Please introduce yourself
"My name is Bryony Evens, I'm an Active Travel Coordinator and I’ve been at TfGM for more than 7 years."
How have you seen things changed and how does your role contribute towards the changes?
"I came across from GMCA when Active Travel became a priority for the Mayor, and worked with Active Travel Commissioner when he was setting up the team at TfGM.
"Under the Network Director – Active Travel, the team has expanded and is now part of the Operations directorate as a mode, alongside tram, bus, rail etc.
"I act as PA for Rich and also business support for the whole wider team. I ensure that the priorities of the current Active Travel Commissioner are reported monthly and organise meetings, events and systems for the wider team, including planning site visits to look at work being delivered around Greater Manchester."
How have you felt supported in your role at TfGM?
"Since being employed by TfGM, rather than GMCA, I’ve really enjoyed having the travel pass benefits – on a very wet day, if I get a puncture or if I’m just working late, I can put my bike on the train to get home.
"I have also joined in with/started a number of cross-organisational networks, for example the fundraising committee and the admin chat, which are great for getting to know other colleagues around TfGM."
What is your proudest achievement in your role at TfGM?
"Organising, with Active Travel England, a conference in Manchester this April for 140 active travel professionals from around Greater Manchester. The day included 4 site visits which I also planned, organised and helped to lead."
Are there opportunities for development and learning you have taken advantage of?
"I’ve been doing Microsoft training but can’t always retain all the information which is given in the sessions. It would be great if we had a peer-learning support network to follow up on questions arising from using the software we all have access to. Maybe I’ll set one up?!"
What piece of advice would you give to people applying for opportunities with TfGM?
"We’re a huge organisation and your skills will be appreciated in ways you perhaps haven’t pictured yet.
"Make sure you join in with after work socials and cross-organisational networks/events, and definitely chat to people in the kitchen at the office. It’s a great way to find out about all the opportunities for personal and career growth.
"My skills are in admin, so I could use them in any team around the organisation – however, as my passion is active travel advocacy, it’s great to be working on a topic I love. Your skills and interests may lead you elsewhere in the organisation from where you entered it!"
What do you love the most about serving our communities in Greater Manchester?
"Active Travel is very much part of the solution to many problems in GM – health, road congestion, finances, equality etc.
"Supporting all the work my team do to develop new ways for people to walk, wheel and cycle more is absolutely key to the growth of Greater Manchester. It feels like essential work."
Are you a member of any of the many networks at TfGM?
It’s great to be an ally for the Neurodiverse Network – recognising our own working styles and being able to express our needs and have them met is a great step forward for the organisation, whatever our backgrounds are."