DRIVING STANDARDS AGENCY - NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE

27 Jul 2005 10:15 AM

The Department for Transport today announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive for the Driving Standards Agency (DSA). The appointment follows an open competition.

Rosemary Thew, West Midlands Field Director for Jobcentre Plus since 2001, will take up the appointment at the end of September. Rosemary is a career civil servant whose previous roles have included management, policy and project work in the field of employment. Prior to the establishment of Jobcentre Plus she was Regional Director of the Employment Service. Rosemary succeeds Gary Austin, Chief Executive of the DSA since 2000.

Welcoming the appointment, Stephen Ladyman MP, Minister for Transport said:

"I am delighted that Rosemary Thew will bring her extensive experience and record of delivery to the Agency and will lead it through the major challenges it faces over the years ahead. The DSA has enjoyed a track record of success under Gary Austin: I would like to thank Gary for his achievements during his tenure and to wish him well for the future."

Notes for Editors

1. The DSA is an Executive Agency of the Department for Transport. Along with DVLA and two other Agencies it forms the Department's Driver Vehicle Operator Group. DSA's mission is to promote "Safe Driving for Life". It is responsible for the theory and practical driving tests, the testing and registration of approved driving instructors, and the Arrive Alive programme. Based in Nottingham, it employs around 2,500 staff in 400 locations.

2. In recent years the DSA has introduced the Hazard Perception Test and other changes to the driving test and modernized services so that, for example, both theory and practical tests can now be booked over the web. Despite substantial growth in demand, the national average waiting time for tests has been brought down successfully to a national average of around 6 weeks.

3. Further details about the DSA are available at www.dsa.gov.uk or from:

The Driving Standards Agency
Stanley House
56 Talbot Street,
Nottingham NG1 5GU

Public Enquiries: 020 7944 8300
Department for Transport Website: http://www.dft.gov.uk