Tag Archives: Transport Manager

Do I need an Operator Licence if I run a van?

Do I need an Operator Licence if I run a van?

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The big question van owners are asking is, do I need an Operator Licence if I run a van? In this blog post, we will dive into the intricacies of this topic and provide you with clarity. We will explore the factors that determine whether or not you need an Operator Licence to run a van, taking into account both domestic and international operations. Join us as we navigate through the recent regulatory changes and shed light on the implications for van owners. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of the Operator Licence requirements and how they may affect your van operation.

The Big Question: Do I Need an Operator Licence if I Run a Van?

Well, the answer is yes and no. Yes, if you operate abroad and no, if you only operate in the UK. The rules changed at the end of May 23 regarding operating vans in the EU. Meaning that if your operations include driving vans or cars towing trailers to transport goods for hire or reward between 2.5t and 3.5t in the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, from 21 May 2022, you will now need a Standard International goods vehicle operator licence.

Historically, you only needed an Operator Licence (O’ Licence) if you operated goods vehicles or public service vehicles over a GVW of 3.5t. This has changed, vans between 2.5t and 3.5t now need an Operator Licence, or you will be operating unlawfully and could face prosecution.

What are the new rules for vans?

The changes are contained within the Trade & Cooperation Agreement between the UK and EU and will apply to you if you’re based in England, Scotland or Wales and use:

  • Vans or other light goods vehicles (sometimes called light commercial vehicles or LGV for short)
  • Vans towing trailers
  • Cars towing trailers

You need to either:

  • Apply for a standard international goods vehicle operator licence for the first time
  • Add the vehicles to your standard international goods vehicle operator licence (if you already have one)
  • Apply to upgrade your standard national goods vehicle operator licence (if you have one) to a standard international goods vehicle operator licence
  • Apply to upgrade your restricted goods vehicle operator licence (if you have one) to a standard international goods vehicle operator licence

Do the new rules apply to me?

The new rules will apply to you if you use:

  • Vans with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) over 2,500kg (2.5 tonnes) and up to and including 3,500kg (3.5 tonnes)
  • Vans towing a trailer with a gross train weight (GTW) over 2.5 tonnes and up to and including 3.5 tonnes
  • Cars towing a trailer with a GTW over 2.5 tonnes and up to and including 3.5 tonnes

You will not need a goods vehicle operator licence if any of these apply:

  • You only use your vehicles in the UK
  • You are transporting goods not for ‘hire or reward’

Am I carrying goods for “hire and reward”?

Hire and reward means that you are carrying goods for, or on behalf of, someone else. This generally applies if you are paid to move other people’s goods. If however, you are only moving your own goods for your own purposes, this would usually not be classed as hire and reward.

Do I need Tachographs for Vehicles over 2.5 Tonnes?

Currently no, you will not need a tachograph for vehicles over 2.5t up to 3.5t. However, from 1 July 2026, tachographs will have to be installed in vehicles over 2.5 tonnes operating in the EU.

How do I apply for an operator licence?

You have two options:

Option 1 – Employ the services of a consultant

If you’re a little unsure and the whole process looks a little daunting, you can enlist the help of a consultant to assist with your application. Here at TMconsultant, we help new operators gain their Operator Licence every week. If you would like to know more about how we can help you, click here or please do just get in touch. We’re a friendly bunch and are happy to chat and provide free advice.

Option 2 – Apply directly to the Office of the Traffic Commissioner (Licensing)

You can DIY by going here. I have written a blog about how to apply for an operator’s licence, you can read that here.

Do I need a Transport Manager?

Yes, you do. To get a standard international goods vehicle operator licence when operating vans over a MAM over 2.5t in the EU, you will now need a Transport Manager (or external transport manager). This is someone who is responsible for:

  • Planning routes and scheduling delivery times
  • Managing your team of drivers and administration staff
  • Making sure drivers follow company and industry regulations
  • Arranging vehicle maintenance, MOTs and tax payments
  • Organising vehicle replacements.

You must either:

  • Apply to get an existing member of staff (including yourself) temporarily recognised as a transport manager
  • Employ someone with a Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) qualification
  • Hire an external qualified transport manager.

What are my transport manager options?

You have three options:

Option 1 – Use an existing member of staff temporarily recognised as a transport manager through Grandfather rights

If you decide to get an existing member of staff temporarily recognised as a transport manager, they must have at least 10 years of experience managing fleets of vehicles before 20 August 2020.

  1. The member of staff needs to apply to be temporarily recognised as a transport manager (this is sometimes called having ‘acquired rights’). If their application is successful, they’ll be treated as having the Transport Manager CPC qualification until 21 May 2025\
  2. When you apply for your goods vehicle operator licence, you need to apply to add them as the transport manager for your licence
  3. The member of staff needs to pass the CPC qualification by 21 May 2025 to continue being a transport manager after that date
  4. When they’ve fully qualified, they’ll need to keep up a high-quality professional knowledge of transport industry rules and policies.

Option 2 – Get a member of staff qualified

This person will need to take a Transport Manager CPC qualification. This is called the International Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) in Road Haulage. You will need to take the international For more information, you can read a blog I wrote about how to become a transport manager here.

Option 3 – Hire an External Transport Manager (ETM)

You can hire-in an External Transport Manager. An External Transport Manager, (ETM for short), is essentially a freelance consultant Transport Manager. They’re not someone on your payroll, but they are contracted to work with you to act as your transport manager. Ensure you find an ETM with an International TM CPC qualification and of good repute. If you would like to take this option we can help find an ETM near you!

What will the ETM do?

The external transport manager is there not only to ensure you are compliant but can help reduce your fuel bill, review your current H&S policy status and develop driver training.

Your ETM will manage:

  • Operator Licensing changes and authority communication
  • Working Time Directive Compliance
  • Drivers Hours Compliance
  • Tachograph Analysis
  • Vehicle Periodic Maintenance Inspection Schedule
  • Vehicle Defect Reporting Systems
  • Driving Licence Checks
  • Daily Walk round Inspections
  • Toolbox talks/Driver CPC Training Delivery
  • Driver Reprimands/Disciplinary Hearings.

Your ETM will also:

  • Carry out an initial audit to identify any shortfalls
  • Full systems implementation – Ensure you are equipped with the requisite policies and processes
  • Carry out weekly catch-ups. This is normally remotely
  • Carry out Monthly on-site visits
  • Provide ongoing advice.

For more information about what ETMs do and how much it costs to hire an external transport manager go here.

How much does an ETM cost?

Prices start from £450.00. Check out our ETM prices here

How can I find an External Transport Manager?

Here at TMconsultant we operate an ETM finder service. All you need to do is provide us with some basic information and we’ll find an ETM near you! Either, complete this form or get in touch, we’re here to share the knowledge!

TMconsultant launch the Transport Manager Compliance Pack

TMconsultant launch the Transport Manager Compliance Pack

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When you complete your TM CPC, you may be asking what would be the most important item you will need when embarking on your new career? Well, that would be a comprehensive transport manager compliance pack, a transport manager’s bible. We get many enquiries, from newly qualified transport managers regarding this, so we thought it about time we put together a definitive Transport Manager Compliance Pack template.

Traffic Commissioners expect you to be able to demonstrate the mechanisms you intend to have in place and how you will be managing your fleet. This means all transport managers, internal and external will need to be armed with a set of policies and processes, so they can effectively and continuously manage transport activities. For example, auditing of daily walk-round checks, managing, auditing and reviewing compliance systems, reviewing any shortcomings such as prohibitions and/annual test failures, ensure provisions are in place for the prompt delivery of maintenance sheets, cross-checking the soundness of driver walk-round checks, and PMIs. For a list of transport, manager duties check out our blog on top-line transport manager duties. As you can imagine, compiling a compliance pack from scratch will take some time, this is where our Transport Manager’s Compliance Pack template comes into play. Our pack is a downloadable product and easy to purchase.

So what’s included in the pack?

  • Operator Handbook VS5 – full company policies and process, director declaration
  • Driver Handbook VS5 – policies, processes, declarations and risk assessments relevant to the driver, driver declaration
  • Stationary & Forms – comprehensive pack containing all the stationery and forms you’ll need to run an effective fleet
  • To-do List/Status/Review Document – a helpful tool to ensure you have covered off everything and assist in your annual review
  • Fleet Operator Master Spreadsheet – a handy all in one spreadsheet to record and manage your fleet
  • Risk Assessment Package – essential in helping you manage your transport, work-related road risk (WRRR) obligations
  • Tech support – get in touch if you have any technical issues regarding the pack

Want to purchase the pack, go here.

For more DVSA information regarding effective Transport Management go here.

If you need any help or would just like to have a chat please do get in touch, we’re here to share the knowledge!

FORS Bronze audit

Top 10 reasons why operators fail their FORS Bronze audit

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At TMconsultant, we strive to help with making life easy and stress-free for operators to obtain their Bronze accreditation. So we thought we would let you know our top 10 reasons why operators fail their FORS Bronze audit. All our consultants are current FORS auditors, so they see the same avoidable errors.

M7 Risk Assessments

There is a total of 16 risk assessments an auditor will ask you to evidence for your FORS bronze audit. However, there are two of the 16 that might not be applicable to your business, (Coupling/uncoupling & specialist operations). As a minimum, you will be required to evidence the remaining 14. Below are the most common risk assessments that operators fail to evidence at an audit.

1. COSHH

There are no operators that don’t need a basic COSHH risk assessment. It still amazes us how many operators are adamant they do not require COSSH. However, their employees handle, Diesel, AdBlue, Washer Fluid & come into contact with oil and grease.

2. Speed, adverse weather conditions, and seat belts.

Please remember to include the above important points into your risk assessments. Many operators do seem to forget these points, your Auditor is specifically looking for them.

3. Routing

You still need a routing risk assessment that covers potential risks, even you do not have regular routes or are subject to construction routes.

4. Passenger Safety

If FORS Auditors had a pound for every time we’ve heard “we don’t carry passengers” or “this is for buses, we don’t run busses”, we’d all be very wealthy. The passenger risk assessment applies to all vehicles in your fleet with passenger seats. Make sure you have your passenger safety risk assessment ready.

5. O6 Operational Security & O7 Counterterrorism

This one always surprises us. This section of V5.1 has had so much communication from FORS including the online Tool Kit’s. However, operators are still failing to evidence a risk assessment to cover this section.

Need help with risk assessments? You can purchase our risk assessment templates as a pack or individually from our shop.

Polices

There are several policies in the FORS V5.1 Bronze standard that require special attention and require specific content.

7. D4 Manager training

Transport managers and responsible people (Directors) are required to have completed a FORS approved refresher course within the last five years, (see our blog for more details). This section has accounted for the most major action points since Jan 2020

8. D6 Health and eyesight

Companies forget to include in their policy that an eyesight check will be conducted after a driver is involved in a road traffic collision, incident, or near-miss.

9. D7 Drivers’ hours and working time

This policy can very detailed, and although the operator generally knows the rules on drivers’ hours/WTD, they will overlook the lost or defective company/driver tachograph card procedures. This is something your FORS Bronze auditor is specifically looking for.

O1 Routing & O2 Passenger safety

We find many operators overlook both these policies. Make sure you don’t!

10. O3 Road Traffic Collisions

A company will usually have this policy but will neglect to add the important element that “a driver shall be assessed for well-being and competency to ensure they are fit to return to driving duties”.

Still unsure?

We hope our top 10 reasons why operators fail their FORS Bronze audit have helped. However, if you are still unsure, then you can purchase our Bronze audit packs, alternatively just get in touch.

FORS Help Basic – Documents including a to-do list

FORS Help Support – Documents plus email and telephone support

FORS Help pre-audit package – Documents, support plus two site visits

What is tachograph analysis

What is tachograph analysis? All you need to know

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What is tachograph analysis?

Tachograph analysis is the way to measure and monitor how your drivers are performing in their day-to-day driving and work duties. Tachograph analysis provides the transport manager with detailed reports, highlighting areas for attention. By recording speed and distance, the tachograph provides an accurate picture of what a driver has been doing, even whether or not they have broken the law. Since 2006, all vehicles over 3.5 tonnes sold in the UK are required by law to be fitted with a digital tachograph.

Every fleet operator must ensure they have the means to analyse driver data from both the tachograph vehicle unit (VU) and the Driver Card and to manage said data correctly. For information relating to tachographs rules for drivers and operators go here, including exemptions.

There are some old analogue tachographs out there, however, in the post, we’ll be looking at digital tachographs.

How do we collect this data, where do we put it and what do we do with it?

Data is collected via a tachograph Vehicle Unit (VU) and a driver card which is inserted into the VU every time the driver uses the vehicle. The data is then uploaded to tachograph analysis software using a download tool and then, in turn, provided to you via software applications, in written and graph formats. Let’s have a look at all the elements needed to be compliant.

The Tachograph Vehicle Unit (VU)

A tachograph unit (VU) is a radio-sized device fitted on goods and passenger vehicles. The VU head records various types of driver and vehicle data such as journey distance, speed, driving time, working time, and events. Data is stored in the VU internal memory. There are a number of companies out there that manufacture Vehicle Units such as VDO (Siemens), Stoneridge, Intellic and Actia.

To access the VU data, you will need to ‘unlock’ theVU using a company card. Other cards used to unlock data are the control card and the workshop card.

Vehicle Unit data should be downloaded at least 90 )the maximum timeframe) or 28 days, but we recommend more frequent downloads, weekly for drivers and monthly for vehicles as best practice.

The Digital Tachograph 3.0 from VDO

The Digital Tachograph 3.0 from VDO

Control Cards

Control cards are used by law enforcement agencies to retrieve data from the tachograph. A control card is able to override any company lock put in place by operators.

Workshop cards

Workshop cards are used by authorised and official tachograph technicians to calibrate, install or repair tachographs.

Company cards

Company cards are used by operators to retrieve data from the tachograph regarding their employees and vehicles. You can also lock information using a company card or authorise third parties, to collect data.

Driver Card

Unlike cards used to ‘unlock’ data from the VU, the driver card collects data. The driver card is a credit card-sized plastic card that contains a microchip. The card stores all relevant driver data required for EU Drivers’ Hours regulations including break and rest times.

The driver card:

  • Is unique to the individual driver and valid for five years
  • Can store information for 28 days
  • Can only be used by its owner, ie. the driver authorised to use it
  • May be suspended or withdrawn by an enforcement officer if the card has been falsified, if the person using the card is not the legal holder of the card, or if the card has been obtained by false declaration or forged documents
  • Must be made available to enforcement officers on request.

Digital tachograph cards

Download Tool/key/card reader

Download tools are used to collect VU and card data. They come in varying shapes and sizes and offer differing functionality. They all collect data from the vehicle and the driver card. Manufacturers include DigVU, Digidown and Optac. Automatic, remote downloading is also available.

Optac download tool

Optac combined download tool

 

DigiVU+ Digital Tachograph Reader

DigiVU+ Digital Tachograph Reader

Digital Tachograph Card Reader

Digital Tachograph Card Reader

Analysis software

Tachograph software is a web-based tachograph analysis system, where you can instantly analyse data and manage driver and vehicle reports. You generally will only pay for the records that are submitted. This can keep start-up costs down, scales as your business scales, and means that the product is always up-to-date and will never need to be upgraded. I have used quite a few tachograph systems including over the years, for example, Tachomaster, Descartes Smartcompliance, and Tachodisc. I am currently using TDi Disk Check. In my humble opinion, Disc Check is brilliant, very easy to use, intuitive, and is built with end-users in mind. The system is fully accessible from mobile and desktop devices meaning no limits as to when or where data is accessed.

TDI disc-check

TDI disc-check

Go it alone or use a paid service?

This leads us nicely onto whether you should use the services of someone to assist or to go it alone. This will depend on your operation and how your transport department is managed. I’m an ETM and although my employer and I tightly manage analysis reports, using a tachograph specialist just adds an extra level of security and detail providing peace of mind. I use Logistics Support Services. They really know their stuff, provide an excellent support service, and are both reliable and friendly.

Analysis reports

Once you have collated all your data, (driver and vehicle) and you have uploaded it to your software system, you will then be able to view your analysis reports. The system you use will provide you with a number of reports which can be automated. These should include:

  • Drivers’ Hours (infringements)
  • Working Time (infringements)
  • Driver activity
  • Vehicles Driven
  • Missing Mileage
  • Over Speeding
  • Events and Faults – E.G driving without an appropriate card
  • Unknown driver

Most analysis software will have a dashboard to give you an overall view of the analysis and compare how your drivers are performing. From here you can drill down on a report for a more detailed look.

disc-check-dashboard

Working Time

Your analysis software will also provide you with a system to manage working time. By using drivers’ hours from the tacho data you can enter statutory holidays and any other work that is carried out not recorded by the drivers’ card.

Debrief

A debrief system is a configurable points-based system that helps you spot repeat infringements and advise on what corrective measures to take. The debrief system also provides a process for the escalation of disciplinary matters. This is a great way to identify and reduce repeat infringements.

As with the dashboard overview, debrief systems are included with most driver analysis software.

Smart tachographs

Vehicles registered for the first time on or after 15 June 2019 now have to be fitted with the new smart tachograph. The aim is to reduce the administrative burden on the transport industry (covering both HGV and PCV) and to eliminate the most serious forms of tampering or offence.

Smart tachographs include GPS for positioning and vehicle tracking, remote enforcement capabilities and the ability to link the units to vehicle telematics.

TachoSYS digiDL

TachoSYS digiDL for automation

I don’t have any affiliation with TDi Disk Check, I just use Logistics Support Services for their tacho services and think they’re brilliant, so worth a mention. You can reach them here.

TMconsultant provide transport manager help for transport managers. If you would like to know more about any of our services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to share the knowledge!

 

 

EU Drivers Hours changes 2020

What exactly are the EU Drivers’ Hours changes 2020?

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So what exactly are the EU Drivers’ Hours changes 2020? The amended EU Drivers’ Hours Rules (Regulation EU 2020/10454) introduced on 20 August 2020, additional rules now allow a driver to exceed their daily and weekly driving time, in certain circumstances.

Previously under Article 12 EU Regulation 561/2006 a driver has been (and still will be) permitted to depart from the rules on daily driving time, weekly driving time, the 90-hour two-week driving limit, rests and ferry rests “to the extent necessary to ensure the safety of persons, of the vehicle or its load”…

  1. So long as road safety is not jeopardised, and….
  2. To enable the vehicle to reach a suitable stopping place.

In order to qualify for any relaxation under this rule, the driver must record manually on the tachograph chart of a digital print out (or on a duty roster) the reason for this, this must be done at the latest on arrival at the suitable stopping place. If this recording requirement is not complied with, then the relaxation simply does not ‘engage’ or apply so, rest/driving time offences will have been committed if the normal maximum limits are exceeded.

The new rule

The following further relaxations are now possible under the new EU Drivers’ Hours changes 2020 and again ‘provided that road safety is not thereby jeopardised and in exceptional circumstances’.

  • To exceed daily and weekly driving time by up to one hour in order to reach the operating centre or the driver’s place of residence to take a weekly rest period (NB either type of weekly rest)
  • To exceed daily and weekly driving time by up to two hours so long as an uninterrupted break of 30 minutes is taken immediately prior to the additional driving, again to reach the operating centre or the driver’s place of residence, to take a regular weekly rest period. (NB applies only to regular weekly rest).

This is only ‘in exceptional circumstances’ and hence cannot be routinely used as a means to circumvent the normal rules. This applies to daily driving time, weekly driving time and daily rest periods.

The driver must manually record this on the tachograph chart or digital printout at the latest on arrival at the destination or the suitable stopping place.

NB Where any period has been extended it has to be compensated by an equivalent period of rest attached to any other rest period by the end of the third week following the week in question.

To summarise

The existing ability to reach a stopping place remains, to ensure the safety of persons/vehicles/load. However, it is extended in exceptional circumstances for the purpose of drivers reaching the operating centre (“the operator’s operation centre”) or the driver’s home for weekly rest purposes.

TMconsultant – Transport Manager Help for Transport Operators, get in touch!

External Transport Manager Finder Service

External Transport Manager Finder Service

Connecting Operators with External Transport Managers

What is the ETM Finder Service?

Our ETM Finder Service connects Operators with External Transport Managers, taking the hassle out of the search process.

How does the External Transport Manager Finder Service work?

Step 1. - Complete the form - Complete the form to the right
Step 2. - Make payment - We will raise an invoice for you
Step 3. - Carry out the search - We'll find a suitable ETM near you
Step 4. - Introduction - We'll put you both in contact.

How much does an External Transport Manager charge?

The cost will depend on how many vehicles you have on your operator licence. Prices start at £450.00 for the first vehicle and £100.00 per vehicle after that per month. If you are running fewer vehicles than stated on the margin of your license, then normally the ETM will only charge you per operational vehicle. When you put another vehicle on the road, then it's at that point they will charge the extra amount. For a full rundown of transport manager prices, please visit our external transport manager prices page here.

What are your charges for using the External Transport Manager Finder Service?

We charge the first-months fee from the external transport manager as our finders fee, payable by you (the client). The ETM will start to charge you their fee from the end of the second month onwards. If for any reason you are not happy with your ETM, we will try to find someone else. If in the unlikely event, we are unable to find you an ETM, we will provide you with a full refund.

ETM Rates

Please note that the rates we charge (our finders fee) are recommended rates the ETM can charge you. The final rate/expenses should be discussed during the initial chat with the ETM when we put you in contact.

Who are your ETMs?

Our ETMs are a team of dedicated like-minded transport managers who value compliance and road safety above all else. They have joined our ever-expanding ETM hub to offer their expertise and consultancy services on a part-time basis. We have many years of experience, but equally, have newly qualified ETMs that are ready and eager to get started. They will have recently qualified by passing their Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) for Transport Managers in Road Haulage, so they are fully qualified and up to date on compliance rules and regulations. All our ETMs are vetted prior to placement.

How many hours will the External Transport Manager be expected to work?

That depends on how many vehicles are on your operator licence in the margin allowance. The Office of the Traffic Commissioner (OtC) statutory guidance provides a guideline regarding what might be expected in terms of hours worked by a transport manager, relative to the maximum number of vehicles authorised for a licence.

external transport manager finder service

If would like more information or would just like to chat, feel free to get in touch.

*terms and conditions apply

 

FORS-Standard-updates-5.1

FORS Standard updates 5.1

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I have been getting quite a few inquiries regarding the FORS Standard updates 5.1 as to what exactly they are. I have also noticed a competitor is providing misinformation and even the FORS website itself is somewhat confusing. So here are the updates…….

FORS Standard updates 5.1

FORS Standard updates 5.1

Yup that’s it and there are no updates for Bronze at all. So what about COVID-19 I hear you cry? Well, it is important to note you will need to ensure you have certain safety measures in place, we posted a blog this a few weeks back which you can view here. Topline points below.

FORS operators requesting an audit will need to have carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment in line with the relevant government guidance on working safely during COVID-19 in offices and contact centres. In addition, for the purposes of the FORS audit, members will need to confirm the following at the time of requesting the audit:

  1. A single and only point of contact will be provided for the audit process
  2. That clear guidance on the social distancing and hygiene measures that are in place at the audit site will be provided to the auditor
  3. That any PPE identified in the FORS member’s risk assessment will be provided to the auditor on the day of the audit
  4. That the audit will be conducted in a well-ventilated designated room that is not occupied by other people
  5. That all evidence will be provided in the room where the audit is taking place
  6. That hand sanitiser will be available in the meeting room
  7. That host responsibilities relating to COVID-19 will be established by the member and that any necessary training will be provided for the person who will be acting as host for the auditor’s visit
  8. That entry and exit routes for visitors and contractors have been reviewed to minimise contact with other people

I spent some time delving into the FORS website regarding COVID-19, specifically this page. Most of the info is very useful however, there are a number of their associates are offering COVID-19 tool kits which might not necessarily be what you were expecting.

Are you looking to gain your FORS Bronze accreditation? Do you need help with FORS Silver? Look no further as TMconsultant can help. Feel free to get in touch! Alternatively, if you need more information about our FORS Help services click here.

 

Book your FORS Bronze on-site audits

Book your FORS Bronze on-site audits

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It is now possible to book your FORS Bronze on-site audits! Members whose accreditation has expired, or is expiring, are encouraged to book and undertake their Bronze on-site audits as soon as possible providing they are able to follow the FORS COVID-19 rules and requirements and relevant government guidelines.

One hundred and forty Bronze on-site audits have already been booked since the re-opening of the Bronze audit booking system last week following the easing of government restrictions on travel and work across parts of the UK. To enable Bronze on-site audits to resume safely, FORS has produced COVID-19 Bronze on-site auditing rules and requirements for both the auditors and the auditees.

FORS operators requesting an audit will need to have carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment in line with the relevant government guidance on working safely during COVID-19 in offices and contact centres. In addition, for the purposes of the FORS audit, members will need to confirm the following at the time of requesting the audit:

  1. That a single and only point of contact will be provided for the audit process
  2. That clear guidance on the social distancing and hygiene measures in place at the audit site will be provided to the auditor
  3. That any PPE identified in the FORS member’s risk assessment will be provided to the auditor on the day of the audit
  4. That the audit will be conducted in a well-ventilated designated room that is not occupied by other people
  5. That all evidence will be provided in the room where the audit is taking place
  6. That hand sanitiser will be available in the meeting room
  7. That host responsibilities relating to COVID-19 will be established by the member and that any necessary training will be provided for the person who will be acting as host for the auditor’s visit
  8. That entry and exit routes for visitors and contractors have been reviewed to minimise contact with other people

Failure to have a COVID-19 risk assessment and to adhere to one or more of the above requirements means that the member cannot request a Bronze audit. Auditors reserve the right to cancel an audit during the pre-check call or on the day of the audit if it becomes apparent that one or more of the above requirements will not be met.

Members can request their Bronze on-site audit in the usual way, via their dashboard. For further information on the COVID-19 Bronze on-site auditing process, click here, and for answers to frequently asked questions, click here. Whilst FORS has based its requirements and processes on information issued by the UK government, the FORS document is applicable to England only and there are still regional, national and international restrictions that apply which may continue to prevent FORS audits being undertaken.

Need help with FORS?

TMconsultant offer a no-fuss, easy, and affordable FORS Help solution to help you attain your FORS accreditation. Go here for more information or get in touch! Here to share the knowledge!

Call for logistics professionals to come together

Call for logistics professionals to come together

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Forward post from DVSA: Call for logistics professionals to come together. The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT)has launched an initiative to bring together logistics and passenger transport operators in urgent need of supply chain resources.

The initiative, backed by the Road Haulage Association (RHA), the Freight Transport Association (FTA) and the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) matches organisations together so that those who have capacity can help those organisations in need, such as the NHS and the grocery retail sector.

Register on the CILT website if:

  • your organisation needs urgent support
  • you’re a driver in need of work
  • your organisation has capacity to support others in need

Motorway services are open

Motorway and major trunk road services remain open following advice from the government deeming them ‘essential services’.

The government has made it clear that for haulage and delivery drivers, travel is essential and therefore motorway services remain open, and continue to offer takeaway food, toilet and shower services.

How to keep safe

The RHA has published guidance for lorry drivers on how to keep safe when delivering goods, handling documentation and refuelling.

Keep up to date with all official government advice on COVID-19 at GOV.UK.

FORS Silver Help

FORS Silver Help

The perfect remote FORS help solution to easily gain your FORS Silver accreditation!

Having successfully passed your FORS Bronze audit, you might be contemplating the next steps. The logical progression is to work toward achieving your FORS Silver accreditation. TMconsultant's FORS Silver assistance guarantees a successful outcome, providing an online support solution tailored to secure your FORS Silver accreditation.

 

FORS Silver Help
£775.00 + vat

Dedicated FORS Practitioner Consultant

Silver Policies, Processes and Risk Assessment Templates

Phone/email support

Guaranteed pass

Get the package