCV Group criteria: 

No nominations will be accepted for this award, it will be awarded at the judges’ discretion.

• This award will be decided by a separate panel of judges to the other awards.
• Judges will award to the winner of one of the ‘Best woman in bus/coach/community transport’ awards.

Good luck from the Women in Bus and Coach team!

Thank you to all our Awards and Summit sponsors.

For details on our 2025 winners click here.