ConneCTing England Conference 2025 Agenda
The conference sessions are part of CTA’s England Deep Dive programme, which focuses on the key challenges and opportunities for Community Transport across England. Find out more and sign up for project updates here.
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Please find the slides from the event linked to the relevant agenda session below.
Welcome and Opening
Victoria Armstrong, CEO, CTA
Perspectives in Partnership: Government and Operator Insights Session Slides
Panel with:
Sharon Payne, Transport East
Simon Barnett, Suffolk County Council
Jane Evison, East Yorkshire Community Transport
Chris Parkinson, Transport for West Midlands
This opening panel explores how government and operators can work together to strengthen community transport. We’ll hear national, regional, and local perspectives, with a focus on replicable approaches that build effective partnerships.
Research on Transport Challenges for Disabled Young People Session Slides
Nick Mills, Deputy Head of Research, CTA
An update on CTA’s “Creating Connections” project, funded by the Motability Foundation, which explores how community transport can better support disabled children and young people.
The Future of Community Bus Routes Session Slides
Hear from CTA on the role of community bus services. The session will highlight early findings from CTA’s new research, the use of Section 22 permits, and how these services are filling gaps in rural areas.
Caroline Whitney, CTA
Tim Christian, Ealing Community Transport
Driving Sustainability: Rethinking Volunteer Car Schemes (No slides)
Workshop session
Volunteer car schemes make up a large part of the sector, but face challenges around recruitment, funding, and sustainability. This interactive workshop is a chance to share experiences and contribute to CTA’s research on future-proofing these vital services.
Harnessing Corporate Social Responsibility for Community Transport Session Slides
Jade Mitchell, Development Officer and Chanelle Dwyer, National Development Manager, CTA
Explore how community transport can engage with corporate social responsibility to unlock funding, volunteering, and resources that benefit local services.
Accelerating EV Adoption Session Slides
Workshop session
An interactive session looking at barriers and opportunities for community transport organisations making the switch to electric vehicles. We’ll explore policy, funding, and innovative practice.
Unlocking the Value of Group Hire Services Session Slides
Workshop session
Merton Community Transport share how Group Hire supports their local planning and delivery. This workshop also launches CTA’s new Deep Dive research into how more operators might adopt this model.
Funding Futures: Unlocking Support for Community Transport Session Slides
Three perspectives on how community transport operators can access sustainable funding and diversify income.
Panel chaired by Caroline Whitney, CTA, with:
Ruba Aljarf, Motability Foundation– updates on the Community Transport Grant
Oliver Asha, Make A Will Online – the potential of legacy giving
Becky Coleman, Easy Fundraising – raising funds through everyday shopping
Closing Remarks
Alan Jones, Chair, CTA
If you have any feedback about the day, we'd love to hear it. Please complete our short feedback form, or you can reach out to us directly at england@ctauk.org