We’re delighted to announce that Emma Partlow has been appointed as ncat’s new Chief Executive Officer. Emma will officially assume her role in 24th November 2025.
She joins ncat from her role as Director of Engagement and Policy at Transreport, where she played a central role in developing inclusive transport solutions globally.
Emma possesses extensive expertise in both accessibility and transport, having devoted her career to enhancing travel experiences for disabled people. She was named among the UK’s most influential Disabled People in the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 (2024) for her significant impact on the transport sector, and her leadership has driven advancements in both technology and policy to make travel more equitable.
Emma’s leadership style is characterised by a distinctive combination of personal experience and deep expertise in global policy and legislation in relation to accessibility. Throughout her career, she has championed co-production, ensuring that disabled people are central to the decision-making processes that impact their lives. By integrating her lived experience with rigorous, evidence-based research, Emma has consistently worked to dismantle systemic barriers and challenge entrenched attitudes, resulting in meaningful and measurable improvements in accessibility. Her inclusive and collaborative approach has been key to driving progress in accessible transport and influencing industry practices on a global scale.
“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.”
— Keith Richards, Chair of the ncat Board
As an evidence centre, ncat is committed to commissioning its own high-quality research, as well as gathering and compiling evidence from a very broad range of sources. Its works by explaining how the evidence highlights the barriers that people face, and by convening and enabling key stakeholders and decision-making across UK government, industry, and society to work together to remove those barriers. Its vision is to inform future disability and transport strategy, policy, and practice, contributing to a barrier-free transport system.
“I am honoured to be appointed as CEO of ncat at such a pivotal time for accessible and inclusive transport. 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.”
— Emma Partlow, Incoming CEO of ncat
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.
“The Motability Foundation believes that all disabled people should be able to make the journeys they choose, and we look forward to working closely with ncat and Emma Partlow as they gather the evidence and insight the sector needs to inform a more inclusive transport system.” —Lisa Jones, Chief Operating Officer at Motability Foundation.
We look forward to having Emma work with us.
