Women in Bus and Coach (WiBC) is delighted to open applications for the third year of its successful Mentee Director Programme. Created to support the development of future leaders across the bus, coach and community transport sector, the programme offers an aspiring woman the opportunity to join the WiBC Board of Directors for a 12-month mentored term.
Building on the experiences of previous Mentee Directors, the programme provides a unique opportunity to gain first-hand insight into board-level leadership, strategic decision-making, governance and organisational development. The successful candidate will gain practical experience of how a board operates while contributing to the continued growth and success of Women in Bus and Coach.
Designed to nurture emerging talent, the initiative aims to provide valuable experience, mentoring and exposure to leadership at the highest level. Through the programme, Women in Bus and Coach continues its commitment to developing the next generation of leaders, creating opportunities for women to broaden their skills, build their networks and help shape the future of the bus, coach and community transport sector.
“Over the past two years we’ve seen first-hand the impact this programme can have, not only on the individuals who have taken part but also on our Board. Each Mentee Director has brought fresh ideas, different perspectives and real value to our discussions, and we’re looking forward to welcoming another talented woman into the team.”
Laura Hadzik, Chair, Women in Bus and Coach
As a member of the Women in Bus and Coach Board of Directors, the selected Mentee Director will participate in board meetings, contribute to strategic discussions and support key projects and initiatives. Throughout the programme, they will gain valuable insight into organisational leadership, corporate governance, and the challenges and opportunities facing the bus, coach and community transport sector.
“I never imagined I’d be sitting around the Board table, contributing to strategic discussions and helping to shape the future of Women in Bus and Coach. Becoming a Mentee Director has been an incredibly rewarding experience, giving me the opportunity to learn from an experienced Board while developing my own confidence, knowledge and leadership skills.
The programme has challenged me in all the right ways, broadened my perspective and helped me grow both personally and professionally. If you’re thinking about applying, my advice is simple, go for it! You don’t have to feel completely ready or have all the answers. If you’re passionate about the industry and willing to learn, this programme is an amazing opportunity to develop your skills, expand your network and realise just what you’re capable of.”
Nalisha Fernandes, Current Mentee Director, Women in Bus and Coach
The programme is open to anyone who identifies as a woman, currently works in any role within the bus, coach and community transport sector, and demonstrates leadership potential, a passion for the industry, and a commitment to supporting greater inclusion and opportunity across the sector.
Questions and Answers
How do I apply?
Please complete the online application form.
The closing date for applications is 9th August 2026, 17:00.
Shortlisting will take place between 10th and 15th August.
Interviews will take place via Microsoft Teams on Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th August.
How does the Board of Directors operate? Will there be opportunities for me to actively contribute to decision-making processes?
The board meet officially once a month to discuss and agree strategy, plans and activity. The successful candidate will be actively involved in these discussions.
Meetings in the main are conducted virtually using ‘Teams’.
What specific responsibilities will the successful candidate be expected to undertake during the one-year term?
The successful candidate will be encouraged to actively participate in board meetings, contribute insights and ideas, and potentially lead or support specific projects or initiatives aligned with our mission. Additionally, we encourage board members to represent Women in Bus and Coach at relevant events and conferences.
How will this affect my day job?
The successfully candidate will need to seek permission from their employee to participate in this role. The board meet mainly via teams, but there will be events you will be invited to attend and participate in, such as the annual conference in September and it’s important that your employer is supportive of this development opportunity and is willing to release you from your core role from time to time.
On average, board members dedicate approximately 5-10 hours per month to their responsibilities.
Will I be paid for the role?
This is a volunteer-based role that is designed to provide emerging talent with experience that will assist with career development. The majority of meetings will be virtual, but any expenses incurred such as travel will be covered.
The Women in Bus and Coach Directors are not paid for their work on the initiative.
What kind of support and resources will be available to me serving on the Board?
The Women in Bus and Coach board is made of highly experienced experts from all backgrounds from across the bus, coach, and transport sector. Although the successful candidate will interact with all members of the board, if there is a specific area that the successful candidate is particularly interested in, they will be assigned a board member mentor with relevant experience to enhance your leadership skills and knowledge of the bus and coach industry.
Are there any specific skills or experiences you are looking for in candidates for this role?
We are looking for candidates who demonstrate strong leadership potential, a passion for promoting gender diversity, and a willingness to collaborate effectively with other board members and currently work in any role across the Bus, Coach, and Community Transport Sector.
What are the criteria for the role?
Applications will be open to anyone who is passionate about promoting women’s presence and careers in the transport industry, who currently works in any role in the bus, coach and community transport sector, and who demonstrates exceptional leadership potential, a passion for the road passenger transportation industry, and a commitment to gender equality and diversity.
What is the length of tenure for Mentee Director role?
The role is for 12 months.
What is the Selection Process?
Members of the Women in Bus and Coach board will review all applications between 10th and 15th August.
Interviews for the shortlisted candidates will take place on Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th August.
All candidates will be informed of the final decision Friday 28th August.
The successful candidate will be announced to the industry at our Annual Summit on 6th October.
Good luck from everyone at Women in Bus and Coach with your application!
