Coventry engineering graduate receives prestigious award from Prime Minister
James Dornor won a Points of Light award from Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak.
Tuesday 19 December 2023
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A Coventry University engineering graduate has been recognised by the Prime Minister for creating a safe space for employees from ethnic minority backgrounds and women of colour in the world of motorsport.
James Dornor is the founder of Driven By Us, a non-profit organisation that supports people in the automotive and motorsports industry, focusing on activities in the most deprived areas around the UK and accessibility and knowledge for students and those up and coming in the industry.
James received the 2,079th Points of Light award, which is given out every day of the week by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to outstanding volunteers who are making a change in their community.
Receiving the Points of Light award is a huge honour and privilege and the recognition from the government and the Prime Minister shows us that what we're doing is of value to those that need it the most.
James Dornor
James and his team were given the opportunity to meet the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street along with his local MP, Andrea Leadsom.
We were able to detail what we do as an organisation, as a club and as a community. Having the recognition from the UK Government and their backing will carry a lot of weight and the fact that we've got the recognition being so young as an organisation shows that we're making an active difference in the industry and the community that needs it the most.
James Dornor
Driven By Us support allies, ethnic minorities and female groups in all aspects of automotive and motor sports. The organisation, which became the first ethnic minority club to be approved by Motorsport UK in 2023, also hosts events for the community and its members focusing on motorsports.
James graduated from Coventry University in 2011 with a degree in Automotive Engineering and, before founding Driven By Us, gained experience working for McLaren Racing Ltd, the Haas Formula One Team and working as an electronic support engineer at Mercedes' F1 team.
Find out more about Automotive Engineering at Coventry University.
