RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

December 6, 2007
RoSPA WINS APPROVAL AS COMPETENCE QUALIFICATION CENTRE

RoSPA Driver and Fleet Solutions Department is now an approved centre to train passenger transport and road haulage managers needing a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).

Under current EU law, bus, coach and large goods vehicle operators seeking an “O” licence have to show that they are professionally competent or employ someone as a transport manager who meets that requirement.

Training and examinations can now be undertaken at RoSPA’s Birmingham headquarters as a result of approval by the Oxford, Cambridge and Royal Society of Arts Examination Board (OCR).

The qualifications are taking on extra significance as fleet managers need to be prepared for the introduction of new driver CPCs, which will be required by all professional bus, coach and lorry drivers. They become necessary for bus and coach drivers in September 2008 and for lorry drivers in 2009.

Simon Protano, RoSPA Head of Driver and Fleet Solutions, said: “CPCs have an important role to play in ensuring businesses are well managed.

“RoSPA’s training covers everything operators need to know to gain a CPC, including the law, safety requirements and vehicle maintenance. This is a first step towards RoSPA offering a wide range of new products and courses in preparation for the introduction of driver CPCs later next year.”

The eight-day CPC National Road Haulage and CPC National Passenger Transport courses will be held in Birmingham in February, May, August and November. Exams will be on March 7, June 6, September 5 and December 5.

The National Road Haulage CPC is a requirement for those seeking a National Road Haulage Operating Licence in the UK, and the National Passenger Transport CPC is needed by those wanting a National Passenger Transport Operating Licence.