Testing Our Transport Team
At the start of 2022, we introduced quarterly external compliance audits for our Transport operation. This means that four times each year, our Transport team are put through their paces to ensure we remain compliant and are prepared for any DVSA Enforcement Visits. The auditor also provides recommendations for areas of improvement and development.
What does the auditor look at?
The compliance audit covers a wide range of topics and checks including:
- Operators licence
- Maintenance
- Service intervals
- Brake testing
- Drivers checks
- Tachograph infringements
- Licence checks
- Driver CPC training
- Driver Assessment and retraining
- OCRS reports
- Maintenance agreements
- MOT results
- Prohibitions
- Record Keeping
- Wheel Torque Policy
- Vehicle emissions
- Notifiable convictions
How are we doing?
At our last audit, the auditor was happy with our progress;
“There have been good improvements since the last audit. There are some parts of the systems in place that just require adjustments to be made to maintain full compliance to DVSA”
Ben Transport Assistant Manager, explains:
“The team are working hard to prepare for our next Audit. Over the coming weeks we will be ensuring that all drivers licenses are checked, all brake test on vehicles are up to date as well as working on a new driver tachographs infringement process and recruiting a Driver Trainer to support our team”.
What next?
In addition to the quarterly external audits, our Transport Manager, Dave White is starting to complete internal audits. These help the team prepare for the external auditors visit and check the day to day running of our transport operation.
For 2023, the team will be working with our Compliance Auditor with the aim to achieve the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS). FORS is a voluntary accreditation scheme for fleet operators, like ours. The organisation aims to drive up standards around safety, compliance and training.