THE RAC is to invest £50,000 over the next three years in fleet training with the establishment of a major new initiative in conjunction with the Institute of Car Fleet Management. Aimed exclusively at in-house fleet managers, the RAC Scholarship Awards scheme was launched yesterday (Thursday, November 6) at the ICFM annual members' conference at the Vauxhall Conference Centre, Luton.

The RAC Scholarship Awards scheme incorporates the existing ICFM Diploma in Car Fleet Management. However, in addition, the scholarship will provide a range of bolt-on, added value extras, sourced by the RAC from independent training organisations and focusing on personal development, communication skills and issue management designed to lead to better all-round business management.

The scholarship will point the way to an expansion and overhaul of the traditional role of the fleet manager in business by combining professional training with the development of flexible, transferable management and communication skills, according to RAC head of fleet Penny Hadfield.

She said: 'The RAC scholarship scheme aims to tackle head on the evolving role for fleet managers in shaping their own company's transport and communications policies to help keep British business moving. Fleet managers hold the key to the logistics of travel and transport - right now and in the future. In the face of mounting congestion on our roads, the social and economic future of the UK depends on an integrated transport policy.'