A driving instructor trainer from London has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM), recognising his dedication to volunteering, road safety advocacy, and community-focused initiatives.
Sanjib Bhattacharjee, who describes receiving the award as an “incredibly humbling moment”, will be well known to those in the London Boroughs of Newham, Redbridge, and Waltham Forest, where he has been making a positive difference for the last 25 years.
Sanjib’s journey in community service began during his student years in India, where he was actively involved with the Indian Red Cross Society and other charitable organisations. As a volunteer, he helped organise eye camps, flood relief initiatives, food and medicine distribution centres, and campaigns for better roads, safer travel, and tree preservation.
After moving to the UK in 1998, he continued his commitment to community welfare. Sanjib started as a Reading Volunteer and assisted stroke patients before expanding his efforts to include organising community events and addressing local issues. During a decade working in social housing, he encouraged residents to become estate and street champions, helping to create harmonious and cooperative neighbourhoods.
In Sanjib’s professional capacity, he is proud to serve as a Trainer and Mentor for Driving Instructors with the British School of Motoring (BSM) and the AA, two of the UK’s oldest and most respected driving schools.
He guides Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) through all three stages of their qualification process, ensuring high teaching standards that contribute to safer roads.
Beyond this, Sanjib leads road safety campaigns to promote awareness and behavioural changes that make roads safer and greener. His initiatives include educating drivers on eco-safe practices to save fuel and reduce emissions, role-playing workshops to prepare individuals for unexpected hazards, and addressing critical areas such as clearer road markings, repairing potholes, and improving pedestrian crossings.
Through his ‘Connecting with Communities’ campaign, he has engaged with individuals and groups to foster a culture of safety and respect on the roads.
During National Volunteering Week, Sanjib organises events to encourage more people to take up volunteering and contribute to their communities. Topics included mental health and well-being, respecting roads and other road users, and updates to the Highway Code.
He also distributes leaflets with practical tips on eco-safe driving, covering areas such as vehicle maintenance, anticipating hazards, and planning routes efficiently.
Sanjib said: “Over the years, I have worked to inspire individuals both in the UK and internationally by sharing best practices in road safety and community engagement.
“Through forums and workshops, I have connected people from diverse backgrounds, creating opportunities to learn from each other and bring about meaningful change.
“Receiving the BEM is not just a personal achievement but a chance to inspire others to get involved in their communities and make a positive difference.”
Sanjib was invited by the Cabinet Office to attend His Majesty The King’s press conference at the Tower of London, where he discussed his journey in promoting safe driving, volunteering, and community service.
He is the first London Driving Instructor Trainer to receive the national honour while working in the role.
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