December CEO Blog

Introducing our Strategic Plan 2025–2028

This month marks an important moment for the Road Victims Trust as we publish our new Strategic Plan 2025–2028. It is the most prevention-focused plan we have ever produced. While our core purpose remains the same – providing specialist, compassionate, long-term support to people who have been bereaved or traumatised by fatal and life-changing road collisions – this new plan recognises something fundamental: the safest collision is the one that never happens.

To read the strategic plan, please follow this link:  https://rvtrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Strategic-Plan-2025-2028-FINAL.pdf

Insights from the PACTS Conference

On 20th November, I attended the PACTS Changing Behaviours conference. The speakers were wide-ranging, insightful and, at times, challenging. One particular presentation from Dr Elizabeth Box struck a chord. Her research demonstrates that fear + information is not an effective way to influence driver behaviour. People already know the rules: don’t speed, don’t use a mobile phone while driving, don’t drive under the influence, wear your seatbelt. And yet, despite this knowledge, people continue to take risks.

“Fear + information does not change behaviour. Meaningful interventions do.”
— Dr Elizabeth Box

Dr Box’s message was clear: the biggest impact comes from interventions that support and shape real-world behaviour, not from messages that simply warn of consequences.

What This Means for RVT

Her presentation made me reflect on the social media content we at RVT produce – often emotive, often grounded in the real loss and trauma we see every day. While these stories are important, they may not always be the most effective tools in helping prevent collisions.

Our new strategic plan responds directly to that challenge. It sets out a stronger ambition to work with police, local authorities, public-health teams and safer-roads partnerships to contribute to prevention, alongside our established post-collision care.

Our Ongoing Commitment

At the same time, we remain steadfast in our purpose: to stand beside families, individuals and communities who are facing the darkest moments of their lives. Our role is both compassionate and practical, and it is one we perform with deep commitment and care.

Looking Ahead

As we approach the end of the year, I am immensely proud of my team, our volunteers and the partners who support us. The new strategy gives us a clear and confident direction for the next three years.

Festive Wishes

As we head into the festive season, I want to send my very best wishes to everyone connected with RVT. This can be a mixed time of year for many, especially for those we support, and I’m always mindful of that. I hope you’re all able to take a bit of a breather and spend time with the people who matter most. Wishing you a happy, healthy festive period — and all the very best for 2026.

Best wishes

Paul