Our Team

Kathleen started her journey in Community Transport (CT) over 30 years ago. Her CT career began in 1989 at a Central London Community Transport setting up a Women's Safe Transport Scheme. Kathleen then moved on to trouble shoot and set up a One-Stop Shop for Group and Individual Transport Bookings for groups based in Camden.

Leading on from there, in 1996 Kathleen became the London Development Officer for the Community Transport Association UK where she played a vital role in the start-up of several Community Transport Organisations across London.

Following on from the CTA, Kathleen spent three years as Director, building a small brand new CT in an outer London borough.

Keen to be part of a larger outfit with an entrepreneurial ethos, she joined Westway CT as Deputy Director in June 2006.

In February 2019, Kathleen began her role as Westway CT's new CEO, leading Westway CT forward into its next exciting chapter.

Ryan joined Westway CT in May 2019 and has over ten years’ experience working in the local community - for both the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea local council and EPIC CIC.

Ryan played a vital role in securing funding from the NHS for several new initiatives for residents in RBKC by being able to identify where their needs were not met, he then designed, led and managed new projects such as mental health support and work with disabled young people.

Motivated by a passion for improving people’s lives, and experienced in community engagement, leadership and social enterprise management; Ryan is excited to be working with the team, and assisting the CEO in leading Westway CT into its next phase.

Hailing from New Zealand, Carol has worked in the not-for- profit sector in the U.K for over twenty years, at one time running a specialised mail-order housing bookshop. Carol has also been a Finance Manager for various charities that offered services as diverse as training and employment advice, drugs crisis intervention and rehabilitation. Carol's last role before joining our team was managing the finances of a legal centre in central London.

Anna has been with Westway CT for over ten years and initially started as a bookings officer for the Social Car Scheme. She went on to develop and set up a Shopper Scheme in Westminster, a Health Plus Bus and a Mobility Scooter pilot project in Kensington & Chelsea, and more recently, a training project to get long term unemployed people in North Kensington back into work and a Health Link transport scheme in Westminster. Anna has also been involved in the setting up of Green CT Cars, Westway CT’s income generating Private Hire venture, and she is also responsible for Westway CT’s Transport for Health contracts. After leaving university and before working in Community Transport, Anna worked in the music industry.

Lee has worked in the road transport industry for over 21 years.

He joined Westway CT in March 2003 and, as Operations Manager, he is responsible for the management of Transport, Training and Fleet operations at Westway CT.

Russell joined Westway CT in 2002 as a Bookings Co-ordinator for Group Transport Services.

In 2005 Russell was seconded for 6 months as the Co-ordinator for the ‘Out & About’ Mobility Scooter Scheme. He later returned to Group Transport Services as the Group Transport Services Manager.

Russell is now the new Resources Manager, responsible for the IT, Premises, Suppliers and Human Resources Management, as well as day-to-day support to the CEO and her deputy.

Kevin Foster has been working at Westway CT since 2010 and joined the Management Team in June 2018.

Kevin began his journey with Westway CT as a minibus driver and in 2011 became a Westway CT Trainer; delivering MiDAS and PCV Training for 7 years. Now the Fleet Manager, Kevin is responsible for the safety and upkeep of our fleet of around 60 vehicles.

Colin Simmons was elected Chair of the Management Committee at the 2017 AGM.

Colin and has been involved within the community of Kensington & Chelsea since 1983 and became a member of the Westway CT Management Committee when we were formally known as KCCT (Kensington & Chelsea Community Transport).

Colin was the Play Service Manager in RBKC from 1990 - 2016. Since the recent outsourcing of the Play Service, Colin now works for local charity ‘P3’, who provide play solutions for local children.

“I have been involved in community transport and children’s services since KCCT/Westway CT began. It is indeed a great honour to be a member of such a dynamic organisation that really does serve all aspects of our local community. I have been a member of the MC since the early days and my previous role within the MC was the Chair of the Westway Group Transport Services Sub-Committee which links to the main MC on matters relating to minibus services.

I am pleased to be chairing an amazing organisation and working with a great group of people from my fellow trustees, management, staff team and volunteers that work across the community helping with all aspects of transport and I am looking forward to continuing the great work and new transport opportunities as they arise”.

Chas has been a member of the Management Committee since 2009, and Treasurer of the Society since 2011.

Originally trained as a Transport Engineer and Economist, Chas believes that the work of Westway CT supports his lifelong belief that helping people to get to the places they need to go, helps them to gain/retain independence and enhances their quality of life. As an Executive Coach and consultant with over 30 years consulting experience helping organisations in the public, private and voluntary sectors to develop strategy and drive implementation, he has worked closely with Directors and specialist groups to help them to identify how they want their organisations to change, and how to deliver the change in a cost-effective way. Now semi-retired, he enjoys Gardening, singing in the Community Choir and playing a few rounds of bad golf.

Pepe Francis is a founder member of the Westway CT Management Committee as is the longest standing trustee.

Pepe has been involved in the steel band art form for over 50 years and is a member of several steel band associations; currently the president of The British Association of Steel Bands and Director of Ebony Steel Band Trust.

Pepe received the Queen’s Award for his voluntary work in the wider community and the Mayor’s Award for his voluntary contribution in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea.

Pepe was awarded an MBE by the Queen in her birthday honours list for his work in the Steel Pan Community in the UK and in Europe.

Elizabeth has been Management Committee Member for many years and is also a user of Westway CT's services and therefore has a 'user's view' when it comes to making overall decisions for Westway CT.

Mark is a member of Westway CT’s Management Committee.

Chris is a member of Westway CT’s Management Committee.

William is a member of Westway CT’s Management Committee.

Elspeth was nominated to join the Westway CT Management Committee at the 2018 AGM.

Philippa Middleton began her journey with Westway CT as a Volunteer Driver for the Volunteer Cars Service and still donates one day a week, to drive our members where they need to go. Philippa, also known as Pippa, was voted onto the MC at the 2018 AGM.

Iain is from Glasgow, has a degree in Chemistry and started his career in the world of investment banking working for Goldman Sachs in New York, before moving to London. He has over 15 years’ experience of working in the charity sector and is motivated by the deep held belief that everyone should be afforded the same opportunities in life regardless of their background or personal circumstances. His passion for the third sector began when he joined the then fledgling charity, Teach First, as one of its first 12 members. He cut his teeth in the world of fundraising at Age Concern England eventually heading up the national Corporate Partnerships team at Age UK. With several senior roles in-between, Iain is now hugely excited to have returned to a charity that promotes a positive approach to later life, in his role as CEO of Open Age.

Ximena is a new member of the Management Committee and joined in September 2018. Ximena has experience working within the Kensington & Chelsea community for over 9 years. As part of Age UK K&C team, Ximena works hard to combat loneliness and isolation and making a difference in the community. Ximena has a degree in Business Administration and a Masters in Human resources as well as over 10 years’ experience in Finance.