RHA seeks to raise DCPC training standards

Reports indicate a huge variation in standards between Driver CPC providers. Some, it is said, offer little more than a route to compliance, with trainers making little or no attempt to engage with drivers and dispensing information that is in some cases clearly wrong.

To help hauliers sort the wheat from the chaff, the Road Haulage Association has launched a Driver CPC quality training competition, which is open to all trainers.

“RHA members are talking more and more about the value of DCPC training to their businesses and planning the courses that will best suit them,” said RHA director of policy, Jack Semple.

“It is very clear to us that well-presented courses go down very well with drivers and their employers. Driver feedback demonstrates that time and again, whether the training is done in-house or by third parties.

“Like many things in life, some trainers are better than others. But those drivers and employers who take DCPC seriously soon identify who delivers good courses and who doesn’t.  The reality is that there are many excellent trainers, delivering courses that are both enjoyable and informative.

“The RHA’s Driver CPC quality training competition, which is open to all trainers, seeks to promote good practice and we will continue with that theme,’ he said.

“It is clear that Driver CPC, which is a form of continuing professional development (CPD), is here to stay. That does not mean that it is perfect and we will be working with the government and members to make it work better for the industry.

“I am concerned that, while there are many high-quality open courses, smaller firms have less opportunity than larger fleets to tailor the training to their needs.  We will be looking to see what more can be done to improve the options available to smaller firms,” Semple said.

The winning entry will receive a prize of £500 and two runners-up will each receive £250.  For information about the RHA Driver CPC Training Competition, and a competition entry form, email campaigning@rha.uk.net