Mark Edwards

“Trade unions typically provide solid support as driver-training is seen to have a positive effect on staff welfare”

As financial resources are often limited, more employees tend to get involved at the early stages of the planning process to ensure maximum value for money, further assisting buy-in from the start. For this reason, from the provider’s perspective, it is important to remember that the tendering process can be lengthier than in the private sector. Other factors that training providers need to consider include the likelihood that public sector clients are likely to have a broader mix of candidates in terms of ability and frequency of driving. In addition, trainers are often required to help resolve specific driving issues that have arisen as a result of actual experiences. For example, IAM Fleet provides the London Borough of Newham’s Environmental Management Services department with a bespoke training for the “banksman” – the person who guides the driver of a reversing vehicle with hand signals and voice commands.

The aim here is to help avoid collisions when reversing a refuse truck in a tight residential street. Unusual vehicle combinations, such as left-hand drive road sweepers, double cab vans, gritters and minibuses, also need to be taken into account. Training for drivers of more conventional vehicles also plays an essential role in the public sector. For example, IAM Fleet provides the Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI) with a defensive driver-training course that forms the driver safety element of the ALI’s fleet policy. The course features a theory introduction, followed by an on-road driving session and post-tuition assessment.

The results show that the training is definitely having a positive impact. Out of the 138 ALI drivers trained and assessed by IAM Fleet between February 2002 and December 2003, 74% of delegates were rated as being low risk and 88% were deemed as having the ability to pass the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) Advanced Driving Test with a modest amount of extra tuition. Post-training assessment also found that all drivers who participated in the tuition had reduced their exposure to risk with improvements in the key areas of attitude, concentration, observation and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles.

Furthermore, an overwhelming majority of 79% of delegates said they would like to undertake the Advanced Driving Test, provided they had sufficient training. Finally, it is not uncommon for public sector organisations to have a long-standing in-house driver-trainer, making it essential for training providers to convince these key individuals of the benefits of using externally sourced advanced driver-training. Providers can also be required to deliver coaching for in-house trainers, such as that which IAM Fleet undertakes for St John Ambulance. Other services in the IAM Fleet driver-training portfolio include chauffeur training and on-line driver risk assessment and profiling.

Thorough training plays an essential role for public sector drivers	The London Borough of Newham's Environmental Management Services department receives bespoke training
“All drivers who participated in the tuition had reduced their exposure to risk with improvements in key areas”

For more information about IAM Fleet, visit: Website: www.iamfleet.com