Community of the Year The Driving Instructor Trainers Collective

The Driving Instructor and Trainers Collective (The DITC) are excited to accept the award for Community of the Year. This has been one of the most challenging and difficult year's in our life time and to have been recognised for our support of ADIs and PDIs across the country is humbling.

For us and many of our colleagues this COVID journey started with a video that Chris filmed in a moments realisation that he and thousands of others just didn't know. At that moment nobody had spoken out and we waited to receive guidance - some feel we are still waiting. Since then we have received 1000s of contacts who were looking for somewhere to go for information, support and guidance, but weren't sure where or how to connect.

During the pandemic the DITC contacted Insurance companies to organise support for Driving Instructors that may need to use vehicles for roles outside their usual use. A number of companies stepped up and worked with us to operate inside of the new situation.

We maintained wide reaching communications between the national associations, DVSA and the 75% of the industry that doesn't usually engage and were at risk of being out of touch.

Working with TOTUM PRO we have secured DITC members (both ADIs and PDIs) recognition as professional learners. Giving them access to £100’s of student deals and savings from McDonald's to Apple to Amazon as well as benefits at local businesses.

We would also like to acknowledge the support we have had from DVSA, ADINJC and DIA who's information we were able to draw on during these challenging months.

The DITC will continue to grow and become the premier communication and information hub for the driver training sector. We are developing opportunities for our members and information to help the wider community be better informed and united.

We thank you for your support and wish you all a successful 2021.

Chris Bensted & Ian Brett