Coventry University Group is a global education group with a mission of Creating Better Futures. Driven by our passion and belief that through education, equity, and innovation our students, people, and communities are empowered to transform their lives and the world around them.
In 2023, the UK’s first National Centre for Accessible Transport (ncat) was established at Coventry University, supported by £20 million over seven years from the Motability Foundation. Its mission is to close the transport accessibility gap by generating robust evidence and placing disabled people at the heart of all research and decision-making. ncat combines subject matter expertise with a deep respect for lived experience, working collaboratively with Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs), charities, industry, and policymakers to drive meaningful change.
Led by Coventry University, ncat is a partnership of six organisations: Connected Places Catapult, Designability, Policy Connect, the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers, and WSP. Each partner contributes unique skills and insights, creating a strong foundation for evidence-based improvements to the transport system that benefit everyone.
The Role
We have an opportunity for a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the Centre’s strategic initiatives on behalf of the consortium. As CEO, you will champion accessibility in transport, advocating for the work, ethos, and values of the centre. Leading the core operational ncat team at the University and representing the consortium as the lead, you will develop and deliver the Board-approved strategy for ncat, ensuring key milestones are met, budgets are managed, and risks are proactively addressed. You will also contribute to developing the Centre’s sustainability plans beyond the initial funding period.
You will serve as the external ambassador of the centre, promoting our work and building credible relationships with organisations across sectors. You will work collaboratively with the ncat board, Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs), consortium partners, charities, policymakers, transport operators, the Mobility Foundation, and other relevant experts to ensure an inclusive and effective approach aligned with the Centre’s strategy.
Our Successful Candidate
We seek a visionary leader with lived experience of disability, who has an authentic understanding of the social and economic challenges faced by disabled people in the UK. The ideal candidate will be skilled in building relationships and uniting diverse stakeholders to drive meaningful, lasting change.
The candidate should have substantial experience working collaboratively with partners, stakeholders, and organizations across public, private, academic, and not-for-profit sectors. Experience working directly with Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) and support groups is highly valued.
You will be passionate about creating positive change for disabled people and demonstrate exceptional stakeholder management, strategic thinking, and leadership skills, with a proactive and innovative approach.
The Benefits
Along with a competitive salary, we offer an industry-leading Rewards and Benefits package including:
* Excellent Employers Pension Contribution
* 38 days Annual leave plus Bank Holidays
* New Holiday Purchase Scheme
* BUPA Cash Plan
* 50% off Tuition Fees for staff dependants
* CU Reward Scheme – Discounts across a range of High Street/Online Retailers
* Cycle To Work scheme
Our Culture
As a global Education Group, equality, diversity, and inclusion are embedded in our organisation and are key to our core values. We harness the power and potential of the diverse cultures, backgrounds, abilities, and experiences of our students, colleagues, and partners to create opportunities for all.
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