Steve Cottam, Greater Manchester Police 1979-2009 - Greater Manchester Police Driver Trainer (including Team Leader and Unit Head) 2009-2023.

I have known Lynn Jordan since 2011  through the Bolton Institute of Advanced Motorists, so impressed was I, of her instructional style and ability that I encouraged her to apply for a post at the Greater Manchester Police Driver Training Unit of which I was Head of Driver  Training in 2019.  Lynn applied for the position of Police Driver Trainer, after interview and successfully passing a Standard Police Driving Course she then qualified for a gruelling six week Instructor Course.  Lynn took all challenges in her stride, managing to pass all the necessary components of the course:

• to demonstrate driving skills above the required needed by Police Officers (including blue light respose)
• to demonstrate instructional and coaching skills to get the best results from Police Officers attending training courses
• as well as 'in car' aspects of training, Lynn was assessed on classroom based skills

On completion, she took up post as a Police Driver Trainer.  Over the next 4 years I took an interest in her work and development.  Lynn has a quiet confidence and this translates into a quiet authority.  She doesn't need to show off, she lets her personality, natural leadership and people skills do the talking.  She is able to move smoothly between instruction and coaching, tailoring to the need of the individual and, if necessary, she can demonstrate the required skills to reinforce learning.  When needed Lynn will offer critical feedback, always in a way that never deflates, but encourages the student to self-reflect and want to self-improve.  These skills are especially evident in the classroom, where Lynn can deal with a mix of personalities, ages, sexes, experience and levels of confidence.  She uses all her strengths to ensure that all feel involved and valued.  When appropriate she moves from an instruction role to one of coaching, encouraging the students to seek answers to problems themselves, which leads to deeper understanding and increased confidence.  Her impressive classroom abilities were so obvious that I 'fast tracked' her to teach classroom skills to potential new driver trainers.  If someone I knew was attending a Police Driver Training event, I would hope that Lynn would be the Instructor.  I think that sums up the high esteem that I hold of her... 

Elizabeth Sharpe - 31 January 2026

Working with Lynn has been genuinely life-changing.  From the very first session, she created a space that felt safe, calm and completely judgment-free.  She listens with real care and insight, and I always felt heard, understood and respected.

Her approach is both compassionate  and practical - she helped me make sense of my thoughts and emotions while also giving me tools I could actually use in everyday life.  Even when we explored difficult topics, I never felt rushed or pushed; everything moved at a pace that felt right for me.

Thanks to her support, I've gained greater self-awareness, confidence and resilience and I feel far better equipped to handle challenges than I did before.  I'm incredibly grateful for the work we've done together and would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for a thoughtful, skilled and genuinely caring counsellor.

Maz - 23  January 2026

In regards to the support and aid you've given helping me achieve my goals.  You listened to what my expectations were, and then you told me what you could do to help me get to my goals.  From the start you laid out a clear framework.  You then guided me through each objective I had, and managed my expectations.  You helped review after every stage.  And when I had questions, you answered them clearly and in a way I could understand, using practical and theoretical methods.  When I had achieved my goals you reviewed what I had done well and what I had struggled with, to give me something to continue to build upon, now that I have a solid foundation thanks to your coaching.  Thank you very much and wish you well in the future.

Jacob - 23 January 2026

Over my three-week driving course, I was more than happy with the way in which you guided me to achieve the result of passing.  The goals for the training were clearly set out, feedback was honest and constructive, as well as realistic.  If I made mistakes, you were always patient with me and explained how I could improve for the next attempt, at whatever aspect of driving we were learning.  You were open and chatty which put me at ease straight away.  I look forward to have you as an instructor in any future courses, all the best!

Imogen Lydford - 30 July 2025

... Over the course of three weeks, Lynn consistently demonstrated outstanding teaching abilities.  She fostered a supportive learning environment that significantly enhanced my confidence behind the wheel.  Lynn's impressive depth of knowledge and professionalism allowed her to tailor lessons to meet my individual needs while still ensuring adherence to the curriculum.  Her calm and patient demeanour, combined with constructive feedback, greatly improved my understanding of complex driving scenarios.  It is clear that Lynn is genuinely passionate about teaching and is dedicated to producing competent, safe drivers.  I can confidently say that this was the best course I have ever attended, both professionally and personally.  Each day I was excited to come into driver training and ended up rather deflated when the day concluded!  Lynn's refreshing teaching left a lasting positive impression on me... 

A really lovely evening, very calming and therapeutic.

Love your delivery, Lynn.  Open, congruent and very motivational.

It was interesting to deep-dive the stressful/happy memories.  The comment you made 'I'll never have this day again' is a powerful message.

Learned about acknowledging emotions and how to change them.

I enjoyed learning the information about the brain and the power pose strategy!  Reminders of awareness of physical/emotional responses and how to calm.  Nice atmosphere created, I believe, by your very relaxed presentation style.