Head of Active Travel Strategy

463758 Head of Active Travel Strategy

Department for Transport

Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 28th June 2026

📍 Location: Birmingham, Leeds (This role is suitable for hybrid working)

💷 Salary: £57,515 – A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

🕘️ Contract Type: Permanent – Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time

🏆️ Available Positions: 1

The Active Travel policy and sponsorship team is responsible for advising Ministers on the Government’s long-term vision and strategy for walking, wheeling and cycling. It is responsible for developing the Government’s report to Parliament on the outcome of the statutory second Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy (CWIS2), published in 2022, and developing and publishing a new strategy (CWIS3) in 2026. Following the publication of CWIS3, the team will manage implementation of the commitments contained within it; ensuring it delivers on the Government’s ambitions. It is also responsible for the sponsorship of Active Travel England (ATE), an executive agency of the Department, which keeps the wheels turning on active travel provision across the country, and for ensuring that the Government’s overall funding for Active Travel is used appropriately.

Active Travel attracts significant political, stakeholder and public interest and we are looking for a Grade 7 Head of Strategy to join the Active Travel team to manage the implementation of CWIS3, develop and deliver broader active travel policies, and enhance our sponsorship for ATE.

It is an exciting time to join the team, with active travel policy and sponsorship of Active Travel England sitting alongside implementation of the Government’s “Better Connected” strategy for a joined-up transport system, enabling us to think more holistically about active and integrated journeys. And more broadly, active travel is pivotal to the Government’s broader strategy for health, decarbonisation and economic growth.

Top Responsibilities

Advising Ministers and senior officials on the implementation of the third Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy (CWIS3) and broader active travel issues.
Lead CWIS3 implementation, with responsibility for establishing and chairing appropriate governance arrangements; setting delivery plans, milestones and reporting; and driving progress across multiple workstreams.
Set and shape the strategic direction on active travel policy, providing leadership and direction across DfT, ATE and wider government.
Lead an external engagement strategy (including with local authorities and non- governmental organisations), managing high-profile issues and influencing at senior levels to secure delivery outcomes.
Act as the senior sponsor for ATE, building effective partnerships, providing constructive challenge and ensuring alignment with departmental priorities and ministerial intent; escalating issues as required.
Provide strategic oversight and assurance of ATE’s work programme (including its 3-year Business Plan), ensuring strategic fit with CWIS3 and broader departmental policy and objectives.
Working flexibly across priorities as work programmes.

Benefits

Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
Access to the staff discount portal.
Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

About You

The successful candidate will have:

Experience of briefing senior officials (both in person and in writing)
Experience of programme management; and
Experience of building and managing senior stakeholder relationships to shape policy, influence decision making and secure agreement on priority work areas.

How to Apply

👉 Read the full description and apply here: https://bit.ly/4onGqxm

This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Sunday 28^th June 2026