We will be holding our Annual General Meeting on 15^th September at the new flagship RDAC centre in Solihull, with limited attendees on site and national members connecting via video technology.

Due to current pandemic restrictions, our AGM schedule will be adjusted this year to ensure the maximum number of delegates can attend whilst maintaining safety. The curtailed content will focus on internal charity matters and to ensure all members are aware of our latest national initiatives. The AGM will be hosted by charity Chair and CEO of RDAC, Colin Barnett, from the recently opened RDAC headquarters at Patrick Farm Barns, Hampton in Arden.

We look forward to welcoming centre staff and highlighting topics including the annual report and plans for 2021.

Charity Driving Mobility has successfully held its Annual Conference at The University of Chester for Professionals and Practitioners to share developments and ideas regarding accessible driving and independent mobility.

Driving Mobility accredits a nationwide network of driving assessment centres that include independent charities and NHS centres – all offering professional guidance for disabled and elderly people seeking independent travel.  Service users can self-refer or are signposted via the DVLA, Motability, Police and healthcare professionals to assess ability and advise on appropriate approaches to safe driving.

The conference was attended by centre staff and managers along with board members and guest speakers representing Stakeholders and associated organisations. The agenda involved a comprehensive Driving Mobility update along with engaging presentations and panel discussions regarding accessible driving and transport as a whole.

Colin Barnett, Driving Mobility Chair, hosted the day which began with Driving Mobility Chief Executive, Edward Trewhella. His engaging AGM session was followed by a series of talks, panel discussions and interactive presentations from key stakeholders and associates including:

• Rene Claesen, President of CIECA (International Commission for Driver Testing)
• Alison Franks, Department for Transport
• John Sheridan, DVSA
• Bernie Cowper, Motability
• Sergeant Rob Heard, Older Drivers’ Forum
• John Rogers, CEO, Disability Driving Instructors

The afternoon session comprised two educational streams running simultaneously which featured the following speakers:  Hana Stewart, Christine Parr, Kirsteen Longstaff, Amanda Beck, Rachel Odell, Andrew Swain, Ros Gay, Anu Varshney, Anne O’Shea, Jon Nock, Gary Jones and Paul Gambrell.

Edward Trewhella CEO comments: “Thank you to all stakeholders, associates, supporters and Driving Mobility members for their enthusiastic contributions, especially as floods, distance and unseasonal weather challenged attendance for many. The charity fully appreciates everyone’s ongoing commitment to Driving Mobility. Together we are the national voice of accessible driving and independent mobility – this conference always reaffirms our mantra.”