Join the Technical Oversight and Advisory Group (TOAG)
Can you help to enable people across England to be more active by making streets safe and accessible for walking, wheeling and cycling? Active Travel England is looking for experts from across the transport, technology and accessibility sectors to join the organisation’s new Technical Oversight and Advisory Group (TOAG). You can express an interest using this form, which asks for your CV and a personal statement. Please apply by 30 July 2025.
Purpose
The purpose of the Technical Oversight and Advisory Group (TOAG) is to:
- provide Active Travel England (ATE) with an expert external advisory group to support the development of new and improved technical products and processes (for example, supporting the development of digital systems, data analysis, guidance, procurement procedures and training materials) and an associated programme of research
- provide independent oversight and assurance of ATE’s technical products and processes, seeking opportunities for efficiencies and collaborative working
The group will have a particular focus on how ATE’s products and processes turn theory into practice with a focus on addressing the barriers people face to active travel, particularly those with protected characteristics.
The TOAG will support ATE’s objectives and in turn help meet the Government's objectives to get more people walking, wheeling and cycling.
Ways of working
The TOAG will be a collaborative and safe environment to share ideas and views. The atmosphere and culture of the group will encourage open and constructive debate and members will act in the best interests of ATE and its objectives.
The secretariat will produce high level summary of the discussion.
Members are encouraged to communicate with their networks and bring ideas and feedback to the group. ATE would like members to feel their contributions are valued, listened to and make an impact and is keen to hear ideas on how to achieve and maintain this.
Conflicts of interest must be declared with members excluding themselves from meetings/agenda items as required.
Governance and reporting
The TOAG will provide a written report to ATE’s Executive Committee (ExCo) following each meeting. The report will also be shared with the Research and Evaluation Board, Investment Board and other ATE internal boards as necessary.
ExCo will provide an update to the TOAG chair on its recommendations and any relevant priority issues where it requires advice.
Membership
Membership of the group will be the responsibility of ATE.
The group will include between eight and 16 members. Members will be appointed for an initial 2 year period.
The TOAG will decide on a Chair. This position will be reviewed annually.
ATE will select members based on the technical knowledge and skills it needs to help improve its products and processes, including (but not limited to):
- accessibility
- community engagement
- highways engineering
- traffic engineering
- research
- analysis
- data science
- digital
- town planning
- development management
- transport planning
- public transport integration
- urban design
- any other relevant skills
The membership will be drawn principally from local government, academia and transport professionals (including non governmental organisations) in approximately one third proportions.
Guests will be invited to join the group as required. A representative from Department for Transport Central (DfTc) and the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) have permanent invitation to join.
Involvement in the TOAG will be on a pro-bono basis. Travel and subsistence expenses will be paid where necessary. Meetings will generally be online, with in-person meetings as required.
ATE reserves the right to cease membership if it is felt individuals are not contributing or collaborating as set out in these terms of reference.
Meetings
The TOAG will meet at least quarterly in advance of ATE ExCo meetings. Meetings will generally be online, with in-person meetings as required. The TOAG will aim to have at least one site visit per year. Secretarial support will be provided by ATE.
Agendas and standard material
The TOAG will regularly review the forward plan of products, processes and research priorities. The group will also review existing products and processes.
The public sector equality duty will be a standing agenda item to allow consideration for relevant work areas.
The TOAG will develop a priority list of issues and opportunities where it considers actions are needed to support ATE’s objectives.
The priority list will provide an opportunity for members to collaborate, share ideas and invite guests to speak to the group. Task and finish sub-groups with a wider membership will be established as necessary.
Items may be used as part of ATE's forward plan.
ATE reserves the right to update these terms of reference when required.