Award-winning training sets new standard for vision impairment awareness in public transport
A ground-breaking training initiative for bus and coach drivers has been honoured with a prestigious award, the BCoE Collaboration Award, at the Bus Centre of Excellence Conference in Portsmouth, marking a major milestone in accessibility and inclusion.
The award was presented to Thomas Pocklington Trust and Sight Loss Councils, in partnership with the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), Brighton & Hove Buses and Bus Users UK, for their co-produced training programme ‘Vision Impairment Awareness for Bus Drivers’.
This is the first-ever vision impairment awareness training to be officially approved by both CPT and DVSA as meeting Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC) standards. With CPT members operating 95% of local bus services and 60% of coach services across the UK, the training has the potential to reach thousands of drivers nationwide.
SLC’s Lauren and Dave holding the award and certificate
Created with the lived experiences of blind and partially sighted volunteers, the training includes three impactful videos narrated by Paralympic Gold Medallist Lora Fachie OBE, a former Sight Loss Council member. The project was developed in collaboration with Brighton & Hove Buses as part of the #MakeBusesAccessible campaign.
Jen Sweeney, Corporate Engagement Manager, who co-ordinated the project said:
“This award is a testament to the power of collaboration and lived experience. We’re proud to have created something that not only raises awareness but will genuinely improve journeys for blind and partially sighted passengers across the country.”
The award presentation fittingly concluded Catch the Bus Month on Tuesday 23 September 2025, celebrating efforts to make public transport more inclusive for all.
Publication date: 15 October 2025