The UK industry network that works to improve gender diversity, inclusion and career opportunities in transport, Women in Bus and Coach, has opened nominations for its third annual awards.

These include a new category created in honour of the organisation’s founder, Louise Cheeseman OBE, recognising those driving equality, diversity and inclusion across the transport sector.

The awards will be presented during the Women in Bus and Coach Annual Summit in Birmingham this October, which will once again be supported by BT as summit sponsor. The organisation says the awards are designed to celebrate the exceptional contributions and achievements of women working across the bus, coach and community transport industries.

The Louise Cheeseman OBE Better Together Award, sponsored by Arriva recognises individuals, teams, depots or organisations that champion equality, diversity and inclusion while delivering positive change through collaboration.

The awards programme also includes categories for Best Woman in Bus, sponsored by Metroline; Best Woman in Coach, sponsored by CPT UK; Best Woman in Community Transport; the Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill Ally Award, sponsored by the Go-Ahead Group; and the Rising Star Award, sponsored by Albatross Travel. One of the winners from the three “Best Woman” categories will also be named Woman of the Year, sponsored by MCV.

“These awards aim to recognise excellence across every part of the sector while highlighting the importance of supporting and developing the next generation of transport professionals,” explained the organisation’s Chair, Laura Hadzik.  “The new Better Together Award also reinforces the organisation’s focus on building inclusive workplaces and encouraging collaboration across the industry”.

Nominations are now open, with entries closing at 6pm on Friday 10 July. Further information and nomination details are available through the Women in Bus and Coach awards website.

(Logo: WIBC)