Joe Cowley, Author at Anglia Compliance & Training Ltd

Q: ROK Kitchens Ltd are now FORS Silver

A very hearty congratulations to all at ROK Kitchens Ltd who have achieved FORS Silver accreditation last week. We were happy to help guide ROK through both FORS Bronze and FORS Silver accreditation with our pre-audit and consultancy services. Both accreditations involved us auditing ROK's current level of compliance and guiding them through each of the requirements. We were able to help them formulate risk assessments, safe systems of work, policies and procedures which addressed the FORS requirements and the needs of their business in relation to workplace transport compliance and health & safety. We were also able to provide FORS Safe Urban Driver training to their drivers, which again is part of the requirements for FORS Silver FORS Silver with ROK Kitchens Ltd was made infinitely easier by the people at ROK, who have years of experience in their field, along with a healthy degree of understanding of compliance systems and a genuine desire to operate in a best practice environment. We have a number of experienced Transport Consultants and FORS Practitioners to help guide you through the application process and a suite of policies, procedures and associated documents you can use as the basis for your compliance system. If you feel your organisation would benefit from our services please Contact Us for further information or to book a consultation

Q: FORS Van Smart for Forkers Ltd

Saturday 25th Jan 2020 we delivered the second of 2 FORS Van Smart courses for FORKERS Ltd at their head office in West Bromwich. For the uninitiated Van Smart is part of the Vulnerable Road User safety training which is required for those seeking FORS Silver accreditation. What made this course different is we were able to call on one of the most experienced and capable theory trainers in Don Brebner to deliver these sessions. I first came across Don delivering FORS Practitioner workshops a number of years ago and was impressed with his professionalism, in-depth knowledge of his subject and the level of engagement he commanded from his audience. We were delighted to be able call on Don's considerable knowledge and skills to deliver a great learning experience for our Client and look forward to working with him in the future. Should your organisation be looking to progress to FORS Silver and require either Van Smart or Safe Urban Driver training, or go further to FORS Gold and need FORS LoCITY for Drivers training, please contact us

Q: Worldwide domination - not quite !

Yesterday I delivered a FORS Safe Urban Driving course in Chelmsford, at the same time as another trainer was delivering an Emergency First Aid for Drivers in Sevenoaks and a third was delivering a FORS LoCITY course in Northampton. Not quite worldwide domination, not even the limit of our geographical capability within the UK but an indication that we've grown over our 6 years that from a 'one man band' in 2013 we have the capability to deliver a variety of training at multiple locations. Many thanks to Nick Edwards and Laurence Laver for their support yesterday, 2 gents who are a great indication of the quality of our trainers in terms of their knowledge, professionalism and dedication to making the course a great experience for delegates. We have delivered a variety of training, including FORS Safe Urban Driving anywhere from Norwich to Brighton, Carlisle to Cornwall taking in Wales along the way. We have a nationwide network of trainers and affiliates to help us meet your needs. Our consultants can help you deliver Transport and FORS Compliance solutions to your organisation If you think we can help you deliver training or compliance solutions for your business please Contact Us

Q: Driver CPC - why would you/did you ignore it ?

It's been 6 weeks since the deadline passed for the second period of Driver CPC on 9th September and in that time I've talked to many, many drivers who STILL haven't completed the second lot of 35 hours. In most cases these drivers are struggling to get on courses and although none are saying it, many will be continuing to drive even though they are not entitled to do so commercially. This situation is allowed to persist by; - managers and companies who put the responsibility on the Driver, totally ignoring the fact that they have a responsibility to ensure any driver they put behind the wheel of one of their vehicles is there legally, OR that the responsibility for training lies with both the Employer and the Employee So ask yourself this; - Did We take ALL reasonable steps to ensure our Drivers complied with the deadline ? and having done that ' Did we take ALL reasonable steps to ensure ANY Driver without a current valid Driver Qualification Card was prevented from operating one of our vehicles ? ' - if the answer is no We suggest you remove the word PROFESSIONAL from you CV's, Websites and all Company Literature, because, quite simply, You're not. If you're ignoring that, what other potential problems are there with your Operator Licence Compliance regime? and, where would you go to find out ?

Q: Traffic Management - their lives in your hands

We often moan and grumble about roadworks in place with no apparent work being done, but do you ever give a thought to the men and women setting out those closures or operating those Impact Protection Vehicles (IPV's) or those the IPV is there to protect. A recent share from a friend and former colleague shows in some detail the results of an IPV or 'Crash Cushion' doing it's job. The alarming things for Me is that the impact was from a 'Professional Driver' in a 44T Artic. More importantly, these are far from isolated incidents and should highlight why highway maintenance is one of the most dangerous jobs out there.

About Joe Cowley

Managing Director of Anglia Compliance & Training Ltd since its inception in 2013. Previously in a variety of roles for 26 years in Construction, Highway and Infrastructure Maintenance for companies such as Amey and Balfour Beatty. Experience in management, compliance, finance and Transport Management