DVLA
How a national partnership with the DVLA is helping bring new blood donors forward
NHS Blood and Transplant is proud to be working with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) on a partnership that is making it easier than ever for people across the UK to register as blood donors.
The collaboration embeds a blood donor registration link into an email sent to those who apply online. At 17, you can both learn to drive and start giving blood making this a natural moment to reach people at exactly the right time in their lives. The partnership spans all UK administrations, reflecting a shared commitment across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to grow the donor base and secure the future of the blood supply.
The need for new donors is real and ongoing. Hospitals across England alone need 5,000 blood donations every day. More than half of current regular donors are aged over 45, and only a quarter are under 35. Reaching younger people, those with a lifetime of donating ahead of them, is essential.
Since the partnership launched, the results have been encouraging, with over 3,300 people directed through the DVLA link. 309 have gone on to book an appointment to give blood, and 136 have registered as new donors. Each of those registrations represents a real and lasting contribution to the blood supply.
This partnership builds on a long-standing relationship between NHSBT and the DVLA and demonstrates what can be achieved when public sector organisations work together with a shared purpose.