CTA’s Scotland Conference 2026: Fair Funding

Thank you for joining us! Scroll down for today’s agenda. 

As we look ahead to the future of Community Transport in Scotland, our Manifesto for the 2026 Scottish Election sets out the key priorities we’re calling for from the next Scottish Government. Read our manifesto, here.

Agenda

9.30am

Doors Open

9.30am – 10.00am

Registration, Networking & Refreshments

10.00am – 10.05am

Welcome

10.05am – 10.15am

Opening Remarks

David Kelly, Scotland Director and Head of Policy & Campaigns, CTA 

10.15am – 10.45am In Conversation: The Future of Funding

Dr Victoria Armstrong, Chief Executive, CTA

Dani-Clare De’ath, Transport Solutions Manager, Motability Foundation 

Jason Henderson, Policy and Public Affairs Officer, SCVO 

Scotland’s funding landscape is changing. Inflation, rising demand and growing need are fuelling an increasingly competitive environment. Some funders are experimenting with greater flexibility, while others are applying stronger conditionality thanks to concerns about low pay, inclusion and the environment. 

In the face of these trends, what could the future of funding look like for Community Transport? How are funders changing their approaches? And, with a new era beginning at Holyrood after May’s election, how might political priorities change too? 

CTA’s Chief Executive, Victoria Armstrong, will be in conversation with leading voices from funding and advocacy. Motability Foundation has been a major backer of our sector in recent years, investing millions of pounds into Community Transport services. Meanwhile, SCVO has been leading a campaign for Fair Funding for all of Scotland’s vibrant voluntary sector.

10.45am – 12.00pm Meet the Funders (and Refreshments)

Motability Foundation 
Social Investment Scotland 
The National Lottery 
The Hospital Saturday Fund 
Firstport 
Energy Saving Trust 
Scottish Community Alliance 
Transport Scotland

This networking session offers an invaluable opportunity to connect face-to-face with potential funders from across Scotland – from large to small, from national to local, from governmental to independent, from grants to interest-free loans. It is designed to give you the chance to:

  • Learn about funders, their strategies and their priorities 
  • Identify live and upcoming funding opportunities
  • Discuss how to apply and develop strong bids
  • Test your ideas with prospective backers 

Each of our funders will be based at a different table in the Great Hall. The session will be made up of 5 rounds of up to 15 minutes. After the end of each round, you can rotate to a new table for a conversation with a new funder.

12:00pm – 1.00pm Breakouts

Breakout #1 – Public Sector Partnerships: Getting Tender Ready 

The Great Hall 

Lara Henderson, Development Manager, CTA 

TBC, Supplier Development Programme 

Scotland’s public procurement landscape can be complex and challenging to navigate. Local, non-profit groups who could add significant value, often feel excluded, as our Making Scotland Healthier report found with NHS Boards. But there are platforms and services out there which could make the difference, creating opportunities to not just compete for but win public contracts.

This breakout will prepare you to tender for public contracts with a practical introduction to the Supplier Development Programme and public sector procurement. You’ll discover the free training, support and events on offer, understand current priorities around sustainable procurement and leave with top tips on getting tender ready.

Breakout #2 – More Than a Minibus: Purchasing (and Leasing) Vehicles 

The Studio 

Nicola Mitchell, Development Manager, CTA 

Susan Dever, CEO, Coalfield Community Transport 

Buying (or leasing) a vehicle is an exciting milestone for any Community Transport operator. But it also comes with significant responsibility. Whether you’re investing funds from hard-won grants, contracts or fundraising efforts, making the right choice is crucial. With funding at a premium, it’s more important to ensure you get the best value for money. 

This breakout will introduce you to CTA’s new Vehicle Purchasing Guide (and our upcoming Vehicle Leasing Guide), which draws on the expertise and insights of our experienced members and trusted affiliates. You’ll learn about our comprehensive framework, hear an experienced operator’s ‘top tips’ and leave with the tools you need to navigate the process confidently.

Breakout #3 – They Work For You: Influencing your New MSPs 

The Wesley Room 

David Kelly, Scotland Director and Head of Policy & Campaigns, CTA 

Sandra McCrory, CEO, Larkhall and District Volunteer Group 

Scotland has a new Parliament with a whole new generation of MSPs elected to Holyrood for the very first time. With so many fresh faces in power, now is the perfect moment to start turning your community’s elected representative into a local ally and a national champion of you and your work. From shaping policy and amending legislation to lobbying for funding, they could be critical advocates. 

This breakout will focus on how to influence your new MSPs. You’ll get copies of CTA’s Manifesto for the next five years, test strategies for building relationships with politicians and leave feeling inspired ahead of Community Transport Week 2026.

1.00pm – 1.45pm

Lunch & Networking

1:45pm – 2.15pm

Ministerial Address and Q&A

Stephen Flynn MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, Scottish Government

2:15pm – 3.15pm Meet the Affiliates (and Refreshments)

Business Choice Direct and WRS Insurance Brokers 
EVM UK 
GowringsVersa Mobility 
Marshall Leasing 
Mellor & Treka 
Minibus Options 
North East Transport Training 
PHVC Minibus Leasing & Fleet Suppliers 
Rivervale Minibus 
Trek Group 
Wider Thinking 

This networking session offers an invaluable opportunity to connect face-to-face with CTA’s Commercial Affiliates from across the UK – from vehicle suppliers and insurance brokers, to fuel card partners and training providers. 

It is designed to help you to:

  • Learn about products and services available from trusted suppliers
  • Save money by identifying discounts and offers for CTA members
  • Make more informed decisions by discussing your needs and potential options with prospective suppliers

 Each of our affiliates will be based at a different table in the Great Hall. The session will be made up of 4 rounds of up to 15 minutes. After the end of each round, you can rotate to a new table for a conversation with a new affiliate.

3.15pm – 3.30pm

Thank you

Stephen Stolliday, Trustee and Treasurer, CTA

3:30pm – 4.00pm

Networking

4.00pm

Close