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.”

The 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.

The event was attended by staff and managers from all nationwide assessment centres along with board members, educational specialists and guest speakers. The comprehensive agenda involved a variety of topical presentations and discussions focusing on developments within Driving Mobility and the accessible driving sector as a whole.

Strengthening Existing Services and Developing New Centres

Driving Mobility Chief Executive, Edward Trewhella, provided a compelling update regarding the charity’s business strategy and how it focuses on strengthening existing services and developing new centres. This presentation was followed by a series of speakers from within the organisation outlining current educational initiatives, operational standards and assessment training. The morning session came to a close once AGM formalities were completed and new board members were voted in – Alan Norton (Independent), Phil North (OT), Laura Holly (ADI), Ann Frye (Independent) and Anne O’Shea (OT/Cornwall Board).

External Speakers

The afternoon programme was equally as rewarding for all attendees. Driving Mobility welcomed a series of external speakers so that the latest developments and challenges within accessible driving and driver assessment could be highlighted. Guests included Owain Read from Motability; Jon Quinn from Research Institute for Disabled Consumers; Dr Paul Donaghy, Academic Clinical Lecturer, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University; and Kim Morgan, Assistant Director Specialist and Elective Services, Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust.

The final slot of the day involved a fascinating presentation from Ann Frye, recently appointed board member and highly experienced inclusive transport specialist. She outlined the latest initiatives in public transport accessibility and how individuals can remain independent if driving is no longer possible. Colin Barnett, Driving Mobility Chair, successfully summarised the day’s achievements and brought proceedings to a close.

Edward Trewhella concludes: “A really interesting day was had by all and it was really positive to see senior representation and participation from DVLA, Motability, DVSA and the Department for Transport.”