Transport for London’s (TfL’s) in-house public affairs professional, Jo Field, has been named as FTA Everywoman ‘Industry Champion of the Year’ for her efforts to attract and retain women in the transport sector. Field received the award for volunteering on the board of WTS, the leading professional network for women in transport, and championing TfL’s women in transport programme. She was also recognised for establishing TfL’s youth panel, volunteering as a mentor and delivering talks and social media campaigns to inspire more young people to consider careers in transport. Field joined TfL in 2007 and is Head of Campaigns, Communications and Engagement.
Commenting on her award, Jo Field said: “I’m delighted and honoured to receive the award for encouraging more women to join the transport industry. As an industry we’re keen to highlight the range of exciting careers in the sector and as a public affairs professional, there is much I can do to help.”
Together with WTS, Field has been working with Ruth Cadbury, Labour MP for Brentford and Isleworth, and a group of parliamentarians to set up the first ever all party parliamentary group (APPG) for women in transport.
The cross-party group will consider the under-representation of women, who currently make up only 18 per cent of the transport workforce. It will host a series of events in Parliament with leading industry figures to discuss how to advance women in the transport industry. The APPG will launch on 12 July with a reception in Parliament. Speakers include Commissioner for Transport for London, Mike Brown MVO.
The APPG held its inaugural annual general meeting last month, where Ruth Cadbury MP was elected as chair and Baroness Jenny Randerson, Lib Dem, was elected as vice-chair. Officers are: Angela Crawley MP, SNP; Flick Drummond MP, Conservative; Rob Flello MP, Labour; Lillian Greenwood MP, Labour; Drew Hendry MP, SNP; and Baroness Margaret Prosser, Labour.
To find out more about the APPG for women in transport or the professional network, WTS, click to email Jo Field.