Carole Stevens: A Trailblazer in Transport Leadership and Inclusion
Carole Stevens has established herself as a distinguished leader within the UK transport and healthcare sectors. Her impressive career reflects not only operational excellence but also a passionate commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (EDI), particularly in championing women’s participation in traditionally male-dominated industries. Through roles in renowned organisations such as Go Ahead London, First Bus, Stagecoach Group Limited, and healthcare provider Nuffield Health, Stevens has demonstrated exemplary leadership, driving significant operational improvements and fostering an inclusive culture.
This article delves into Carole Stevens’ remarkable career journey, her dedication to gender equity in transport, and her educational background, providing an in-depth perspective on her impact within the industry.
Career Highlights of Carole Stevens
Driving Operational Excellence Across Sectors
Carole Stevens has consistently delivered outstanding results in her leadership roles, whether in transport or healthcare operations. One of her most notable achievements is increasing employee engagement by 97%, from 31% to 61%, across three sites in just 15 months—a testament to her effective people management and motivational skills.
During the London 2012 Olympics, Stevens was seconded as Divisional Manager. She led the only EU division responsible for transporting the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Heads of State, and members of the Royal Family to the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. This high-profile role required meticulous planning, coordination, and execution, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure and deliver at the highest level.
Commitment to Gender Equity and Inclusion
Stevens’ passion for driving gender equity and wider inclusion is evident throughout her career. She actively encourages greater awareness of gender bias and sexism and has participated in initiatives that highlight these issues. For instance, she featured in a video for First Bus’ “Celebrate Our Differences” campaign, advocating for a more inclusive workplace culture.
Her research into the first female bus driver in Bristol led to a campaign commemorating ‘80 Years of Women at the Wheel’ by First West of England. This campaign included a recreation of a 1944 newspaper photo, window displays to promote career opportunities, and a bus wrap designed by a female university student. This initiative highlights Stevens’ commitment to recognising women’s contributions and inspiring future generations to pursue careers in transport.
Leadership in Healthcare Operations
Stevens also excelled as Head of Operations at Nuffield Health Oxford Hospital – The Manor. She successfully led a £1.2 million refurbishment of the Critical Care Unit/Post Anaesthesia Care Unit (CCU/PACU), demonstrating her project management skills in a complex healthcare environment.
Moreover, Stevens spearheaded Project SMART at Nuffield Health, which achieved approximately 50% reductions across several key metrics. This initiative contributed significant savings and increased the organisation’s Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation (EBITDA), showcasing her ability to deliver cost efficiencies while maintaining high-quality patient care.
Organisations Associated with Carole Stevens
Women in Bus and Coach (WiBC)
As Co-Chair of the London Region for Women in Bus and Coach, Carole Stevens plays a pivotal role in advocating for women within the transport industry. WiBC is a professional network dedicated to promoting gender diversity and inclusion in bus and coach sectors across the UK. Under Stevens’ leadership, the London region has launched several initiatives aimed at breaking down barriers for women, encouraging more female drivers, managers, and leaders, and fostering a supportive community.
WiBC’s activities include mentoring programmes, networking events, and campaigns that challenge outdated stereotypes about women’s roles in transport. Stevens’ active involvement amplifies the organisation’s mission to create a more balanced and inclusive industry.
Go Ahead London
Go Ahead London, part of the larger Go-Ahead Group, is one of the UK’s leading public transport providers. As General Manager of Putney Garage, Stevens oversees operations that impact thousands of daily passengers, ensuring safety, efficiency, and high service standards. Her role involves managing staff, coordinating schedules, and implementing strategies to improve service delivery.
Go Ahead London places strong emphasis on sustainability and community engagement. Stevens’ leadership aligns with these values, as she champions initiatives that foster inclusive workplaces and enhance customer experience.
First Bus
First Bus is one of the largest bus operators in the UK, committed to delivering reliable, sustainable public transport. Stevens worked as an Operations Manager for First Bus in Bristol, where she contributed to operational improvements and employee engagement initiatives. Her involvement in the “Celebrate Our Differences” campaign exemplifies the organisation’s dedication to promoting workplace diversity.
First Bus has also supported Stevens’ work on recognising women’s historic contributions to the industry, with the ‘80 Years of Women at the Wheel’ campaign highlighting progress made and opportunities ahead.
Nuffield Health
Nuffield Health is a leading healthcare provider in the UK, operating hospitals, gyms, and wellbeing centres. Stevens’ experience as Head of Operations at Nuffield Health’s Oxford Hospital reflects her versatility and ability to apply leadership skills beyond transport.
Her success in managing complex projects, improving operational efficiency, and delivering financial savings demonstrates her capability to adapt and excel in different sectors while maintaining a focus on people and quality outcomes.
Stagecoach Group Limited
Stagecoach Group Limited is a major international public transport company. Stevens spent nearly nine years with Stagecoach in various managerial roles, including Operations Manager and Divisional Manager during the London 2012 Olympics. Her extensive tenure allowed her to gain deep insight into large-scale transport operations and team leadership, laying a solid foundation for her subsequent leadership roles.
Education: The Foundation of Carole Stevens’ Success
Carole Stevens holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology and Psychology from Coventry University. This educational background provides a unique perspective that complements her operational expertise. Understanding human behaviour, social dynamics, and organisational psychology equips Stevens to engage effectively with teams, stakeholders, and customers.
Her academic training likely informs her approach to workplace inclusion, employee engagement, and leadership, underpinning her efforts to foster supportive environments where individuals can thrive.
The Importance of Leadership and Inclusion in Transport
Carole Stevens embodies the modern leader who not only drives operational excellence but also prioritises inclusion and equity. The transport industry has traditionally been male-dominated, particularly in driving and leadership roles. Leaders like Stevens challenge this status quo by advocating for women’s representation and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups.
Her work with Women in Bus and Coach and participation in public campaigns helps shift industry culture, encouraging organisations to embrace diversity as a driver of innovation and service quality. Stevens’ leadership style emphasises building strong relationships, clear communication, and pragmatic problem-solving—all essential qualities in dynamic and complex environments like transport and healthcare.
Conclusion
Carole Stevens’ career is a powerful example of how effective leadership, combined with a commitment to diversity and inclusion, can transform organisations and industries. Her achievements across multiple sectors, from transport to healthcare, illustrate the broad impact of her skills and dedication.
By fostering gender equity and challenging traditional norms, Stevens not only improves operational performance but also paves the way for future generations of women in transport. Her educational foundation in criminology and psychology complements her practical experience, making her a well-rounded and influential leader.
In the evolving landscape of UK transport and healthcare, Carole Stevens stands out as a beacon of progress, inspiring others to lead with purpose, inclusivity, and excellence.
