SHIFT programme celebrated during National Lorry Week as Gregory Distribution rolls out driver wellbeing training
The Structured Health Intervention For Transport (SHIFT) programme, developed by Loughborough University and the Leicester Diabetes Centre, was recently honoured with a David Jamieson Road Safety Award at the National Courier Awards 2025, hosted by the Institute of Couriers.
The recognition is being highlighted during National Lorry Week (3–9 November), an annual campaign from the Road Haulage Association (RHA) celebrating the vital role of the UK haulage industry and its workforce in keeping the country moving.
The accolade celebrates SHIFT’s innovative approach to improving driver health and wellbeing, while also supporting road safety across the logistics sector.
SHIFT, an evidence-based behaviour change programme, aims to significantly improve the health and wellbeing of truck drivers by addressing the unique challenges they face, such as long hours of sitting, limited physical activity, and poor dietary options. It introduces an innovative, evidence-based approach to tackle obesity, cardiovascular risks, and other health conditions associated with a sedentary lifestyle.
The programme is now being rolled out across Gregory Distribution as part of its Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC) training.
Steve Rose, Group Learning & Development Manager, Gregory Distribution, explains: “At Gregory we have introduced the Short-SHIFT programme into our annual DCPC course. It was decided to do this after experiencing Short-SHIFT first hand and realising that it was not just another generic health advice message, but actually an interactive thought-provoking short course aimed specifically at lorry drivers. So far, we've had some great feedback from drivers who are now starting to think more about increasing their physical activity and food choices.”
SHIFT will also feature in this year’s Lady Mayor’s Show in London, where the programme’s success in supporting driver wellbeing and safety will be showcased to industry leaders.
Bernie Stribling, Assistant Director of International and External Business Development at the Leicester Diabetes Centre, said: “We’re thrilled that SHIFT has been recognised by the courier and logistics sector. This award reflects the strength of our partnership with Loughborough University and our shared commitment to improving driver wellbeing and road safety.”
Stacy Clemes, Professor of Active Living and Public Health at Loughborough University, adds: “Over the last 6-months we have been delighted to see a growing interest in SHIFT from across the logistics, courier and transport sectors, with an increasing number of operators adopting the programme. It is extremely rewarding seeing the initial positive responses from drivers at Gregory Distribution, and hearing about the longer-term positive impacts SHIFT has had on driver health from earlier adopters.”
Representatives from SHIFT are also speaking about the programme at Logistics UK’s Transport Manager conference series that is taking place across ten UK locations between September and December.
(L to R) Chair of Institute of Couriers, Carl Lomas, Bernie Stribling, Assistant Director of International and External Business Development at the Leicester Diabetes Centre, Stacy Clemes, Professor of Active Living and Public Health at Loughborough University, and Seema Malhotra, MP for Feltham and Heston.
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