June 2025 Newsletter
One Year On
This month marks one year since the formal launch of the Centre of Excellence. What a year it has been!
In just twelve months, the CoE has become a trusted hub for evidence-led learning, professional development and peer-to-peer exchange. We have published over 300 pieces of content, hosted 20 bespoke webinars, and welcomed more than 300 registered users from across the local transport sector.
Crucially, we have seen consistent engagement from Local Transport Authority (LTA) officers, from discussion forums, to live Q&As, and responses to the capability survey. This all adds huge value to the CoE.
In recognition of the collective effort, the TfSE Centre of Excellence was commended at the CIHT Awards 2025 in the Collaboration category. This is not just an accolade for TfSE, it’s a reflection of your time, insights and partnership. Whether you are a local officer, a subject matter expert, or a national stakeholder, thank you - this recognition belongs to you.
Supporting DfT’s Objectives: Tangible Progress
We’re delighted to report that the TfSE Centre of Excellence is helping deliver real, measurable improvements. Our latest capability survey shows progress across all four of the Department for Transport’s core objectives:
Developing and maintaining a pipeline of future schemes
Producing updated Local Transport Plans
Reducing the environmental impact of transport locally
Developing effective business cases to secure investment
This has been possible through delivery of support against each of these objectives such as: business case development webinar series, Carbon Assessment Playbook tool, case studies sharing best practice on LTP development, and peer to peer knowledge sharing on how best to maintain a pipeline of schemes.
In addition, capability has improved in 33 out of 35 skills areas compared to 2024. This is a huge achievement — and a strong signal that the CoE is helping build capacity and confidence across the sector. We’re ambitious for an even greater impact in 2026.
Setting the Direction for 2025/26
Thanks to your feedback, we’ve identified eight key themes for the next year, with new learning outcomes and subject matter experts already being commissioned.
Among these are:
AI in transport planning
Modelling and forecasting
Awareness of emerging technologies
Understanding national plans and policy
Improving sustainability and delivering net zero
Prioritisation of transport schemes
Network review, design, and planning
Support for buses
Each area will bring together guidance, webinars, case studies, and hands-on support through our network of in-house capability, and external experts. More details will be published in July.
Join the Forum – 9 July
We’ll be hosting an LTA-led Forum on Tuesday 9 July, bringing together LTAs to share experiences, discuss best practice, and reflect on lessons learned related to pipeline prioritisation and financial planning.
If you would like to attend, please get in touch via coe@transportforthesoutheast.org.uk