SHAPE THE FUTURE OF THE WEST MIDLANDS
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has outlined an ambitious vision for more people across the region to choose walking and cycling as their primary modes of travel. This shift aims to create healthier, more sustainable communities, where active travel becomes a natural part of daily life. To make this vision a reality, we are appointing an Active Travel Commissioner who will lead efforts to transform how people move around the West Midlands.
The Commissioner will play a key role in building a culture of walking, wheeling, and cycling that benefits everyone, making active travel safer, more accessible, and more inclusive, no matter people's backgrounds or abilities. This is vital for fostering a more connected region where everyone can thrive through healthier lifestyle choices and reduced environmental impact.
Why Join?
This is an opportunity to contribute to something truly transformative. As Active Travel Commissioner, you’ll serve as a supportive, critical advisor to the West Midlands Mayoral Taskforce, offering strategic guidance and helping to shape impactful programmes and activities. Rather than being involved in day-to-day operations, this governance role brings the essential expertise to guide and support the successful delivery of the Taskforce’s initiatives within the set timeframe. Working closely with officers from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), the Commissioner will be a key advocate for shared mobility and active travel, aligning efforts with the goals set out in the Local Transport Plan (LTP) to create lasting change across the region.
What you will be doing
- Champion walking/wheeling and cycling, particularly for our racialised communities, those experiencing deprivation and considering gender inequalities.
- Advocate for walking, wheeling, cycling and shared mobility across the region in support of the Local Transport Plan and its aims and objectives, maintaining relationships with key stakeholders across the active travel, health, wellbeing and third sectors and working closely with the West Midlands Road Safety Strategic Group.
- Champion the WMCA's programme of active travel behaviour change activities, including promoting, visiting, and actively participating in community activities.
- Contribute towards the region's Capability Rating assessment, specifically to lead on maintaining the 'local leadership' rating. Assisting Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) officers with the formulation of an action plan to maintain and improve the WMCA's overall rating.
- Champion understanding of the needs of disabled people, promoting the need for safety, reducing barriers to access cycling as a mobility aid, and enabling those facing mobility challenges to engage more with active travel.
- Support the connection of towns and cities in the West Midlands by promoting the need for safer, easier, and more attractive shorter trips on foot/mobility aid or by bike and integrating cycling and walking/wheeling with public transport modes.
The Commissioner will play a vital role in influencing and supporting measures to achieve the strategic aim of 50% of all trips being made by walking, wheeling, cycling, or scooting by 2030. This is an opportunity to develop your organisational and management skills, build connections with community leaders and local organisations, make a tangible difference in the West Midlands community, and receive recognition for your contributions to the Taskforce's success
What will you bring to the role?
- A passion for the West Midlands and our unique place, people and history.
- Proven track record in commissioning and/or delivering similar programmes or activities.
- Strong organisational and management skills.
- Ability to work under time constraints.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- A genuine interest in community development and public service.
- Willingness to attend events and meetings outside of regular hours.
Time Commitment
It is expected that you can provide the equivalent of one day a week, in-person either at our office on Summer Lane in Birmingham or at other locations as required. This is a voluntary role which attracts an honorarium payment of £10,000 per annum.
It is expected that you can provide the equivalent of one day a week, in-person either at our office on Summer Lane in Birmingham or at other locations as required. This is a voluntary role which attracts an honorarium payment of £10,000 per annum.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to make a difference, apply now. Applications are open from 6th November until 24th November. Simply click the 'Apply' link. You will be asked to upload a CV and provide a supporting statement which should outline the skills, experience and knowledge you will bring to the position. You will be asked to type your statement into the portal directly. If you have already prepared a supporting statement, then you can simply copy and paste this directly into the application form.
We look forward to seeing how you can help make a lasting difference.
