Operating an effective fleet while keeping costs under control is the biggest issue facing fleet managers, says Jaama. 

With fuel prices at near-record levels, Government tax policies to consider and occupational road risk management all at the forefront of decision-making, fleet operators can be unnerved by the complexities.

However, training can provide the management tools for fleets of any size – from five to 5,000 vehicles.

Added to this, the cost efficiency of a well-run fleet can be up to 15% better than in an unmanaged/uncontrolled situation, according to experts.

“Running a fleet along best practice lines covers numerous areas from vehicle acquisition methods to the use of privately-owned cars on business trips and what to look for from suppliers to compiling driver handbooks,” says Jason Francis, managing director of Jaama. 

“The complexities are huge and the law of unintended consequences can have a huge knock-on effect if one facet of fleet is changed without full consideration of its impact across all aspects of the business.”

Jaama has incorporated the full range of topics into its Fleet Management Essentials programme, which also explores issues around grey fleet, vehicle sourcing, managing suppliers and essential fleet documentation.

“Initially, we launched the training seminars with a major focus on duty of care and then introducing an environmental element to the programme,” explained Ellie Whitten, Jaama marketing manager.
“But in the last couple of years the scope of the seminars has widened as delegates have requested more information on a wide cross-section of fleet issues.”

For example, its suggested ideas on improving board level understanding of fleet safety issues could guard against criminal charges in the event of an accident and ensure the board’s support for fleet safety initiatives.

Suggestions include: record/report car safety incidents at board level on a regular basis; ensure a robust reporting and monitoring structure; and establish a series of KPIs.

Jaama

Programmes aimed at administrators and managers who have the responsibility, but not necessarily the experience, of running a fleet. In addition, they provide a refresher for fleet professionals who require an update on legislation, best practice and developments in managing a fleet of vehicles.

Content as well as gathering an array of practical information, delegates take away documents they can adapt to meet their own individual fleet requirements, including fleet policies, driver
handbooks and risk management templates and guidance management templates and
guidance.

Duration one day. Cost £375

ICFM

Programmes aimed at new or relatively recent entrants to the industry right through to
experienced fleet practitioners. Duration depending on course selection, online training right through to two and three-day residential courses are available, as well as flexible and fast-track options.

Content ICFM offers a range of courses starting with its Introductory Certificate in Car Fleet Management through to a diploma-level programme. Course content is dependent on level chosen, but can include job-based assignments or projects designed to cover specific areas of competence and their application to the participant’s car fleet management.

Cost £55 to £720

BVRLA

Programmes aimed at sales and business development executives at leasing companies who want to better understand the role of the fleet manager.

Duration course is divided into three modules: introduction, intermediate and advanced, with
the introduction and intermediate modules lasting a day each and the advanced module
two days.

Content the course, which has been developed with the ICFM, consists of three modules and written assessments. It is externally accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management.

Cost £250 to £500. The BVRLA also offers a range of courses aimed at the leasing industry.

Fleet Audits

Programmes aimed at new or relatively recent entrants to the industry right through to the more senior fleet manager.

Duration depending on selection, there are two, four and 10-day residential courses available. The four and 10-day courses separated into two-day sessions with several weeks between each one.

Content courses are run at three levels, while there are also environmental and other specialist courses available. Basic fleet management gives an introduction to fleet management, intermediate fleet management strengthens the skills and knowledge of existing fleet managers and advanced fleet management focuses on major strategy areas.

Cost from £725