Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS)

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What is FORS‌
The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) is an accredited scheme for businesses operating transport fleets of all sizes. Free to join, it offers impartial, independent advice and guidance to motivate them to improve their lawfulness and environmental, social and economic performance. Unlike many other membership and recognition schemes, FORS membership gives an edge when bidding for work, as it provides evidence of performance against the many regulatory and environmental requirements facing the industry.

How much does it cost to join?
From February 2015 FORS has been operated on a commercial basis by FORS Community Partnership (FCP). There is now an annual subscription fee, based on total fleet size and an audit fee based on the number of operating centres to be accredited. Follow link for further information on fees:

Subscription and audit fees for new registrations from 17 February 2015

Can I join FORS?
FORS isn't only suitable for freight operators in the North East. If you operate a fleet of one or more goods vehicles, buses, coaches, cars, vans or motorcycles, then you could take advantage of the benefits the FORS offers.

Why should I bother joining FORS?
 
  • FORS is open to any company operating vans, lorries or coaches
  • Becoming a FORS operator could help you tender for business, save you money, improve safety and reduce your environmental impact.
  • It is an excellent way to prove to existing and potential clients your credentials as a high performing operator who adheres to high quality standards.
  • Some business and construction projects are stipulating FORS members in order to be able to continue to supply good to them
  • FORS operators have access to a range of exclusive benefits and discounts that offer real competitive advantage

The benefits of FORS include:
Workshops
We run a range of free CPC accredited workshops to share best practice and help you meet your legal obligations. Sessions focus on key issues, including safety, penalty charge notices and fuel efficiency.

The DCPC accredited workshops have been very successful with an increased number of organisations attending. The workshops are aimed at managing the company’s policies and procedures. We have now completed 9 workshop days with 18 workshops

If a person attends nine of the workshops and the company has reached the bronze accreditation, they will be presented with a FORS Practitioner certificate. There are now thirteen FORS practitioners in the Tyne and Wear region.

TfL have now introduced a new strategy where if after being registered for three months and the company have not reached the bronze standard they will be de-registered. Following this demotion they will have to reregister.

Workshop dates in the North East and London can be found and booked at: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/fleet-operator-recognition-scheme-fors-2410121576

Training
We offer free tailored training to help your staff meet the challenges of operating in London. Covering topic such as Safety, Fuel Efficiency, PCNs and Urban Driving, most of which is CPC accredited.

Driver behaviour profiling
How much do vehicle accidents and fuel usage cost your company? In-vehicle driver profiling helps you assess your drivers’ standards, motivate them to improve and save money.

Fuel advice programme
FORS offers practical tools and advice to help cut your costs. As well as improving your fleet’s efficiency, FORS can also work with you to reduce the impact of freight transport on the environment.

Driver licence check service
FORS gives you complete confidence that your drivers are on the road legally, while freeing up the time you spend checking drivers’ credentials.

Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) assistance
FORS advice will help reduce the number of PCNs your vehicles receive and limit the impact they have on your business.

Regular industry updates
Understanding new developments in your sector is integral to success. Our FORSight newsletter and regular bulletins will help you keep ahead of your competitors.

Discounted Products
Discounted products to improve operator performance, for example:
 
  • Backwatch – discounts of up to 65% on alarms and blind spot detectors
  • Safer driver training – 30% discount when training two drivers
  • Voyage – 25% discounts on this backloading site
FORS Operator levels
FORS is a method of recognising fleet operations which comply with the requirements of the FORS Standard, which you can view at:
www.fors-online.org.uk

The FORS standard is based upon legal compliance, safety, efficiency and environmental protection. There are three levels of FORS certification:
  • Bronze - a legally compliant operator that is following best practice
  • Silver - high-quality operator that is committed to becoming safer, greener and more efficient
  • Gold - exceptional operator that has met specific targets and is continuing to improve.
How do I join?
  • To join FORS you must register online at http://www.fors-online.org.uk
  • To go for Bronze:
    • Self assess against the FORS standards which will be sent to you on registration by TfL.
    • Let TfL know you are happy that you meet the requirements and TfL will arrange for an accredited assessor to visit to carry out the assessment on behalf of FORS
  • If successful the company is awarded a bronze membership. If extra work is required to pass, the assessor provides an action plan and advice and support on what is needed to pass.
  • A ‘Going for Bronze’ workshop is also available to attend – dates and location can be found at http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/fleet-operator-recognition-scheme-fors-2410121576

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