The Women in Bus and Coach “Spotlight On” initiative shines a light on the incredible contributions of women in all roles across the bus, coach, and community transport sector. From professional drivers and engineers to human resources experts and CEO’s, ‘Spotlight On’ will highlight the diverse talents and achievements of women in this dynamic industry.
This week our friends and partners at The Community Transport Association celebrates the amazing efforts of everyone in the community transport sector with ‘Community Transport Week 2024’.
Every year, in all parts of the UK, millions of people are supported by thousands of community transport staff and volunteers to stay independent, participate in their communities and access vital public services and employment. Community transport is not just about moving people from point A to point B. It is about fostering a sense of belonging, bridging divides, and empowering individuals to access education, employment, healthcare, and social opportunities that are the bedrock of a thriving community.
In honour of Community week, today we focus on:
Kimberley Ward
CEO
Lothian Community Transport Services (LCTS)
How did you get to where you are today?
I started out in the third sector and realised that the favourite part of my role was making a difference for people. After a variety of roles, I moved into the women’s sector and then into the transport sector. This may seem an unlikely pairing, but I love working in the industry with great fellow minded people!
Did you experience any challenges getting to where you are today?
I often find I have to work harder to be taken seriously, people around a table will dismiss me initially and I have to ‘win people over’. As I develop in my career, this happens less, but I think it still happens more than it does to a man.
If so, how did you overcome then?
I am not seen as understanding transport properly, but my specialism is managing people and getting the best from my team. I like to record outcomes and present the team successes, and this helps people get on side. I also find being supported by great people – both men and women helps, along with listening more than you speak!
What do you like about the sector?
I love how creative people are in solving challenges for people who need the sector. I am enjoying see the increase in collaboration that is taking place and knowing that the vast majority of people in the sector are committed to improving and making things better.
What does a typical day look like?
The best thing about my job is there is no typical day! I can be found meeting with our member groups to look at how we can best support needs or looking with local authorities at where the community transport gaps are. I also meet regularly with staff, try and get out onto runs so I can see passengers directly. A lot of time is taken up with evidencing the value and impact that we have, to try and ensure funding or when applying for funding applications. It can be frustrating to feel we have to prove ourselves so much, but it’s so rewarding to see facts and figures in writing that shows we are making a big difference.
What advice would you give to women thinking about a career in the bus and coach sector?
Don’t be scared to ask questions, no question is a stupid one! Get out and meet people – in any role your colleagues, partners and passengers can be a vital support.
What has been your bus or coach sector career highlight?
Winning the Best Woman in Community Transport will take some beating! But I love getting positive feedback about the team, or the overall service we provide – passing on to a driver that someone has said how grateful they are for their help always gives me a buzz.
What three things could the Bus, Coach or Community Transport sector do to improve the industry for Women?
- Encourage better collaboration through the different sectors to work for ALL women, not just the women in our own specific industry.
- Continue to champion every role (I think they already do this brilliantly), every single person matters.
- I think training/mentoring women in the industry to grow confidence would see women being retained, progressing and attracted to the industry.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
Hopefully continuing to support the organisation I work at and the CT organisation I volunteer at, to continue to reach as many people as possible who would benefit from CT. We also have a few women specific projects in the pipeline and would love to be talking about them as success stories!
Thank you for sharing your story Kimberley, you are truly an inspiration! To find out more about who Kimberley works for please visit: https://lcts.org.uk/
For details on how you can support Community Transport week: Community Transport Week 2024 | Community Transport Association (ctauk.org)
