Emma Partlow Appointed as New CEO of the National Centre for Accessible Transport

The National Centre for Accessible Transport (ncat) has announced the appointment of Emma Partlow as its new Chief Executive Officer.

This leadership change comes at a significant time as the organisation continues its work to improve access to transport for disabled people across the UK.

Emma joins ncat from her position as Director of Engagement and Policy at Transreport, where she played a key role in advancing inclusive transport technologies and strategies on a global scale. Her career has been defined by a strong commitment to accessibility and inclusion, with particular emphasis on embedding the voices and experiences of disabled people in transport decision-making.

Named one of the UK’s most influential Disabled People in the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 (2024), Emma brings both personal insight and policy expertise to the role. Her leadership style reflects a deep understanding of the legislative and practical frameworks needed to support meaningful change in the transport sector.

About the National Centre for Accessible Transport (ncat)

ncat was established to tackle the persistent barriers disabled people face when accessing the UK’s transport systems. Funded by the Motability Foundation, the centre is hosted by Coventry University and brings together a consortium of partners including:

• Coventry University’s Research Centre for Future Transport and Cities

• Designability

• Connected Places Catapult

• Research Institute for Disabled Consumers (RiDC)

• Policy Connect

  
  

The centre is the first of its kind in the UK, bringing together academic research, policy development, industry expertise, and lived experience to shape a more inclusive future for transport. ncat focuses on:

• Co-produced research: Working directly with disabled people to identify problems and develop practical solutions.

• Evidence-led policy influence: Using research findings to inform national and local transport policy.

• Systemic change: Addressing the root causes of inaccessibility rather than offering short-term fixes.

• Cross-sector collaboration: Engaging with government, transport operators, manufacturers, and advocacy groups.

  
  

The centre’s mission is to ensure that accessible transport becomes standard practice, not a specialist afterthought. It aims to influence every part of the transport ecosystem—from planning and infrastructure to service delivery and user experience.

A Vision for Inclusive Transport

In her first statement as incoming CEO, Emma Partlow said:

“I’m honoured to step into the role of CEO at ncat at such a crucial moment for inclusive transport. I’m committed to working with our partners, funders, and communities to make accessibility a core principle in the way transport is designed and delivered. Through collaborative research and data-driven insight, ncat will continue to influence policy and practice, helping build a transport system that works for everyone.”