IAA member companies, which are all regulated by the Care Quality Commission, operate a combined fleet of more than 2,500 vehicles from more than 100 locations across the UK. They work for the NHS providing patient transport services as well as A&E support during peak times such as winter flu epidemics and snow.
The Van Excellence scheme was introduced in 2010 and is open to van operators of commercial vehicles of 3.5te GVW or less. The scheme was launched to promote high standards of van operation and driving against a code of good practice and has attracted the support of a variety of large commercial operators.
Since its launch Van Excellence has accredited several van operators from a variety of healthcare organisations including South Central Ambulance Service, National Blood & Transplant, South Devon Healthcare and the United Lincolnshire Hospital NHS Trust.
David Davis, IAA director, commented: ‘We will be encouraging our members to undertake the Van Excellence programme because it represents a measurable and credible benchmark against which their transport operations can be independently measured.’
Mark Cartwright, FTA head of vans and commercial vehicles, added: ‘Van Excellence is establishing itself as the operating standard for light fleet operators across all sectors. We're delighted to be working with IAA in supporting their members in this demanding and vital sphere of operation.’