IRSO – driving up the standard of road safety delivery
This month Despatch talks to Darren Divall, chairman of the Institute of Road Safety Officers (IRSO).


What is IRSO?
IRSO is a professional body for public, private and voluntary sector road safety practitioners. We’re set up as a company limited by guarantee, which means we don’t have any share capital or shareholders, but we do have a board of directors to deal with the business of the company. These report to our president, HRH Prince Michael of Kent GCVO.


What are your main objectives?
Our aim is to facilitate the continued professional development of road safety practitioners. We want to ensure that all casualty reduction interventions are based on examples of best practice and are of the highest possible quality.


How do you work?
We provide and facilitate academic and competency based training and support opportunities for practitioners working in both the public and the private sector. IRSO chairs the National Staff Training Group (NSTG) which coordinates the development and delivery of relevant training opportunities. We take a collaborative approach, and aim to bridge the gap between individual practitioners, regional networks and the national voice.


What’s on your agenda at the moment?
At the last NSTG meeting, representatives from sixteen stakeholder organisations discussed issues such as the implementation of the recently developed National Transportation Qualifications (NTQs), modular based competency and academic training, as well as the future of the EdExcel Professional Development Diploma in Accident and Safety Management.


What do members gain from joining IRSO?
IRSO can support you in your continuing professional development and as a means to keep you up to date with new initiatives aimed at saving lives and reducing road casualties. The Institute provides opportunities for members to express their views on road safety issues and facilitates direct access to experts and policy makers in all areas of road safety. IRSO holds an annual national course, comprising quality professional presentations and debates at various locations throughout the United Kingdom.


For more information about IRSO and how you can become a member go to www.irso.org.uk or contact Darren Divall at divall@itpworld.net

Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6