FORS Members’ Conference agenda for 2018 announced

FORS has confirmed a full and wide-ranging agenda for its third annual FORS Members’ Conference.

There will be keynote presentations from a number of influential stakeholders, including the Environment Agency, Tarmac and Transport for London – plus the launch of version 5.0 of the FORS Standard – make-up the principal programme highlights.

The FORS Members’ Conference, which is free to attend for FORS members, will take place on Tuesday, October 16, with FORS again choosing the National Conference Centre in Solihull as its venue.

The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) is a voluntary accreditation scheme established in 2008. It is open to UK and non-UK fleet operators, and to the organisations who award contracts to those operators

The theme for this year’s conference – 10-years of evolving best practice – provides a launch platform for its latest FORS Standard V5.0.

FORS director John Hix said: “Ten years have seen FORS develop into a well-established, credible and influential proposition for operators and I am delighted that individuals from so many influential organisations will be occupying the conference stage to share ideas and to debate some of the pressing issues of the day.

“With our specific mandate to drive-up industry standards, FORS represents the most effective, robust and supportive accreditation scheme available for operators today.”

Key conference presentations will include ‘Future path for FORS’ from Rob Flello (founder, Parliamentary Freight Transport Group), ‘Driver health’ from Andrew Drewary (Tarmac), ‘Putting the brakes on waste crime’ from Mark Thomas (Environment Agency) and ‘Direct Vision Standard’ from Alina Tuerk (TfL).

Well-known industry commentator, Brian Weatherley will again assume his role as conference chairman. He said, “Having seen how far FORS has come over the last decade, I’m struck by the commitment of so many individuals and organisations and their focus on the scheme’s direction for the next ten years.

“For many, and especially urban operators, the future will be shaped by local legislation – TfL’s Direct Vision Standard is a perfect example of this phenomenon.”

He continued: “The industry faces an ongoing skills shortage, though operators of all types will continue to see best practice as a means to increase safety, boost efficiency and protect the environment. That’s why the FORS Members’ Conference is so important, providing as it does a platform for delegates to help shape the future.”

For the first time at a FORS Members’ Conference, delegates will also be able to claim Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours.

Attendance for the whole day will be worth 3.5 CPD hours and will assist individuals developing their professional skill-sets and furthering their careers.

FORS Members’ Conference 2018 (key agenda items):

• Evolving the scheme: FORS 10 -years on – John Hix and Paul Wilkes (FORS)
• Continuing Professional Development – Emma Jennings (CILT)
• Future leaders: opportunities / challenges for apprenticeships – Peter Kay (Tarmac)
• Driver health (Andrew Drewary (CILT)
• Driving forward best practice – Glen Davies and Graham Holder (FORS)
• Direct Vision Standard – Alina Tuerk (TfL)
• Driving positive change in construction – Derek Rees (CLOCS)
• Putting the brakes on waste crime – Mark Thomas (Environmental Agency)
• Future path for FORS – Rob Flello (Founder, Parliamentary Freight Transport Group)
• Safeguarding you and FORS – Alan Harvey and Graham Holder (FORS)