Last updated 6 January 2021
Remote audits
Where do I find guidance on remote audits?
Click here to find guidance around remote audits.
FORS Audits
Can FORS Bronze on-site audits take place?
Bronze audits – until further notice the following will apply:
Following latest government announcement concerning ongoing and further COVID restrictions across the UK, Bronze audits are now only being conducted as remote audits.
Remote audits are conducted online – this means that you must have a device with a working camera and microphone, as well as strong internet connection. A remote audit lasts around the same time as an on-site audit and will follow the same robust format. The auditor will need to see evidence that you can meet all the requirements of the FORS Standard, in the same way as is required at a face-to-face audit and you will need to provide this evidence either by sharing screen or by presenting the relevant information to the camera during the audit video call.
Click here for guidance on what a remote audit entails.
I can’t have a Bronze remote audit, will my organisation be downgraded?
If you can’t have a remote audit, then please contact the FORS Helpline to discuss your accreditation.
What does a remote audit entail?
Click here for guidance on what a remote audit entails.
How do I know if I have a strong internet connection, as required for a remote audit?
You can run an internet speed checker which will give you your ‘Download speed’. For Microsoft Teams, you can then check the bandwidth scenarios in this document against your download speed. You can also join a test meeting to check if you speed is sufficient, this can be done here. If unsure, please discuss with your audit provider.
How much is a remote audit?
The fee for the remote audit is the same as an on-site audit. We expect a remote audit to last approximately the same as an on-site audit.
The operating centre that needs to be audited is not in England, can I have an audit?
You can have a remote audit, which can be requested via your dashboard.
If I need to cancel my audit because of COVID-19 symptoms, or a COVID 19 positive test, will the cancellation charge apply?
The usual audit cancellation policy applies. Click here to view.
My Bronze has expired and I want to renew my Silver/Gold, what do I do?
Bronze audits are taking place and you must undertake a Bronze audit before submitting your Silver/Gold re-approval so that you have a valid Bronze before submitting.
I want to progress/renew my Silver/Gold accreditation, but I am not sure what training I can get my drivers to do.
Following JAUPT relaxation around Driver CPC rules, LoCITY Driving, which is mandatory every five years at Gold, can now be undertaken remotely and is offered by a number of training providers – check here for a list of training providers that are licensed to deliver LoCITY Driving and authorised to deliver this training remotely. A temporary relaxation is in place around meeting the mandatory ‘S5 Professional development’ WRRR requirement for SUD and VS – click here for more information.
I cannot deliver any FORS toolbox talks in person to my drivers at the moment. Will it be accepted at audit if I email the toolbox talk/s to them to read and they return it/them to me signed once read?
Yes, during the current restrictions on movements and with social distancing measures in place, emailing toolbox talks to your drivers will be accepted at FORS audit. You must however be able to provide evidence of the following, having made sure that your drivers have had sufficient time to read and understand the toolbox:
- The toolbox talk being sent to the drivers (eg email showing recipients)
- The toolbox talk being read, understood and signed for (this can be in a form of a register with a signature, or a copy of the toolbox talk signed by the individual)
- Evidence of the signed toolbox talk being retained for the required time frame and made accessible when requested
FORS Training
I cannot attend any FORS Professional manager training in person, what do I do?
FORS Professional manager training is taking place via webinars. For more information about the webinars and to register, click here.
I'd like more information about what the FORS Professional webinars are and how it all works.
You can click here to find out lots of information about how the webinars work, what equipment you will need, what platform we use, how to download it, and much more.
I am working my way towards FORS Practitioner qualification, what happens now there is no face-to-face training?
If anyone wants to undertake FORS Practitioner webinar training, then webinar attendance will count towards your FORS Practitioner qualification. As all audits have been suspended for the time being and your accreditation status maintained to its current level, there is no need to be concerned about not meeting any training requirements at the moment.
What training can I or my drivers undertake in the current situation?
- FORS Professional manager training – All FORS Professional classroom-based training courses are now being held as live, online webinars. If you haven’t already booked a place, click here to book a place
- FORS Professional driver eLearning – eLearning modules are available in the usual way. Click here to access these. The LoCITY eLearning modules for drivers and managers were recently updated, so take the opportunity to undertake these if you can
- FORS Professional driver classroom training
- Following JAUPT relaxations around Driver CPC rules, FORS Professional LoCITY Driving, Truck Smart, and Staying Legal can be undertaken remotely and are offered by a number of training providers – check here for a list of training providers who are licensed to deliver these courses and authorised to deliver this training remotely. Click here to book a place on free LoCITY Driving
- Safe Urban Driving and Van Smart – in order to assist operators, a temporary relaxation is in place around meeting ‘S5 Professional development’ WRRR requirement for SUD and VS – click here for more information. FORS is now offering funded remote SUD/VS (theory part only at the moment) and LoCITY Driving – click here to view the dates
I want to do some training but I have been furloughed. Can I do eLearning or online training such as webinars?
FORS is continuing to offer eLearning for all its members, as well as webinars for managers, and some training providers are offering Driver CPC courses online following JAUPT relaxations. The government is encouraging furloughed employees to undertake training. However, please check the .gov website for advice about training and furloughing, and discuss with your employer where appropriate.
