As mentioned previously, the Group has been involved in a national trial of ‘Group sign-off’ - a method whereby an Associate having achieved a set of verified driving competencies can become a full member of IAM RoadSmart. We were one of only two Groups in the North West (Area 6) that are participating in the trial. The other was a ‘bike’ group. Mark Grove was selected as our Associate and I’m pleased to tell you that Mark achieved all the necessary competencies for ‘sign-off’ in December. Mark then decided to go a stage further and did an IAM RoadSmart member driving assessment and achieved a F1RST.

‘Group sign-off’ has led to the development of a new procedure for Associate Training. Thanks go to Area 6 Service Delivery Manager Steve Ellis who offered some constructive suggestions about how we could improve our Associate Training yet further. All Observers have received training in the new approach which will now be used for all Associates. Our new procedure and our experiences of ‘Group sign-off’ are being shared with other Groups in Area 6.

The Group has had a good start to the New Year with nine new Associates joining us. The ‘Course Introduction’ and ‘System’ evenings at the ibis hotel, Haydock were well attended. 

The group continues its involvement with the Senior Road Users Thematic Group of the Merseyside Road Safety Partnership. We have been involved with this Group for several years now and I feel we are really having a tangible impact in this important area. Thanks goes to Jim Cunliffe who has delivered most of the driving presentations.

At the other end of the age range are the ‘young drivers’ and we have substantial plans developing for engaging with these drivers, the most vulnerable of road users, for 2018 and beyond. I’ll give you more information about the plans at the time of the next newsletter.

I’d like to remind you that you can keep up-to-date on group activities by periodically checking out the What’s New and Events pages of the website. If you have suggestions about how the website can be  improved then let me know.  

Well, that’s it from me. Safe driving and good observing.

Mark Farnworth
Group Chairman