FTA's Van Excellence awarded to social housing group in ‘regional first’

Southwest housing provider DCH, has become the “first social housing group in the region” to achieve FTA’s Van Excellence operator accreditation.

DCH operates mainly in Devon and Cornwall, with a fleet of more than 250 light commercial vehicles. 

DCH’s fleet manager Paul Ayris said: “For DCH operating in a challenging geographical area throughout the south west it is important that we are using sustainable, safe and efficient van operations.

“We achieve this by ensuring that our front-line staff are supported whilst driving via our fleet management support team ARI.

“Telematics support our operations team whilst providing feedback on our drivers to help maintain driver safety and mitigate risk.

“We are proud to be awarded Van Excellence accreditation after a vigorous audit to ensure our fleet operation is above and beyond current transport and government requirements.  

“It helps demonstrate to our customers and employees that we are a responsible and safe vehicle fleet operator.”

Its fleet covers around 300,000 miles per month across the southwest.

In the past year, the fleet has improved its environmental targets ensuring that its van operations are sustainable. 

DCH was supported during its application by Van Excellence gold partner ARI.

ARI’s sales and marketing director Jason Chamberlain said: “ARI is a world leader in its commitment to safety and operational excellence. 

“We’re proud to have supported DCH in achieving this highly sought-after accreditation and will continue to collaborate with the Freight Transport Association in its drive to raise standards across van fleets.”

The Van Excellence scheme is aimed at raising compliance levels across the sector by setting high standards and sharing best practice, professionalising the industry and moving away from the traditional ‘white van man’ image.

FTA’s head of vans Mark Cartwright said: “The Van Excellence scheme is an extremely robust and complete measure of an organisation’s approach towards the compliant, safe and efficient running of its fleet. 

“I am delighted to announce that DCH has achieved Van Excellence accreditation. This is an achievement which demonstrates the group takes its corporate responsibilities very seriously indeed.”