Connect and Learn: Working Effectively with Local Authorities
By Sean Ray, Development Officer for England
In our latest Connect and Learn session, we brought together community transport operators from across the network to explore a topic that sits at the heart of so many services: working effectively with local authorities.
These sessions are designed to be informal, supportive spaces where members can share real experiences, practical challenges and ideas that others can learn from. Rather than presenting a “one-size-fits-all” model, the aim is to open up conversation, reflect on what works and what doesn’t, and leave with practical takeaways to apply locally.
A huge thank you to our guest contributor
A big thank you to Marie from Friendly Bus Shropshire for joining us as our guest speaker.
Marie shared insights from over 18 years in community transport, including her work with Friendly Bus and her leadership role in the Shropshire Community Transport Consortium, which brings together seven groups across the county.
Her experience highlighted the power of collaboration, showing how consortium working can help operators share knowledge, strengthen governance and present a unified voice when engaging with local authorities.
Top tips for building relationships with your local authority
Drawing from Marie’s experience and contributions from across the group, here are some key takeaways:
1. Do your research
Understanding your local authority landscape is crucial. Identify who the key contacts are, whether in transport, public health or community services, and stay up to date with any organisational changes.
New councillors or officers joining the council present a valuable opportunity to introduce your service. Inviting them to visit your operation or attend meetings can help build understanding from the outset.
2. Work together to create one voice
A consistent theme throughout the session was the importance of collaboration. Marie highlighted how forming a local consortium helped strengthen relationships in Shropshire.
By working together, community transport organisations can:
- Share knowledge and resources
- Highlight common challenges
- Present a stronger, unified message to the local authority
Often, one joined-up conversation is far more effective than multiple individual ones.
3. Show your relevance
Local authorities operate around priorities, whether that’s health and social care, climate action or reducing isolation.
To be heard, it’s important to clearly demonstrate how your service contributes to these goals. This could include:
- Data on journeys provided
- Case studies showing impact on individuals
- Evidence of reducing demand on other services
As highlighted in the session, linking your work to local authority priorities helps position community transport as a core part of the wider transport network, not just a “nice to have.”
4. Keep it simple
Local authority teams are often balancing multiple priorities. Clear, concise communication makes a big difference.
Simple tools can help, such as:
- A one-page impact summary (you could use ECT's Social Value Toolkit)
- Infographics showing key data (use our template here)
- Short briefings aligned to current priorities
Making it easy for officers and councillors to understand your value increases the likelihood of engagement.
5. Stay visible and consistent
Building relationships takes time. As Marie shared, strong partnerships in Shropshire developed over many years, not overnight.
Consistency is key:
- Attend forums and partnership meetings
- Keep in touch regularly
- Share updates, even when you’re not asking for something
Even when responses are slow, staying visible ensures your organisation remains part of the conversation.
Join the conversation
Thank you to everyone who contributed to such an open and insightful discussion.
If you’d like to continue the conversation or share your own experiences, we encourage you to connect with your regional CTA team.
Join us for our next Connect and Learn session, which will be added to the events section on the website soon. Our next event is happening 23rd September 2026.