FORS – the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme – has published its new Standard, providing details of the requirements members must meet if they wish to be accredited under the scheme.
Launched in 2008, the voluntary UK-wide FORS programme for freight and fleet operation safety audits fleet operators and awards bronze, silver and gold accreditations; it now has some 4,850 members nationwide and internationally.
The FORS Standard is updated every two years and outlines how FORS members must meet the accreditation criteria at each stage of the progressive scheme.
The revised FORS Standard marks the sixth iteration and is due for implementation by all FORS members from 1 July 2022.
Initially due for publication in 2020, Version 6.0 was postponed last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, making it three years since the last full version was published to members.
And the effects of the pandemic are reflected in this latest version, which contains only modest changes to the scheme.
Helen Bonner, director FORS governance and standards, said: “Whilst Version 6.0 has been in development since 2019, the events of 2020 and 2021 have heavily influenced its direction.
“Accordingly, Version 6.0 has been designed to be an incremental adjustment from the current FORS Standard. It will ensure that FORS accreditation continues to enable members to conduct their business whilst demonstrating their professionalism, commitments and credentials in improving road safety and reducing the environmental impact of their operations.”
No changes have been made to the FORS mandatory training for both drivers and managers, and many of the amendments have been designed to clarify existing requirements to members.
Bonner added: “Although Version 6.0 has been published this week, it will not be implemented until Friday 1 July 2022, to give the industry sufficient time to plan for implementation.
“This means that if a FORS member has an audit date booked up to Thursday 30 June 2022 then they will need meet the requirements in the existing FORS Standard, Version 5.1 with audits booked from Friday 1 July 2022 onwards, adhering to the requirements set out in Version 6.0.”
FORS has hosted a number of webinars to help members understand the changes, with further sessions planned for next week.
To download a copy of the new FORS Standard Version 6.0, click here.
