Norbert Dentressangle (ND) has become the first third party logistics provider to be accredited with the Skills for Logistics (SfL) Standard of Excellence, recognising the quality of the company’s Driver CPC training.

SfL recently launched the Standard of Excellence following consultation with key logistics employers. They identified five key metrics based on high quality training and business benefit: trainer quality; course preparation and delivery; learning resources and environment; pre-and post-training delivery and a commitment to excellence.

An audit was carried out on ND’s training procedures, lesson plans, record keeping and current training materials. An SfL representative also attended an ‘Application of the Regulations’ course delivered to 12 employees at ND’s site in Andover, covering the fundamental laws governing the logistics industry, including EU drivers’ hours regulations and digital tachograph recording.

Eddie Simcox, national operations training manager for ND Logistics UK, said: “The whole concept matches our company values and, with our continuous improvement approach, gaining truly independent feedback is priceless. As a leading transport and logistics provider, our aim is to set the standard for the rest of the sector and Driver CPC is no different.”

He added that although the scheme is still in its infancy, if it is embraced across the industry, it will help to drive up standards: “Ultimately the EU’s aim with Driver CPC was to change the culture and the external view of the sector. Whether this has been achieved is open to debate, but I think the Standard of Excellence will go a long way to driving that change.”

Ross Moloney, CEO of Skills for Logistics, said: “I believe that we have a real opportunity here to drive up standards and we were delighted to work with ND who were the first third party logistics provider to gain the Standard of Excellence endorsement, giving them the benefit and visibility to differentiate from other providers.”

He added: “I particularly liked that ND have produced their own training DVDs, which include the trainers that are delivering the classroom-based course, demonstrating that the trainer knows the subject matter and can do the role of a driver himself.”

Topics