Road Operators Safety Council

The board have agreed in principle to move to an aggregated award scheme, instead of the current consecutive awards. This would mean that drivers who have a blameworthy accident would keep their existing accrued total up to that point and not revert back to zero as is the current rule.

Reason for comment/change: accidents could include incidents that do not involve a collision

Before any change is confirmed, the board is carrying out a feasibility study to ensure the system is workable, affordable and in line with the overall objectives of the scheme. In addition, it does not increase our members workload, and that it is supported by both operators and drivers.

What’s being proposed

• At the moment, drivers have to build up consecutive (unbroken) safe years to earn ROSCO badges.
• The board is have agreed in principle to changing this rule so badges are earned based on aggregate years instead of the current consecutive awards.
• Under a possible new system, drivers would keep the safe years they have already earned. If they had a blameworthy accident, they wouldn’t automatically lose all their progress.

What “aggregate years” means

• A driver wouldn’t lose progress if they had an ‘incident’
• As long as, over time, they build up enough collision-free years with no traffic prosecutions, they would still move on to the next badge.
• In practical terms, this means a single incident would not wipe out several years of safe driving performance.

Why no final decision has been made
Although the board has agreed in principle to explore this change, no final decision has been taken.

Before confirming any change, a feasibility study is being carried out to ensure:

• The system is technically workable
• It is affordable to administer
• It does not increase workload for members
• It is supported by both operators and drivers

What happens next

• A feasibility study is happening now
• A short feedback survey has been included in our email newsletter to members
• Survey results will be shared in April 2026

If both of these checks look positive, there will be a consultation with bus operators around May–June 2026.

• A final decision is planned for July 2026
• If approved, it could start retrospectively from January 2026

The bigger picture

The intention behind this proposal is to ensure the scheme remains fair, practical and motivating. Recognising long-term safe driving performance while maintaining the integrity and credibility of ROSCO awards. Further updates will be shared as the review progresses.

Have your say – click here to take our survey today.

Pictured Left to right: John Burch with Ruth Graham | John Miller

The Road Operators’ Safety Council (ROSCO), is pleased to announce key updates to its board, strengthening its expertise and recognising significant long-term service.

Ruth Graham appointed as a director

ROSCO is delighted to welcome Ruth Graham to the board as a director.

Ruth is a Partner at DWF Law, based in Manchester, and brings more than 30 years of specialist legal experience supporting the bus and coach industry. Since 1989, she has handled personal injury claims on behalf of operators and has represented many of the UK’s major bus and coach companies in complex claims both in the UK and overseas.

For over two decades, Ruth led the transport team at BLM and has worked closely with the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), sitting on its claims and insurance subgroup for more than 20 years. In this role, she has provided legal updates and guidance to operators, helping to shape best practice across the sector.

Recognised in The Legal 500 as a leading lawyer, Ruth’s appointment further strengthens ROSCO’s ability to support operators and drivers in navigating an increasingly complex regulatory and safety landscape.

Recognition for John Miller

ROSCO also wishes to formally recognise the outstanding contribution of John Miller, who has dedicated 23 years to supporting and promoting the recognition of professional bus drivers through the ROSCO scheme.

John’s commitment to celebrating safe driving has helped reinforce the value of professionalism and pride across the industry. His work has ensured that thousands of drivers have been recognised for collision-free performance and adherence to high standards.

Although stepping back from the role of Chair, John remains actively involved with ROSCO as a trustee, continuing to contribute his extensive knowledge and experience to the organisation’s future development.

John Burch, Chair of ROSCO, said:
“Ruth’s appointment brings significant legal expertise and sector insight to our board at an important time for public transport. At the same time, we are proud to recognise John Miller’s 23 years of dedication to the scheme. His commitment to driver recognition and professionalism has made a lasting impact across our industry.”

As ROSCO continues to evolve, these updates reflect the organisation’s ongoing commitment to strong governance, industry collaboration and maintaining the highest standards of safe driving.

ROSCO is proud to congratulate Wayne Gibbins of Arriva London, winner of the Gold ROSCO Award for Contribution to Safer Driving at the 2025 UK Bus Awards, held at the Troxy, London.

Now in its 70th year, ROSCO continues to recognise and reward the very best in safe and professional driving across the UK bus and coach industry. The Contribution to Safer Driving award celebrates outstanding efforts to promote road safety, reduce risk, and encourage innovation in driving standards.

Wayne impressed the judging panel with their clear commitment to safer driving, proactive risk awareness, and impactful leadership within their team. This dedication exemplifies the values that ROSCO has championed since 1955: professionalism, responsibility, and a commitment to passenger and public safety.

ROSCO Chair John Birch said:

“Wayne’s achievements demonstrate the kind of leadership and professionalism that keep our roads safer every day. We’re proud to honour his work, and we hope his success inspires others across the industry.”

ROSCO Deputy Chair James Carney added:

“This award reflects the spirit of our scheme, recognising people who go the extra mile to raise standards, reduce accidents and build a safety-first culture. Congratulations to Wayne and the team at Arriva London.”

Wayne was shortlisted alongside an inspiring group of finalists whose initiatives included new technologies, safety-led staff programmes, and innovative training approaches:

• Busway Lion Scheme, Grant Palmer – Awarded Silver
• Perry Avery, First Bus London – Awarded Bronze
• Specialist Passenger Solutions

A huge congratulations to all our finalists and this year’s deserving winner!

The Road Operators’ Safety Council (ROSCO) is proud to announce its sponsorship of the ROSCO Award for Contribution to Safer Driving at this year’s UK Bus Awards.

We are proud to spotlight the outstanding finalists shortlisted for the ROSCO Award for Contribution to Safer Driving at the 2025 UK Bus Awards.

The shortlist highlights the best in safety-focused professionalism from across the UK bus industry. We are thrilled to recognise the following individuals and organisations whose commitment to safety, innovation, and excellence has truly set them apart:

• Busway Lion Scheme, Grant Palmer
• Perry Avery, First Bus London
• Specialist Customer Solutions
• Wayne Gibbins, Arriva London

Now in its 70th year, ROSCO continues to champion safe driving standards across the UK bus and coach industry. As part of this commitment, ROSCO is sponsoring a category that recognises outstanding efforts in promoting safety behind the wheel.

The award will honour an organisation, operator or employee who, in the view of the judges, has made the most significant contribution to safer driving over the past year. Whether through new technology, innovative safety programmes, or improvements in vehicle operation and maintenance, the award aims to celebrate excellence in risk reduction and driver safety.

ROSCO Chairperson, John Burch said:

“As a long-standing advocate of professional and safe driving, ROSCO is delighted to support this year’s UK Bus Awards by sponsoring this vital category. Every day, thousands of drivers go above and beyond to keep passengers and road users safe. This award is our way of recognising those contributions and encouraging industry-wide progress.”

The judging panel will look for entries that clearly identify safety risks and provide tangible evidence of improvements. Sustainability and scalability of the safety measures will also be key considerations, with a focus on how they could benefit the wider industry.

ROSCO’s Deputy Chair, James Carney added:

“With around 30,000 drivers in our scheme, we see daily the professionalism and care that defines this industry. This award represents a shared goal: to build a safer, more accountable, and more respected public transport sector.”

Congratulations to this year’s finalists! We can’t wait to celebrate your achievements at the UK Bus Awards Presentation Ceremony on November 25.

The Road Operators’ Safety Council (ROSCO) was proud to celebrate its 70th Anniversary at this year’s prestigious Bus Driver of the Year (BDoY) event in Blackpool.

Founded in 1955, ROSCO has been at the forefront of promoting safe, professional driving standards across the UK bus and coach industry.

This year’s event brought together 100 of the UK’s top drivers to compete in a series of rigorous theory and driving challenges. Many of the finalists represented ROSCO member companies, underlining the organisation’s ongoing contribution to professional driver development.

ROSCO was delighted to present its own award to Nick Perry of Go North East, who not only received the ROSCO trophy but also placed an impressive second overall with 1516 points.

John Burch, Chairperson for ROSCO, reflected:
“For seven decades, ROSCO has supported bus and coach operators in rewarding safe, professional driving. Today, with the public transportation landscape evolving, ROSCO remains as relevant as ever. Helping drivers stay at the heart of a safer, more professional industry. We’re delighted to mark this anniversary alongside the very drivers who exemplify everything ROSCO stands for.”

As part of the celebrations, ROSCO hosted a display stand at the event, welcomed competitors with commemorative travel cups, and ROCSO Badges, with special edition 70^th Anniversary Badges being awarded early next year for 2025 certificates.

The anniversary milestone highlights ROSCO’s enduring mission: recognising and rewarding safe driving, while adapting to new challenges facing the industry.

Pictured: John Burch and winner of the ROSCO BDOY Award Nicky Perry

The Road Operators’ Safety Council (ROSCO), a leading charity dedicated to promoting and recognising safe driving in the bus and coach industry, is delighted to announce key changes to its Board as part of a broader strategic refresh aimed at strengthening engagement, representation, and modernisation.

These changes mark a significant moment for ROSCO, as the organisation celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2025. Since its formation in 1955, ROSCO has recognised over a million safe driving years, with around 30,000 drivers currently in the scheme and 15,000 awarded annually.

John Burch has assumed the role of Chairperson, succeeding John Miller, who remains on the board as a Director.   John brings a wealth of experience from across the UK bus industry, having spent many years working closely with operators, trade associations, and industry partners. With his deep knowledge of compliance, safety, and operator engagement, John has built a strong reputation for supporting best practice and championing high standards across the sector. His insight and connections will be invaluable as ROSCO continues to strengthen its role in promoting safe driving, professional recognition, and collaboration across the public transport industry.

We also welcome Stevie Payne, Senior Union Convener at Lothian Buses, to the Board, representing frontline operational experience and reinforcing ROSCO’s commitment to a balanced and diverse leadership team.

James Carney, Deputy Chair, continues to drive strategic development with a strong focus on industry partnerships, digital innovation, and relevance in a changing public transport landscape. With extensive experience in executive leadership, James is leading efforts to explore how ROSCO can align more closely with operator safety strategies and integrate modern tools such as telematics and behaviour-based driver development.

A renewed emphasis is being placed on improving two-way communication between ROSCO, its operator members, and their drivers. Plans are underway to revitalise the ROSCO website, improve accessibility and member engagement, and develop a dedicated LinkedIn presence. These channels will help share good news stories, safety insights, and the professionalism of ROSCO-accredited drivers, while providing a platform for collaboration and recognition.

Transport Partners will continue their role in the Administration of the scheme and will work closely with the board to ensure the continued success and development of ROSCO.

John Burch, ROSCO Chairperson, commented, “As we mark 70 years of service to the industry, ROSCO is proud to evolve and modernise while staying true to its core mission, supporting and celebrating the safety, dedication and professionalism of the UK’s bus and coach drivers.”

The Board invites industry partners, stakeholders and member companies to join them in celebrating this milestone year and shaping the next era of ROSCO’s impact on road safety.

Pictured: John Burch, Chairperson of ROSCO

2025 marks the 70^th anniversary of the launch of the safe driving awards which have been given to eligible bus and coach drivers since 1955. This year’s entrants will receive a special certificate to mark the Platinum year.

ROSCO began as an initiative of the then bus industry owners and managers, with additional support of the trade unions and professional bodies. The Confederation of Passenger Transport, Association of Local Bus Managers (ALBUM), and Unite the Union still have representatives on the ROSCO Board today.

As part of the Platinum celebrations ROSCO will continue its long standing sponsorship of the annual Bus Driver of The Year competition, which this year will be held in Blackpool on Sunday 14^th September.