We make better drivers and riders

VOLUNTEERS DRIVING ROAD SAFETY

Welcome to IAM RoadSmart, where our volunteers are the lifeblood of what we do. Without them, we simply wouldn't be able to achieve our mission of making roads safer for everyone in the UK. Our courses are run by dedicated volunteers who have a real passion for road safety, and they work tirelessly to make this passion a reality.

Why do people volunteer with us? Firstly, it helps to prevent on-road incidents in their local area, giving them the chance to contribute to their community and make a real difference. Secondly, our volunteers form strong bonds and friendships with like-minded people who share the same goal of making our roads safer.

At IAM RoadSmart, we offer a range of different roles for our volunteers, including group Chairpersons, Observers, and Examiners. There are also other roles available, such as running websites and social media accounts, photography, first aid, and acting as ambassadors for the cause.

WHY VOLUNTEER?

Volunteering with IAM RoadSmart can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience for those who have a passion for road safety and helping others. Whether you're an experienced driver or rider, or simply want to contribute to a worthy cause, volunteering with IAM RoadSmart can be an enriching and enjoyable experience…

 

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BE A FORCE FOR GOOD

Help deliver against a purpose to educate and upskill people in road safety

 

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BE PART OF AN ACTIVE COMMUNITY

Work towards the same goal, with a shared passion in a community of 70,000 members

 

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MAKE FRIENDS AND HAVE FUN

Take part in regional social events through your local group

 

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SHARE YOUR EXPERTISE

Share your knowledge with members and 5,000 other volunteers

 

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GIVE SOMETHING BACK

Feel fulfilled and give back to society


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SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Whatever your skill set, there’s a volunteering role for you, either on the road or behind the scenes

 

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ENJOY DRIVING AND RIDING

Share the enjoyment you get from being on the road with like-minded peers in your local community

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HOW YOU CAN VOLUNTEER

If you're passionate about road safety and want to play an active role in reducing accidents and promoting responsible driving, volunteering with IAM RoadSmart can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. In this section, we'll explore some of the ways you can contribute your time, skills, and knowledge.

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Group Official

Becoming a Group official with IAM RoadSmart offers a chance to make a real difference in road safety and contribute to the community. Roles include Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer and with flexible commitments, anyone can join this community of passionate volunteers and contribute their skills.

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Observer

One of the most rewarding roles you can take on as a volunteer is becoming an Observer. In this role, you will provide one-to-one observed drives or rides, playing a vital part in helping Associates pass their Advanced test. It's a great feeling when they succeed, knowing that you have made a meaningful contribution to their success.

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Events Coordinator

Roles such as Events Coordinator are vital to IAM RoadSmart Groups. Event Coordinators will often plan out an events calendar, manage bookings, and ensure that the right people turn up at the right place for an event. Groups attend events at their own discretion, but often find they're great places for meeting new drivers and riders.

  • Masters Mentors
  • Chief Observers
  • National Observer Assessors
  • Skills Day Instructors
  • Webmaster
  • Associate secretary
  • Membership secretary
  • Young driver/rider ambassador
  • Social media/Marketing
  • Newsletter editor & Comms - Photographer
  • GDPR manager
  • Safer Roads Partnership/PCC liaison
  • IT co-ordinator
  • Events co-ordinator
  • Meet and Greeters
  • Mental Health First Aiders
  • First Aiders
  • Associate/Observer welfare officer/manager
  • Group Ride Leader
  • Group Ride Team
  • Observer Training
  • Team member
  • Group contact
  • IMI contact
  • Outreach Team
  • Presenters & co-ordinators

 

VOLUNTEER HALL OF FAME

Volunteers are at the heart of IAM RoadSmart. Below we explore some of the volunteering 'royalty' - people who have gone above and beyond in their volunteering role to help us achieve our mission of safer roads for all. Do you know an exceptional volunteer? Nominate them for our hall of fame using the "Nominate someone" button below.

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Zak

Zak tells his story of being a serving special constable who attended road traffic collisions on a regular basis to becoming a volunteer for IAM RoadSmart.

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Graham

From starting his Advanced Riding course to being diagnosed with prostate cancer, Graham became a Blood Biker as a way to payback for the lifesaving treatment he received.

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NOMINATE

We’re always on the lookout for volunteers to feature in our hall of fame. If you know an outstanding volunteer for IAM RoadSmart, nominate them using the form below.

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Barbara

Barbara is the unsung hero of our local group, she arranges the Observers and Associates each month with almost military precision. She is also the group secretary and puts in numerous hours of her own time. Considering that she doesn't ride, her efforts are amazing and very much should be recognised. Without her, the group would be in chaos!

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Clive

Clive personally upholds excellent standards concerning his driving and conduct. He is incredibly dedicated and does an amazing job passing his knowledge on to his Associates. Clive is a Master's mentor who supported me in achieving a distinction.

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Paul

As Chief Bike Observer, Paul is a dedicated member of the group without whom little would progress. Always with the best in mind for Associates and Observers alike, he wants the best from all, for the benefit of all. The hardest working member (as far as I can see) of the Shropshire Advanced Motorist and Motorcycle Group I know! Top chap!

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Howard

Howard enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a Police Officer with Humberside Police from 1979 until his retirement in 2007.

In 1983 Howard joined Humberside Roads Policing Department serving as a Police Driver and Motorcyclist. Between 1991 and 2001 Howard was an integral part of a new and unique Special Motorcycle Operations Unit within Humberside Police, where Howard qualified as a Roads Death Investigator as well as providing several specialist roles such as escorts for diplomats and the Royal Family, as well as Humberside Police Motorcycle Instructor.

Howard originally joined IAM RoadSmart in 1990, when he became a Hull & East Riding Group committee member. In 1994 Howard was persuaded to take on the role of IAM RoadSmart Car and Motorcycle Examiner, a role he has continued to enjoy until his recent retirement in 2024. During his 30 years of dedicated service to IAM RoadSmart as a Car and Motorcycle Examiner, Howard has conducted in the region of 500 car and motorcycle assessments, including the IAM RoadSmart Advanced Motorcycle test of our very own Stuart Donald.

IAM RoadSmart would like to thank Howard for all his hard work and dedication to our charity.

 

 

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Mark

Mark has been my mentor since I joined HERTS & BEDS ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS. I cannot emphasise enough on Mark's single-minded dedication to improving the riding skills of his mentees.

He has been volunteering for many years and has trained countless bikers. He is always available with advice and tips on how to improve your riding. 90 minutes of ride means 90 minutes of solid riding followed by a pre and post-ride brief. He makes the session enjoyable and I always look forward to a ride with him, away from the limelight he has been doing a lot of work in keeping Britain's roads safe.

If anyone deserves to be in the Hall of Fame it has to be Mark Lawrence of HBAM.

Volunteer Digital Badge

 

Show off your volunteer status and download our badge today.

 

STAFF VOLUNTEERING

Many IAM RoadSmart staff members are passionate about supporting causes beyond road safety and dedicate their personal time to volunteering for organisations and initiatives they care about. From environmental conservation to social justice, IAM RoadSmart staff bring their skills and enthusiasm to a range of important causes in their communities.

 

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Chloe – Compliance and Governance Manager

My children and I volunteer for St Albans Action for Homeless. There are food provisions for the homeless in St Albans, with each person receiving a hot dinner, dessert, and drink and a packed lunch for the next day. The photo is of me and my children, we made 23 lasagnes and garlic breads, plus 2 different types of cake for dessert, plus a bottle of drink each.

 

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Susan – Executive Assistant & Office Manager

As the Chair of the PTA at my children's primary school, I'm responsible for organizing fundraising events throughout the academic year. We recently completed a successful project to install a large play frame in the playground, which has been a hit with the children.

We organize present stalls for Mother's Day, Father's Day, and Christmas, giving the children the chance to purchase gifts for their loved ones. Initially, I served as the Secretary and later took over as Chair after relaunching post-Covid. Finding volunteers for each event can be challenging, but seeing the children's excitement and joy makes it all worthwhile.

 

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Hayley – Corporate Communications Manager

I volunteer one Sunday each month to support a local charity, The Welbeloved Club, based in Bishop’s Stortford and Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire. The charity provides lunch for those over 65 who are experiencing social isolation and loneliness. The Welbeloved Club gives members the opportunity to make friends and leave the house on what can be the loneliest day of the week, to enjoy lunch and meet others within their community. I am really proud to be part of such a worthwhile local cause

 

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Nicola – People & Culture Director

I currently volunteer at a women’s running club in Hatfield. Last year I put myself forward for a position on their committee and this year I have become Co-Chair. I have been doing an online programme about committees and becoming an effective chair, I have been doing this online every Monday evening since January and am pleased to say this is now complete and I am now fully recognised Chair.

My running journey first started in 2011 when I was working away from home. Being stuck in a hotel and eating badly, I needed something to occupy my time and mind. I ran on my own for a number of years until in 2017 I came across the running club which I now Co-Chair via Facebook and I plucked up the courage and went along to a few sessions. The club is informal and made up of ladies of all ages, shapes, and sizes and from all walks of life but with one thing in common – a love of running. During lockdown, I became a running leader that is a formal qualification with UK Athletics to help keep the other ladies motivated, this running club was one of the things that kept me sane! The group started doing parkrun when we were allowed to in 2021, it’s now part of my Saturday routine and I’ve completed 75 in total! Parkrun can only happen with volunteers so I try to marshal once a month and I even volunteer when I can on Sundays at junior parkrun, the children are amazing and so quick!