Partlow is ncat’s new chief executive

The National Centre for Accessible Transport (ncat) has appointed Emma Partlow as new Chief Executive Officer.

Partlow was previously Director of Engagement and Policy at tech company Transreport, where she played a central role in developing inclusive transport solutions globally. 

She has devoted her career to enhancing travel experiences for disabled people, and was named among the UK’s most influential Disabled People in the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 (2024). 

Keith Richards, Chair of the ncat Board, said: “Emma’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for ncat. Her deep understanding of the barriers people face when trying to access transport, and her proven ability to build partnerships across sectors will be invaluable as we continue to work with all our stakeholders to collectively push for transport systems that are inclusive for everyone.”

ncat says is committed to commissioning its own high-quality research, as well as gathering and compiling evidence from a very broad range of sources. This evidence, it says, highlights the barriers that people face, and by convening and enabling key stakeholders and decision-making across Government, industry, and society to work together to remove those barriers. The centre says its vision is to inform future disability and transport strategy, policy, and practice, contributing to a barrier-free transport system. 

Emma Partlow said: “I look forward to working closely with our partners, funders, and communities to ensure that accessibility is embedded as a foundation, not an afterthought in the design and delivery of transport services and solutions. Through co-produced research and evidence-led approaches, ncat will continue to shape industry decision-making and drive lasting, systemic change." 

ncat is funded by the Motability Foundation, a charity that invests in support, transport programmes and research which are critical to giving disabled people in the UK the ability to get around.