End of an era as Roger and Ashley step down

14th May 2024

Having led IAM Lincolnshire for a decade as Chair and Secretary, Roger Hicks and Ashley Behan made the decision they would stand down at the May 2024 AGM, at the beginning of the year.

At the AGM, the pair delivered a light-hearted presentation which talked through the key objectives they set the group, including running it like a small business, treating associates like customers and making a ‘positive’ about observers being volunteers.

A number of photos were shared, along with key successes which included several awards, leading the Lincoln group to become IAM Lincolnshire, being described as ‘probably the best group in the country’ by the IAM and the partnership with the Police and Crime Commissioner, Marc Jones, which saw 150 young drivers take an Advanced Driver Course.

Geoff Coughlin read a letter received from IAM RoadSmart Chair, Stuart Donald QPM. Stuart welcomed Geoff, Sarah and the new committee to their roles and wished them success.

Stuart said: “on behalf of IAM RoadSmart, I would like to thank Ashley and Roger for being essential volunteers who have led the team and made IAM Lincolnshire one of the most impactful charities in the country. I have known them for years and admire their energy and enthusiasm for IAM RoadSmart and what we stand for. They complement each other’s strengths and inspire other volunteers to strengthen the team and take pride in making Lincolnshire’s roads safer.”

10 years in numbers

• 480 Advanced Driver Courses sold
• 420 test passes - including 50 test passes in one year three times
• Over 30 test passes in each of the covid-19 years
• 50 safer driving presentations delivered
• 50 test passes each for Roger and Ashley
• 500 free taster drivers
• 20 observers coached through their National Observer qualification

Richard Gladman, Chief Examiner at IAM RoadSmart, attended the AGM and delivered a short thanks to the pair who he described as a ‘formidable team’.

Roger and Ashley said: “We’d like to thank everyone for their support over the last 10 years. We set out to grow the charity and widen its reach across Lincolnshire, spreading the road safety message and we’re delighted to have been part of achieving that.”

“We’d like to thank everyone who has played a part and our members for their support. We couldn’t have done it without working closely together as a pair and we’ve enjoyed what we do - there has hardly been a week over the last 10 years when we haven’t spoken at least once over the phone! We’ll miss working together but now is the right time for fresh ideas and we know the future is in good hands.”