This double-headed presentation will explore the changing landscape facing the road safety profession, while highlighting practical measures and opportunities that can provide confidence and optimism for the future of road safety service delivery.

Nicola Foster, Chair of Road Safety GB, will examine the key challenges and opportunities facing the road safety sector as we approach 2027. Drawing on her national perspective, as well as her experience working at partnership level through her significant contribution to the Safer Essex Roads Partnership, Nicola will consider the wider environment in which road safety professionals are operating and what this means for the future of the sector.

James Gibson, Executive Director of Road Safety GB, will then build on this context by reflecting on the successes and achievements of Road Safety GB in recent years. He will set out how the organisation can support its members and subscribers to respond to the challenges ahead, take advantage of emerging opportunities, and continue to thrive in the vital work of improving road safety and reducing casualties.

Together, the two elements of the presentation will provide both a clear view of where the profession is heading and a practical perspective on how Road Safety GB can help its members and the wider sector strengthen road safety delivery for the future.

Nicola Foster, Chair, Road Safety GB

Nicola Foster was appointed chair of Road Safety GB in November 2025, having previously served as vice-chair.

As the chair of the Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP), Nicola is leading the charge for Vision Zero and the safe system approach in Essex (which includes Southend and Thurrock).

Her role involves inviting partners to ‘do more’ and review traditional processes and culture whilst, as the Group Manager for road safety, she is in the position of having to respond to those challenges on behalf of Essex Highways.

Nicola started her highways training more than 35 years ago as a technician. She is a Fellow of the IHE and holds a Masters in Road Safety Engineering.

James Gibson, Executive Director, Road Safety GB

James Gibson took up the post of Executive Director of Road Safety GB in March 2022.

James has worked in the road safety profession for more than 20 years, in both local government and the police.

He joined Road Safety GB from Leicestershire County Council where he most recently held a management role overseeing road safety, sustainable travel, public rights of way and passenger transport information and provision.

James previously held the post of director of communications for Road Safety GB, on a voluntary basis, between 2009 and 2015. As a national spokesperson he undertook many media interviews on a wide range of road safety topics.

In his current role, James manages the charitable side of Road Safety GB’s work, reporting to the charity’s board of trustees, and the business/trading side which is conducted through RSGB International.