Our History
As roads became busier and vehicles travelled faster the dangers facing those carrying out the recovery of vehicles became more apparent. The emerging ‘recovery industry’ recognised the need for training and enforcement of standards.
Often garage workers would carry out a recovery or collection of a vehicle having gained their knowledge and practical skill by watching and learning from experienced colleagues. There was no formal, organised or theoretical training. When the need for formal training was recognised it was understandable that the knowledge and skill of these experienced colleagues should become the core of any professional training institution.
It was agreed that the continual training of newcomers to the industry and the ability to acquire professionally recognised qualifications was essential. Therefore an organisation overseeing a training programme had to be created in consultation with various training bodies and the Association of Vehicle Recovery Operators (AVRO) National Council.
At the AVRO conference in 1983 the Director General announced the formation of the Institute of Vehicle Recovery (IVR).
IVR Training Services Limited (IVRTS) was launched in 1996 initially as an independent training provider delivering training to individuals/companies.
In 2006 IVR UK Limited was formed to act as Administrator of the Highways Agency Scheme for the training and registration of roadside assistance and vehicle recovery technicians.
Today
Today the Institute of Vehicle Recovery (IVR) remains a membership body and continues to work alongside key partners to focus on the reduction of roadside injuries and fatalities through excellence in training standards and safety procedures for the roadside assistance and recovery industry.
IVR (UK) Ltd and IVR Training Services Ltd administer the NHSS17/17B National Roadside/Recovery Training Scheme and associated Driver CPC courses respectively. IVR Training Services Ltd additionally provides ancillary services to IVR and IVR (UK) Ltd.
Each of the three organisations have clearly defined Quality Policies:
The Institute of Vehicle Recovery
As the controller of your data, the IVR Group are committed to protecting the personal information and privacy of its members, customers and individuals it interacts with. Our Privacy Notice explains how we collect, use and share your personal information in the course of our business activities.
As an organisation the IVR Group believe that every employee and every individual that it meets through its business activities or function, is entitled to a working environment that promotes dignity, respect, fairness and equality. The Equality, Diversity and Inclustion Policy explains how the IVR Group strive to achieve this.