Introducing Stephen King, CTA’s new Chair

The CTA is pleased to welcome Stephen King as our new Chair.

Stephen brings extensive senior leadership experience across transport and public services, alongside a successful track record in board chairing, governance and organisational development. His background combines commercial experience with a strong commitment to organisations that make a difference to people and communities.

“The more I learned about CTA, the more I felt this was an organisation with real momentum and an opportunity to build on what has already been achieved,” he said.

“The chance to chair a UK-wide membership organisation that can make a genuine difference to people and communities was incredibly attractive.”

CTA’s Chief Executive, Dr Victoria Armstrong, welcomes Stephen’s appointment:

“I am delighted to welcome Stephen as Chair of CTA. He brings valuable insight and a shared commitment to the vital role of community transport. I am really looking forward to working alongside him and am excited about what we can achieve together for our members and the communities they serve.”

A strong connection to transport and communities

Drawing on his experience in the transport sector, Stephen has seen first-hand the difference good connectivity can make to communities and local economies.

“Transport is rarely just about the journey itself – it connects people to jobs, education, healthcare, services and each other.”

“There is enormous variety across the community transport sector and I want to spend my first few months getting out, listening to members and understanding that properly.”

Getting to know our members

Listening to members will be a key priority for Stephen as he settles into the role. He is keen for his understanding of the sector to be shaped by the people delivering Community Transport every day and wants members to know that he is approachable and eager to hear from them.

“CTA is a membership organisation, and I don’t want my understanding of Community Transport to come only from Board papers and meetings. I want to get out across the UK, meet members, see what they do and hear about the opportunities and challenges they’re dealing with first-hand.”

“I like people to be open with me and I’m always happy to have a conversation.”

“I tend to ask lots of questions, I like open conversations and I’m not afraid to challenge when that’s useful – but equally I don’t think a new Chair needs to arrive with all the answers.”

Why Community Transport matters

One of the things Stephen is most looking forward to is seeing first-hand the difference Community Transport makes to people and communities across the UK.

“Community Transport isn’t ultimately about vehicles or getting somebody from A to B. It’s about what becomes possible because somebody can make that journey – staying independent, seeing other people, getting to work or education, attending an appointment, taking part in their community or simply avoiding isolation.”

Looking ahead

As he begins his time as Chair, Stephen sees an opportunity to build on CTA’s growing profile and influence and to ensure members’ voices and experiences continue to be heard by decision makers across the UK.

He points to CTA’s D1 campaign as a strong example of this.

“The D1 campaign is a great current example. It takes a very practical challenge facing operators and their communities, and turns it into a strong, evidence-led case for national change.”

More broadly, Stephen believes CTA has an important role in ensuring the collective voice of its members is heard in national and regional policy discussions, and in making the case for Community Transport as an essential part of the wider transport and public service landscape.

“Community Transport organisations are deeply rooted in the communities they serve. CTA has a real opportunity to bring those experiences together, amplify the voice of the sector and help influence the policies and decisions that shape its future.”

Most of all, Stephen is looking forward to getting started.

“I feel very fortunate to be taking over as chair – a custodian, if you like – of an organisation that has achieved a great deal, and I’m looking forward to getting to know people and playing my part in what comes next.”

Everyone at CTA would like to welcome Stephen to his new role as Chair.