Fleet and training: Industry bodies offer support to help fleet decision-makers improve operations

Key industry bodies tell Andrew Ryan about the guidance and support they can offer to help fleet decision-makers improve their operations.

ACFO

What is it and who is it for? ACFO is the largest UK body representing the interests of businesses which operate cars and vans as part of their commercial activities. ACFO is not just for full-time professional fleet managers. It is for everyone who has a fleet management role whether in HR, finance, procurement, travel or any other company department.

How can it help a fleet manager? ACFO provides both a national representation platform and regional networking opportunities to support its key objective of improving the discipline and craft of fleet management, and its status. A vast wealth of expert knowledge, information and advice is accessible on every aspect of fleet operations including best practice techniques and other aspects of management.

Who should a fleet manager contact for more information?

Members’ Services Organisation on 01865 342102, via email info@acfo.org or through the ACFO website.

Brake Professional

What is it and who is it for? Brake Professional is a not-for-profit membership service for fleet operators and suppliers founded by Brake, the road safety charity in 1996. It provides members with tools to manage occupational road risk regardless of budget, fleet size, or vehicle type.

How can it help a fleet manager? Brake Professional shares training, tools, and guidance on global fleet safety best practice with its members, as well as networking and development opportunities. It   runs a full calendar of training events, alongside its annual Fleet    Safety Conference and Fleet Safety Awards. 

Who should a fleet manager contact for more information?

To find out more, contact the team on 01484 550055, or email professional@brake.org.uk

CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply)

What is it and who is it for? CIPS is the world’s largest organisation dedicated to the procurement and supply management profession. It is the voice of procurement and supply across the globe. CIPS champions the raising of standards through professional qualifications.

How can it help a fleet manager? Procurement principles and best practice can support every sector, but for fleet the drive for efficiencies is uppermost. Many businesses now want end-to-end travel plans, while Government changes to taxation of vehicles could alter the whole fleet market. Big data will also impact. As most fleet managers plan ahead three or five years this is challenging but procurement can help, with future planning and wholelife costing.

Who should a fleet manager contact for more information?

Visit the website or contact Phil Broughton, head of development and engagement on 01780 761465 or 07557 263991.

Driving for Better Business

What is it and who is it for? Driving for Better Business is a campaign to raise awareness of the importance of work-related road safety in the business community and public sector by using advocates drawn from these communities to promote the business benefits of managing it effectively.

How can it help a fleet manager? Driving for Better Business provides a free-of-charge information resource to help fleet decision-makers, irrespective of their current level of risk management. Resources include free-to-attend events, webinars, case studies, networking opportunities, learning from peers, plus a range of risk management guides and templates.

Who should a fleet manager contact for more information?

Simon Turner, campaign director – simon@drivingforbetterbusiness.com

Fleet Industry Advisory Group (FIAG)

What is it and who is it for? FIAG was launched to develop and share best practice among fleet decision-makers. It was founded in 2014 by a team of professional fleet managers who collectively have around 200 years’ experience in running vehicle operations. Utilising the wealth of knowledge and experience of the founders – as well as other decision-makers when they join – FIAG provides fleet advice, consultancy and support through the mentoring of newcomers to the role of fleet manager and less experienced employees with car, van and HGV responsibility.

How can it help a fleet manager? The goal for every professional fleet manager should be to implement a sustainable performance programme in all areas of managing the driver, vehicle and journey. FIAG delivers access to expert fleet managers as well as white papers on key issues and holds seminars. 

Who should a fleet manager contact for more information?

Phone 01454 318 287; email enquiries@fiag.co.uk; or visit the website.

Freight Transport Association (FTA) Van Excellence scheme

What is it and who is it for? Unlike HGVs, the van sector is not regulated by Operator Licencing and many firms running van fleets don’t consider their vehicles and drivers as a key business focus. FTA’s Van Excellence scheme aims to help the sector shake off its ‘white van man’ image by creating professional standards for van operators and sharing best practice. It is for anyone running vans, no matter how big or small the operation.

How can it help a fleet manager? Members of the scheme are audited and sign up to a code of practice that includes vehicle and driver undertakings that must be met. Running a fleet in line with the code helps a fleet manager ensure their operations are robust and compliant.

Who should a fleet manager contact for information?

Visit the website or call 03717 11 22 22.

FORS (Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme)

What is it and who is it for? FORS is a voluntary accreditation scheme that promotes best practice for commercial vehicle operators. It encompasses all aspects of safety, efficiency and environmental protection by encouraging and training fleet operators to measure, monitor and improve performance. FORS provides accreditation pathways for operators of any type, and for those organisations that award contracts and specify transport requirements. 

How can it help a fleet manager? FORS members work to standards above the legal minimum and have access to a wide range of exclusive benefits that provide a real competitive advantage. Fleet managers have access to funded training and toolkits on everything from best practice to efficient fleet management and monitoring and measuring performance. 

Who should a fleet manager contact for more information?

Helpline 08448 09 09 44, enquiries@fors-online.org.uk or visit the website.

RoSPA

What is it and who is it for? RoSPA is a leading safety organisation working in five key areas: road safety, workplace safety, leisure safety, home safety and education safety. RoSPA’s roots are in road safety, influencing decisions such as the implementation of seatbelts, mobile phone legislation and the Tufty Club. 

How can it help a fleet manager? RoSPA has a suite of products to help the fleet manager reduce risk and costs, ranging from driver profiling, driver and line manager behaviour training, and managing occupational road risk reviews. The training is based around changing behaviours and improving skills of drivers and managers within the business.

Who should a fleet manager contact for more information?

The dedicated team at RoSPA Fleet Safety on 0121 248 2233 or enquiries@rospa.com.

ICFM

What is it and who is it for? ICFM is the only organisation dedicated to advancing the profession of car and light commercial fleet management through a range of externally endorsed qualifications. Irrespective of whether employees have some fleet management experience, are newcomers to the role in a full-time or part-time capacity or have a career background in HR, finance, travel or procurement, training courses provide them with a clearly signposted development programme that is recognised across the profession. 

How can it help a fleet manager? ICFM qualifications are viewed as   the de facto stamp of approval for employees with fleet responsibility. ICFM is all about putting fleet decision-makers on the road to fleet management success.

Who should a fleet manager contact for more information?

The ICFM hub on 01462 744914, via email administration@icfm.com or through the ICFM website.