Women in Bus and Coach (WiBC) is proud to announce for the second consecutive year, an unprecedented opportunity for an aspiring female leader to join its Board of Directors for a transformative one-year term. This initiative marks a significant milestone in fostering gender diversity and empowering the next generation of women in leadership roles within the transportation industry.
Aspiring candidates are invited to apply for this prestigious opportunity, which promises to be a career-defining experience. Successful applicants will gain insight into the strategic decision-making processes, industry dynamics, and leadership responsibilities that come with serving on a Board of Directors.
The initiative, designed to select a mentee for a mentored director role, aims to provide a platform for talented women to gain invaluable experience, mentorship, and exposure at the highest level of organisational leadership. Through this initiative, WiBC seeks to break barriers, challenge norms, and cultivate the next generation of female leaders in the bus, coach, and community transport sector.
“This initiative is a testament to our commitment to fostering inclusivity and promoting gender diversity within our industry,” said Louise Cheeseman, Chair of Women in Bus and Coach. “We believe that empowering women in leadership positions not only drives innovation and creativity but also fosters a more inclusive and resilient industry. Following the success of the programme for our very first Mentee Director, Kerry Turner, we know it works”.
The selected mentee will have the unique opportunity to work closely with seasoned industry professionals, gaining insights into strategic decision-making processes, corporate governance, and industry trends. Additionally, they will actively contribute to shaping WiBC’s vision, mission, and strategic direction.
“We are thrilled to provide a platform for a woman who represents the next generation of leaders to step into this mentee management role and make meaningful contributions to our organisation,” added Kerry Turner. “By offering mentorship and hands-on experience, we aim to empower future female leaders to realise their full potential and drive positive change in the bus, coach and community transport industry.”
The Initiative will be open to anyone who identifies as a woman, 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.
Questions and Answers
How do I apply?
Please complete the online application form. Once you’ve submitted the form, email your CV (maximum two pages) and a one-page cover letter explaining why you’re interested in the role to: hello@womeninbusandcoach.org.uk
The closing date for applications is 14th August 2025, 17:00.
Shortlisting will take place between 15th and 22nd August.
Interviews will take place via Microsoft Teams on Thursday 28th and Friday 29th 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 15th and 22nd August.
Interviews for the shortlisted candidates will take place on Thursday 28th and Friday 29th August.
All candidates will be informed of the final decision Monday 1st September.
The successful candidate will be announced to the industry at our Annual Summit on 30th September.
Good luck from everyone at Women in Bus and Coach with your application!
