In an industry where compliance, safety and efficiency are paramount, changing behaviour is key to progress. The FORS Practitioner training programme is not just about meeting industry standards, it is about reshaping the way transport professionals think, operate and lead.
Now celebrating its 13th anniversary, the FORS Practitioner training programme has already empowered more than 4,000 transport professionals, helping them raise the bar for fleet management and build a culture of continuous improvement.
But how exactly does this training drive real change in the industry? What sets the FORS Practitioner programme apart from other qualifications? And how will compliance evolve in the years to come?
FORS Director Geraint Davies, one of the original FORS Practitioner graduates, explores these questions and shares his perspective on the true impact of the programme.
A training programme that sparks behavioural change
The FORS Practitioner training programme, comprised of 16 training modules, goes beyond compliance and sets the benchmark for industry best practice. It provides transport professionals with the tools and knowledge to transform how their fleets operate, covering critical topics such as:
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advanced risk management
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sustainable fleet operations
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advanced driver training
Each course is carefully designed and continuously updated to reflect the biggest challenges facing transport managers today. In 2023, FORS took this a step further with the launch of the Advanced Practitioner training qualification, offering even deeper learning for professionals looking to refine their expertise.
But training is only as valuable as its real-world application.
“The training changed my perception of some situations, allowing me to be more analytical in my approach, which often led to better outcomes,” says Geraint.
For many professionals, this shift in mindset is what sets FORS Practitioner training apart. The programme provides the knowledge, confidence and perspective needed to implement meaningful improvements within their organisations.
Going beyond compliance to drive performance
Compliance remains the foundation of any transport business, but forward-thinking fleet managers understand that true success lies in exceeding minimum requirements. The FORS Practitioner programme helps businesses do just that.
“When I was COO at John Raymond Transport, the training helped us build on our firm foundation of compliance, as it aligned with our values,” explains Geraint.
“It allowed us to see things through a different lens, which helped us reduce road traffic collisions. This, in turn, improved our insurance claims experience and loss ratio.”
By integrating FORS best practices, businesses can:
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reduce collisions and improve driver safety
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enhance operational efficiency and lower costs
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embrace sustainability and reduce emissions
As the industry faces increasing financial pressures, a labour shortage and a growing demand for greener transport solutions, it is more critical than ever for businesses to invest in upskilling their teams.
Preparing for the future of compliance
Looking ahead, compliance will only become more complex. The industry must adapt to:
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stricter sustainability regulations
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an increased focus on decarbonisation
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rising operational costs
With this in mind, investing in training is no longer optional. It is essential for businesses that want to remain competitive and future-proof their operations.
Geraint advises professionals preparing to embark on their training journey:
“I suggest developing an individual learning plan that sets out tangible outcomes for you and your business. The more intentional you are with the training, the bigger the impact it will have.”
Ready to drive change within your organisation?
If you are looking to strengthen compliance, enhance fleet performance and drive meaningful change, the FORS Practitioner training programme is the perfect place to start.
FORS Practitioner training courses can be easily booked via the FORS Professional Booking Platform. Courses are delivered via a state-of-the-art virtual platform, enabling participants to attend with minimal disruption, no additional transport costs and a reduced environmental footprint.
For further information about the programme, contact us at [email protected]. You can also explore the full FORS Professional catalogue of training here: https://www.fors-online.org.uk/cms/manager-training/.