Current job title
Head of People & Development
What does your current job involve?
As Head of People and Development, I lead Supertram's people strategy and have responsibility for HR, internal communications, learning and development, and IT. It's a broad role that spans everything from workforce planning, employee relations and organisational change, to leadership development and ensuring we have the systems and skills needed to support the business.
What's the best thing about your job?
The variety each day brings and the ability to make a meaningful impact. In my role I'm privileged to work with people from across all areas of the organisation, which gives me a broad perspective and keeps every day different. My role allows me to influence how we develop as a business, whether that's through supporting our people, shaping change or improving the way we work. One of the most rewarding aspects is seeing progress over time and knowing you've played a part in delivering positive outcomes for our people.
How did you become involved in the transport industry?
It was something of a happy accident! I first joined the industry in April 2024 when I joined Supertram, as the organisation was first making the transition back into public ownership. It was such a unique opportunity to come on board and has been a real eye-opener.
What do you like about working in transport?
What I've come to appreciate most is the breadth and complexity of the sector. As passengers, we often only see the end product, but there is so much that goes into delivering safe, reliable and accessible services every day.
Speaking as somebody who works for an operator, I love the role transport plays in supporting communities and enabling economic and social mobility. We connect people to jobs, education, healthcare, family and friends, and that gives us an important insight into the wider needs of the city and the communities we serve.
What are you most proud of?
On a personal level, I’m proud of the role I play in championing equality, diversity and inclusion within our organisation, and in creating opportunities for these perspectives to be heard.
This has required resilience and conviction at times, and has shaped how I approach my role - being consistent in raising challenges, making recommendations for change, and ensuring inclusion remains part of everyday conversations at the forefront of our minds, not just a stated value. With this, inclusion forms part of our ongoing organisational strategy and remains a clear priority for us as a leadership team.
Why did you join Women in Transport?
I initially became involved with Women in Transport through Supertram's corporate membership; we joined as an organisation because the WiT missions and values so closely align with our own. We're passionate about being a progressive employer and about building a more diverse and inclusive workforce, which can be challenging in our sector.
Not long after joining, the opportunity to become the Yorkshire Regional Lead came up; I had already been really inspired by everything I'd seen and heard from Women in Transport, and it felt like a natural next step to get more actively involved. It was a great opportunity to contribute to the amazing work already being driven forward, while also connecting with and supporting others across my local region.
What is your role at Women in Transport?
Regional Lead (Yorkshire)
What do you enjoy most about being part of Women in Transport?
Without a doubt, it's the people. Women in Transport has been one of the most friendly and welcoming networks I've been part of, and I've made some great connections along the way so far. I've had the opportunity to meet people from across the industry, learn about the incredible work they're doing, and pick up ideas and perspectives that I can bring back into my own world.
There's a genuine desire to make a difference and help move the industry forward. It's a supportive community, but one that's also focused on creating real change, which makes being part of it so rewarding.
Annual membership for Women in Transport is £60, providing access to professional development and networking opportunities. Corporate packages are available; for inquiries, please email us or visit our website.
Our partnership packages are a flexible and accessible way to support Women in Transport and your organization's equity, diversity, and inclusion objectives. Learn more about our partnership opportunities here and contact us if you would like a meeting to discuss how we can work together.
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