Following its announcement in September, the new FORS Standard has been published.
Version 6.0 sets out requirements that FORS members must meet if they want to be accredited.
Importantly, the latest version is due for implementation by members from 1st July 2022.
The new FORS Standard was originally scheduled for publication in 2020.
However, the Covid-19 pandemic meant that would not be possible.
Therefore, it has been introduced now and will be current for the next two years.
In addition, the affects of the pandemic have been reflected in this latest issue.
Helen Bonner, director, FORS Governance and Standards explained more.
“Version 6.0 has been designed to be an incremental adjustment from the current FORS Standard,” she said.
For example, no changes have been made to the FORS mandatory training for both drivers and managers.
Also, many of the amendments have been designed to clarify existing requirements to members.
For example, there is a new Annex listing the documents required at the FORS Bronze Audit – the first level of the progressive scheme.
Continuing, Bonner said the document would also enable members to help improve road safety.
The FORS Standard Review Working Group consulted key industry stakeholders to identify and agree proposed changes to The Standard.
The document was approved by the FORS Governance and Standards Advisory Group (GSAG) in July 2021.
Meanwhile, FORS has produced a toolkit for members around anti-idling and congestion-cutting.
The manager toolkit is aimed at HGV, van and PCV operators.
It provides advice on procuring different types of technology and developing campaigns.
In addition it advises on introducing an anti-idling and congestion-cutting policy and briefings for drivers.
The free-to-download toolkit can be downloaded by FORS members from here
