Case study: Colchester City Council has been awarded a ‘Very Good’ Modeshift STARS Accreditation for 2025
Introduction
Colchester City Council has been awarded a ‘Very Good’ Modeshift STARS Accreditation for 2025, marking a significant achievement in their commitment to sustainable travel. This success comes after a year of dedicated work led by Jade Brown, Transport & Sustainability Project Officer, and Michael Polom, Colchester Travel Plan Club Coordinator.
Jade expressed gratitude to her colleagues at Colchester City Council and the Colchester Travel Plan Club for their support, saying:
‘Achieving this accreditation has been a fantastic journey. The Modeshift STARS programme provided structure, inspiration, and a clear pathway to improving active and sustainable travel at the Council. Our initiatives have made a real difference, and I’m proud to see our progress recognised.’
The Approach
Colchester City Council has a long-standing commitment to active and sustainable travel, offering a range of benefits to encourage staff to make greener choices. These include:
- A cycle-to-work scheme with no upper cap
- 50% discounts on Colchester’s bus network
- Free Park & Ride travel for staff
- A simple but effective umbrella pool to keep walkers dry
Jade joined the Council in 2023 and began using the Modeshift STARS framework to identify impactful plans. Using travel survey data from October 2023, she explored the system’s initiative lists for inspiration and successfully delivered a variety of projects over the year. By October 2024, the Council had recorded a measurable reduction in car use among staff, helping them secure their ‘Very Good’ accreditation.
From 2023 to 2024:
- Red modes 70.4% -> 66.7%
- Amber modes 9.9% -> 12.5%
- Green modes 18.9% -> 20.1%
Michael Polom highlighted the Council’s long-term dedication to active travel:
‘Colchester Travel Plan Club has been running for 20 years. The STARS programme has provided a valuable structure, allowing us to track progress, implement new ideas, and showcase our achievements.
’
The Experience: Why Modeshift STARS?
Colchester City Council adopted Modeshift STARS for its structured approach, reporting tools, and inspiration for initiatives. Key benefits include:
- A structured framework – providing a clear roadmap for sustainable travel improvements.
- Visibility at senior levels – making progress tangible and helping secure ongoing support.
- Staff engagement – competitive elements and participation incentives have driven behaviour change.
The Council has successfully engaged staff through initiatives such as:
- Step Challenges – encouraging healthier commutes, with 75 staff participating in April and September 2024.
- Modeshift Travel Wise Week – offering free breakfasts for staff who travelled actively.
- Bike sessions – ensuring satellite sites and depots also benefit from travel initiatives.
The Results: A Positive Impact
- Achieved ‘Very Good’ accreditation under Modeshift STARS
- Measurable reduction in staff car usage
- Increased awareness and engagement in sustainable travel initiatives
Conclusion & Endorsement
Would Colchester City Council recommend Modeshift STARS? Absolutely!
‘The accreditation process helps you realise that you’re often further along than you think. The initiative lists provide valuable guidance, and travel surveys offer essential data to track progress. The programme makes a tangible difference and is a fantastic way to promote sustainable travel in any organisation.’ – Jade Brown
For organisations looking to implement or enhance their Travel Plan, Modeshift STARS provides the ideal framework to drive real change. Colchester City Council’s journey is a testament to what can be achieved through dedication, collaboration, and the right tools.
