Our Mission

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.

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The Role

We have opportunity for a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to join us to lead the Centre’s strategic initiatives on behalf of the consortium. As CEO, you will be a champion for 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 lead, you will be responsible for the development and delivery of the Board approved strategy for ncat, ensuring key milestones are met, budgets are managed, and risks are proactively addressed. You will also play a key part in developing the Centre’s plans for sustainability, beyond the initial funding term.

You will be the external ambassador of the centre, promoting our work and building authentic, credible relationships with organisations across various sectors. You will convene and work collaboratively with the ncat board, Disabled People’s Organisations (DPO’s), Consortium partners, charities, policymakers, transport operators, the Mobility Foundation, and other relevant experts to create a truly inclusive and effective approval this is central to the Centre’s strategy.

Our Successful Candidate

We are seeking a visionary leader with lived experience of disability, who brings 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 bringing diverse stakeholders  together to drive meaningful, lasting change.

As CEO you will be able to evidence substantial experience of working collaboratively with partners, stakeholders, and organisations across multiple sectors, including public, private, academic, and not-for-profit sectors. Additionally, experience working directly with Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) and support groups is highly valued.

You will be passionate about driving meaningful change for disabled people. You will also demonstrate exceptional stakeholder management skills, strategic thinking, and leadership abilities, bringing a proactive and innovative approach to the role.

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 within the fabric of our organisation and are a key focus of 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.

Full Job Description & Person Specification

Click here to view the full job description and person specification

Should you require an accessible word document version of the job description please email info@ncat.uk