LAUNCH: New scheme for agency drivers
The Freight Transport Association (FTA) are aiming to recognise, encourage and promote good practice by launching the Driver Agency Accreditation Scheme.
The voluntary initiative – developed in partnership with the driver agency industry – was launched at the ‘Listening to Industry’ event by Transport Minister Robert Goodwill.
Benefits of the scheme include industry recognition, confirmation to employees and clients of good practice, and reduction of corporate and operational risk.
The initiative’s Governance Group is made up of founding driver agencies and considers applications, audit performance, feedback results, complaints and any other detrimental information.
Members include 24-7 Staffing Ltd, Agency Drivers Northwest, Berry Recruitment, Bigfoot Recruitment, Drivers Direct Recruitment, Encore Direct, Heads Recruitment, Midlands Driver Recruitment Ltd, Phoenix Personnel Ltd, Riverside Recruitment (UK) Ltd, Top Truckers and Velocity Recruitment
Theo de Pencier, Chief Executive of the FTA, said: “Ensuring high standards are maintained is always a priority for our members, but it may prove to be particularly important in a year when economic growth could increase the need to access a flexible workforce.
“This scheme, which has been developed by driver agency members and vehicle operators, provides industry recognised standards as well as a governance structure to promote continuous improvement.”
Every driver agency applying to become accredited by the scheme will be asked to sign a statement of intent.
The FTA Driver Agency Accreditation Scheme will also undertake an independent audit of the agency’s systems covering core business standards, driver recruitment standards and driver management standards.
Mr Goodwill added: “I welcome the Freight Transport Association’s scheme to help ensure that high standards for drivers are maintained.
“I hope this measure helps to give driver agencies a recognised structure for improvement.”
