Our people make IAM RoadSmart the organisation it is today. Without the hard work of the Board, our CEO, Senior Leadership Team, and all employees across the country, we could not achieve our vision of improving the safety of UK roads. Click below to learn more about the people who help to keep IAM RoadSmart at the forefront of driver and rider training.
Patron
HRH The Duke of Kent
We are delighted to have HRH The Duke of Kent as IAM RoadSmart's Patron.
For a number of years the Duke was Patron of the IAM Motoring Trust, but as this has been more fully integrated into the IAM, the Duke has agreed to extend his patronage to IAM RoadSmart.
Honorary President
Nigel Mansell
Formula 1 Racing legend Nigel Mansell was appointed IAM president in 2006. Mansell brings a lifetime of driving experience to IAM RoadSmart and joined racing drivers John Surtees, the late Graham Hill, Sir Stirling Moss and motorcyclist Geoff Duke who have all passed their IAM RoadSmart test.
"I believe driving expertise isn't just for the race track. My grandfather always told me that it is no good lying on a hospital bed saying 'But I had the right of way'. That is why drivers and riders can gain so much from preparing for their IAM RoadSmart test. I was honoured to take the Presidency of such a well regarded organisation and I hope that we can inform and educate more drivers and riders than ever before."
Young Rider Training Ambassador
Ben Schooling
I'm a 22-year-old police officer for Surrey Police by day and a Young Riding Ambassador for my local club, Wey Valley Advanced Motorcyclists in Surrey in my free time. I began riding on my 17th birthday, having developed a passion at a young age for riding a pillion with my Dad.
I ride a BMW S1000XR currently and represent IAM RoadSmart as the Young Ambassador focusing on the training and recruitment for younger riders. I ride daily and absolutely love covering miles on the bike. I've been fortunate enough to gain both my National Observer and Masters recently, and hope to use this to drive the next generation of bikers into the Advanced training program.
Outside of training, I enjoy social rides around the country or taking the evening off to play ice hockey at my local rink. I understand the challenges younger riders face and hope to be a point of contact for those considering improving their riding.
Independent Road Safety Advisor
Meera Naran, MBE
Meera is an independent road safety campaigner who has personally experienced tragedy and loss on UK roads. Since, she has used her voice and drawn on her own experience, to help lobby the government on key campaigns that will improve safer roads for all, including Smart Motorways, changes to the Highway Code around motorway driving, with further focus on Vision Zero, to eliminate road traffic fatalities and serious injuries.
We’re thrilled that Meera has joined us as an Independent Road Safety Advisor, and we are hopeful that together, we can make a difference to improve UK roads safer for all.
A quote from Meera: “I came to campaigning after the loss of my son Dev in a road traffic collision. I’m proud to be working with IAM RoadSmart and hope together we can make a difference.”
Group and Community Ambassador
Des Shillingford
I’m Finance Director for an Academy Trust, and Chair for the Chelmsford Advanced Motorists Group. I was asked to consider an ambassador role with IAM RoadSmart and, further, to attend a group Autumn Forum meeting in Duxford 2022.
I’m a family man with 2 boys – Matthew and Harry, one of whom is learning to drive. My passion is, safe, fun driving, and I hope in my role as ambassador that I will be able to persuade people of the value that safe driving can bring, and also how it develops peace of mind and enables other things like leisure and social, to include weekends away and trips with friends. My aspiration in this role is to ‘bang the drum’ around sensible, responsible driving and encourage all to review their personal driving skill set.
Out of my road safety commitments and passion, I am also Chair of Governors for a local school and enjoy fixing mobility scooters for another charity.
IAM RoadSmart Ambassador
Katrina Lowe
My passion for motorcycling and driving started at an early age, passing my moped test at the age of 16 and my car test at 17. I joined the Metropolitan Police, aged 17 as a full-time police cadet in 1983, then as a constable in 1984. I was a Traffic Officer for 17 years, during which time I gained my Advanced Class 1 qualifications for both car and motorcycle. I was also qualified as a Collision Investigator and Advanced Vehicle Examiner.
My passion for riding and driving, as well as helping others to become safer riders and drivers has continued to grow over the years, as has my ever-expanding fleet of vehicles! The most recent addition is an electric motorcycle (Zero SR-F), which has opened my eyes to a whole new generation of vehicles and their capabilities and has become my bike of choice, as long as I’m not going too far!
I became the Area Service Delivery Manager for the South-East Region in July 2022. This experience has enhanced my skills, which I hope will enable me to add value going forward, as a volunteer Examiner, Masters mentor, and NOA for both cars and motorcycles. I look forward to continuing to represent IAM RoadSmart as a volunteer and in my new role as IAM RoadSmart Brand Ambassador.
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Young Campaigning Ambassador
Sophie Lyden
I am a depot manager of my family's Garage based in the beautiful town of Morecambe. My journey in the automotive industry has shaped my passion for road safety and my commitment to making our roads safer today and for generations to come.
Every day, I witness a wide array of vehicles passing through my garage, and it's disheartening to see how many of them are neglected and unsafe. This realization propelled me to take action. Through my active presence on social media, I've made it my mission to provide informative and practical advice to help people stay safe on the roads. My social media channels serve as a platform where I share insights, tips, and guidance to empower individuals with the knowledge they need to make safer choices behind the wheel.
Whether it's maintenance tips, driving advice, or updates on road safety initiatives, I'm dedicated to ensuring that everyone has access to the information they need to protect themselves and others on our roads. I believe that by working together and raising awareness, we can make a significant impact on road safety. So, join me in this important journey towards safer roads, where every trip is a safer one. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter and more secure future on our streets.
Chairman
Stuart Donald QPM
Vice Chair
Nick Stein
Our Chairman supports the IAM RoadSmart vision. They play a key role in shaping the strategy, vision and purpose of IAM RoadSmart along with their fellow Council members.
Trustees
'Our Trustees bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the IAM RoadSmart Board. All our Trustees are volunteers and dedicate their time to ensure the charity receives it mission.'
Nick Lomas
Nick is Director General of the Caravan and Motorhome Club (formerly The Caravan Club) and has held that position since 2010. Nick is an elected board member of the UK Tourism Alliance, the representative body of the UK tourism industry. He is also a member of the FIA (International Automobile Federation) Region 1 management council guiding the mobility, advocacy and road safety work of the organisation.
Sarah Whiteside-Jones
Sarah is Head of Membership and External Affairs at the Institute of the Motor Industry. Sarah has worked in the membership sector for 16 years and has held senior positions since 2015. Sarah is passionate about education, membership and helping organisations deliver great member value by placing member needs at the heart of the organisation.
Victoria Milford
Victoria is the Founder of Reward Heads, an independent consultancy specialising in Retail, Hospitality and Voluntary sectors. Victoria joined at the end of 2022 as Trustee and Chair of our Remuneration Committee with oversight of People and Reward. She is passionate about ensuring people are rewarded, informed, and motivated in the most appropriate way to deliver organisational objectives effectively.
Tom Kelman
Tom joined us in 2022 and brings with him over 40 years’ experience as a Scottish Chartered Accountant. He has held several posts in his career as FD and Corporate Services, and now wishes to spend the final stage of his professional career ensuring businesses and charities have sustainable business models. He is passionate about trust, integrity, and prudence.
Angela Bell
Angela has a long-standing relationship with IAM Roadsmart. She took her advanced driving test in 1996 and quickly became an Observer and committee member with her local Group. She went on to become Group Chair before taking on the role of Regional Groups Co-ordinator, a voluntary role and continued to exist in Northern Ireland until more recently. She is a National Observer, a member of the Regional Training Team, and a Masters mentor, having passed the Masters test with distinction.
Mark Armitage
Mark joined The Institute of the Motor Industry (The IMI) in 2015, initially leading the UK business development team, before moving roles in 2017 to lead the external quality and assessment department. He is now the Group Commercial Director for Autotech Group, a specialised group of companies providing employers with talent and technology solutions, including multiple areas.
Rupert Newman
Rupert currently runs his own coaching & consulting business, but prior to that he worked for 27 years in senior leadership & Board Director roles for a number of businesses across the food & healthcare sectors. He has been a member of the IAM since 2021 & is also a volunteer Bloodbiker in his spare time. Rupert is passionate about helping people & organisations simplify how they do what they do, so that they can deliver a great job for their customers & Members.
Mark Powell
Mark has extensive international experience in multiple areas. He held senior positions with Fujitsu/ICL, Ernst and Young, BPP Professional Education, and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and has over ten years’ experience as a Trustee with organisations in the not-for-profit sector. Mark is a firm believer in the benefits of education and training in developing individuals and organisations and now volunteers his time in this space, including being an IAM National Observer.
Policy and
Standards Director
Nick Lyes
Policy
Advisor
Neil Greig
Chief Executive Officer
Antony Kildare
Antony is a highly experienced and accomplished Chief Executive and senior business leader who has worked extensively in economic development, business investment, enterprise innovation, complex infrastructure and regeneration programmes, in health, social care, education, children’s services and community and neighbourhood development projects across the UK and Europe.
He has a strong commercial background and over twenty-five years’ experience in building collaborative relationships, partnerships, joint ventures and special purpose companies with public, private and not for profit clients and stakeholders to deliver performance improvement, organisational change, restructuring and business transformation.
He has also held a number of non-executive chair and trustee roles during his career. Antony’s previous appointments include CEO, board and senior executive roles in regional development, healthcare, leisure, professional services, education, charities and a period at the Department of Trade and Industry. Tony said;
‘I am delighted and privileged to join IAM RoadSmart, the leading national charity for road safety. It has a dedicated team and an impressive history and record of success in keeping people of all ages safe on Britain’s roads. There has never been a more important time to encourage, train and support drivers and motorcyclists.'
People & Culture
Director
Nicola Smith
Nicola joined IAM RoadSmart in December 2017 and brings a wealth of HR experience from sectors including defence, engineering, financial services, and retail. She led the achievement of the Investors in People silver award in 2020 and her aim is to ensure IAM RoadSmart is a high-performing employer who attracts, develops, and retains capable and talented people.
Finance
Director
Andrew McLachrie
With a strong financial background as a professional accountant, Andrew held a number of roles within large corporations ranging from Nortel Networks, Tesco, and EE developing his commercial skills alongside his finance skills. Transferring those skills into the NFP sector over 10 years ago, Andrew continues to combine the rigour and integrity required in finance leadership roles whilst applying a balanced commercial and performance-driven approach.
Policy & Standards
Director
Nick Lyes
Nick joined the team in August 2023 and has over 15 years’ experience in policy, media and public affairs. He most recently spent 9 years at the RAC overseeing campaigns on fuel, smart motorways and road safety. Nick is leading the policy directorate to turbocharge its campaigns, strategically placing it at the heart of Government policy making to support drivers.
Marketing & Communications Director
Kat Hyde
Having joined in 2021, Kat brings over 20 years’ marketing experience working in education and membership sectors. She has previously worked for Pearson and The Institute of the Motor Industry, and is now leading the marketing team to modernise and improve our delivery to support members and Groups, whilst helping to drive the strategic direction of the charity.
Executive Assistant &
Office Manager
Susan Abery
Susan joined IAM RoadSmart in 2020 and is the Executive Assistant and Office Manager, providing support to our CEO and SLT. She oversees the day-to-day smooth running of the office, along with HR support to colleagues. She has over 20 years’ experience in various office roles across different sectors, making her a key part of our team.
IAM RoadSmart
Chief
Examiner
Richard Gladman
Richard joined IAM RoadSmart as a member in 2004 whilst still enjoying his career in the Police as a driver and rider trainer. He then became an employee in 2014 after retiring from his full time role at the Metropolitan Police Motor Driving School, and since has become our Chief Examiner. Richard is responsible for maintaining our on-road standards and ensuring our ASDM team is on message across the UK.
Alongside this, he ensures that the organisation and the skills of its drivers and riders stays up to date. Outside of the office, Richard is a self-proclaimed petrol head and can often be found travelling up and down the country, at our various skills day events and presenting to our groups at their meetings.
Head of
Field Service
Delivery
Amanda Smith
Amanda's journey with IAM RoadSmart began in 2003 when she started volunteering for the organisation, which led her to become a full-time employee in 2011. She now holds the position of Head of Field Service Delivery, overseeing the entire ASDM team. Before, Amanda's professional experience was with Sussex Police, where she served as a Traffic Officer.
Having spent over two decades working in road safety, Amanda has become an invaluable member of the IAM RoadSmart community. Her passion for the cause is evident in her love for working with other volunteers, and she considers it to be the best part of her job. With her expertise and commitment, Amanda continues to make a significant contribution towards making our roads safer for all.
Regional Service Delivery Team Manager - South West
Shaun Cronin
Shaun has recently celebrated 7 years with IAM RoadSmart and looks after the South West England region. Many of you may have already met him at one of our Skills Days, which he has helped organise for over 5 years. Shaun has also had the pleasure of taking national treasure Mary Berry out for her Mature Driver Review, which of course included cake!
Shaun served with Dorset Police for 30 years and spent nearly 20 years within Traffic as an advanced driver and rider. As a Traffic Inspector, he was responsible for managing investigations into complex and fatal road traffic collisions. He was also a Police Search Advisor and Security Coordinator which involved the planning and delivery of numerous major security events.
Area Service Delivery Manager - South East England
Stuart Haythorn
Stuart completed 30 years in the Police as a firearms officer before moving to the Roads Policing Unit. Whilst still serving, he joined IAM RoadSmart and worked his way to Chief Observer within his local group. Stuart completed his Masters whilst with the group and was then invited to become an Examiner and Masters Mentor.
Stuart was previously the ASDM for Region 2 returning to the role after a year travelling with his wife and labradoodle in their campervan. Stuart feels great to be back working with the staff and volunteers of the UK's leading road safety charity, sharing his passion with enthusiasts, united in their desire to develop skills and make our roads safer.
Area Service Delivery Manager - East England
and Anglia
Peter Doherty
Pete has been with IAM RoadSmart for 25 years and brings a host of experience. Starting off as an Observer for his local group, he then went on to be an Examiner, before becoming a full-time Area Service Delivery Manager. Pete previously worked for the police for 30 years and spent his final years as a car and bike instructor at the police driving school.
Pete looks after the East Central England and Anglia region and loves that his hobby has turned into this full-time role, where he can meet a diverse community of like-minded people who have the same goal of safer riding and driving.
Area Service Delivery Manager - West England/South Wales
Robbie Downing
Robbie has been part of the IAM RoadSmart community since 1988, and since that time he has worked as a Car and Motorcycle Examiner and Staff Examiner, before coming an Area Service Delivery Manager in 2017.
For just shy of 40 years Robbie worked with Avon and Somerset Police either on Roads Policing or with the Driver Training Unit as a Car and Motorcycle Trainer. During the lockdown, he returned to Driver Training Unit for 6 weeks and trained two new motorcycle trainers. Robbie feels that his role gives him the chance to use his driving and motorcycle knowledge to help others develop their skills.
Area Service Delivery
Manager - North East
England
Steve Ellis
Steve has been with IAM RoadSmart since 2017 and supports the local groups across North East England. Having worked for the police, Steve was a qualified Road Death Investigator for the Yorkshire Roads Policing Department where he was involved in overseeing the implementation of SMART Motorway. With Steve’s knowledge and experience, he saw joining IAM RoadSmart as a natural progression so he could play a key part in improving driving and riding standards.
Within this role, he feels he can both help and motivate individuals to become better drivers and riders, helping to make our roads safer.
Area Service Delivery
Manager - North Wales and North West England
David Cox
David joined IAM RoadSmart in 2023, looking after Area 6, North Wales, and North West England. David served with Cheshire Police for 30 years with almost 26 years of involvement in Roads Policing within divisional and area traffic units amongst others.
David has a passion for improving riding and driving standards and has been actively involved with IAM RoadSmart for many years. David has volunteered in many positions with South Cheshire Advanced Motorcyclists. He has also previously been a rider and rider assessor for Shropshire, Staffordshire, and Cheshire Blood Bikes. David is looking forward to bringing this experience to his role as ASDM and to making our roads safer with IAM RoadSmart.
Area Service Delivery Manager - Northern, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Scott Tulip
Scott has been a part of the IAM RoadSmart community since 1993, before becoming an Examiner in 2012 and then an ASDM in 2017 where he looks after the Northern, Scotland and Northern Ireland region.
Scott served 30 years in the Metropolitan Police and holds advanced awards in Accident Investigation, Vehicle Examination and Tachograph Calibration. He served as a Collision Investigator and was also a Police Instructor at Hendon Driving School for 9 years. He enjoys long motorcycle trips around his region, but as well as the fantastic countryside, he gets to meet the fantastic people and volunteers who support IAM RoadSmart.
