News

We are looking to recruit a new Chair to steer the next phase of the organisation’s work to enhance the region’s transport to improve journeys, economic growth, job opportunities, social inclusion and overall life chances for our communities in a carbon free and sustainable way for millions of people across the region.

Current Chair, Cllr Kevin Bentley, Leader of Essex County Council has confirmed he will stand down once a successor has been found. Kevin worked with political colleagues across the region to establish Transport East and has been instrumental to establishing the organisation as the East’s voice on strategic transport issues, regionally and nationally. His leadership has set the foundations for this new and exciting chapter of the partnership’s journey.

We bring together the East’s local authorities of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock with national groups including Department for Transport (DfT), National Highways and Network Rail. Working through and with Transport East, this partnership provides a single voice to encourage inward investment and influence policy making to improve journeys for people and businesses, now and in the future.

Our priorities include working towards net zero transport by 2040, better connecting Eastern towns and cities in a fast-growing region, enhancing connections for rural and coastal communities and assuring our international ports and airports are well connected to support the regional and UK economy.

The successful applicant will champion our collective regional transport strategy, which has been endorsed by all five transport authorities and has received recognition from the DfT. Supported by a forum of elected members and a small business team, the new Chair will support the effective delivery of our strategic priorities to promote the needs of Transport East and our communities and partners.

We have already taken big steps to support the region’s transport and meet future demands on roads, rail, buses, active travel and more to enable a thriving region. Successfully advocating for the Ely and Haughley rail upgrades, making the case for major road scheme improvements and launching a Rural Mobility Centre of Excellence are a few examples of what the organisation has achieved to date.

Outgoing Chair of Transport East Cllr Kevin Bentley, said:

“I’m immensely proud of Transport East and what it’s delivered for the East since 2018. Our vision is to encourage a thriving economy for the East, with fast, reliable and resilient transport infrastructure to support sustainable growth for decades to come.

“It’s been a privilege to lead Transport East at the start of its journey. The East has so much to offer, and the next Chair must be passionate about making the region a thriving place for people and business and understand the vital role transport has in delivering this vision.”

Andrew Summers, Transport East’s Chief Executive, said:

“On behalf of our Forum and wider team, I’d like to thank Kevin for his valued commitment and guidance since becoming Chair. His passion for the East has strengthened our position as the regional transport body to deliver a vast number of transport initiatives, helping Transport East to meet its vision.

“Our next Chair must be equally committed to making the region a place to invest in. They must be willing to advocate for the best transport projects and innovations that help us overcome identified challenges, and be committed to our priorities to decarbonise transport, better connect our towns and cities, energise rural and coastal areas and ensure our international gateways are well connected to the rest of the UK.”

Interested applicants can find more details by searching for Transport East, here: https://execroles.penna.com/