Earned Recognition Audits
Unlike a regular audit, an Earned Recognition (ER) audit, would be based on the auditor requiring more evidence, more information, more policies and procedures, all to prove that the driver and vehicle high standards, are being met.
To know if you meet the standard before applying, we recommend, and offer a pre-audit service. This audit will identify areas that do not meet the standard and you would then be provided with an action plan.. Once the points in the action plan have been implemented, you’ll be assisted in this by a member of the Transolva staff, you are then able to apply. Effectively, you will have 28 days from the date of the audit to carry this out for the audit to be submitted to the ER team at the DVSA. Then, and only then, the application for earned recognition can be made using the links below.
DVSA Earned Recognition eligibility criteria:
- you’ve had a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) or public service vehicle (PSV) operator licence for at least 2 years; we are currently unable to carry out audits for the latter;
- the Traffic Commissioner hasn’t taken any regulatory action (other than a formal warning) on any of the operator licences in the company name, in the last 2 years;
- you have digital management systems for drivers’ hours and use DVSA-validated IT software to submit the information. Ideally the same for vehicle maintenance; although it is possible to use manually completed inspection sheets but these will need to be uploaded as part of the process. The ER will then be able to track the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and automatically report to the company if they’re missed;
- you meet the ER audit standards going forward are met as a zero-tolerance policy is adopted.
It’s important to note, however, that at no time will any actual data be passed to the DVSA, because the information is collated and sent as (KPI) reports.
The application process would completed by using the online links below:
Unlike other schemes, the ER team at the DVSA will monitor this data through audit processes to ensure that operators are consistently meeting legal requirements and safety standards. On achievement your websites, company paperwork, business cards and now vehicles will be able to carry the Earned Recognition logo and your vehicles are less likely to be stopped by the DVSA in roadside checks. Wherever the Earned Recognition logo is used, the wording ‘Accredited Vehicle Operator’ below must be used logo as a vehicle operator.
How much does it cost to join?
The DVSA do not charge operators to become part of earned recognition.
You will be required to pay for a third party audit to be conducted, to prove that you meet the standards.
Every two years an audit of your systems will need to be arranged.
You may need to upgrade your drivers’ hours and ideally your vehicle maintenance system; although it’s not essential. A list of system providers can be found on the GOV.UK website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dvsa-earned-recognition-authorised-audit-providers
If you are bewildered by what you have read and need to do find out more, please contact us via email; [email protected] or call; 01935 577007 for free expert, friendly and professional advice regarding our Operator Licence audits and compliance services.
