Chris Chapman

Background

About Chris Chapman

I am a highly experienced Logistics Manager, trainer, and compliance consultant with a proven track record of providing accredited training and compliance to the logistics sector. With over 35 years’ experience in the industry, I have a wealth of knowledge on which I can draw, as I strive to educate and change the perception behind the logistics industry. Working with Operational Managers to HGV drivers, I design and deliver training programmes to ensure operators are compliant in an industry where there is no statutory checking that companies are adhering to their Operator’s Licence. The Traffic Commission are responsible for issuing an Operator’s Licence to a company, as you have to be legally compliant to operate a logistics business; and they have the authority to close a business down if that licence is not adhered to. However, there is nothing legally binding and no checking that compliance takes place…until something goes wrong! Evidence of compliance comes through accreditation, where FORS (Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme) is a voluntary accreditation scheme for fleet operators. To achieve this accreditation a successful audit must be carried out. However, such an audit is not accepted as proof of compliance, rather ‘best practice’, with the Traffic Commission assuming company compliance. This is where I come in - to help those companies who cannot afford to employ a full-time trainers or compliance managers. Through consultation, I will identify the actions operators must undertake to ensure compliance; devise and implement compliance systems; write policy documents and Risk Assessments. I will then train the workforce in their use. I know both sides of the industry, having worked my way up from an HGV driver. I started driving heavy goods vehicles at a young age, so I know the issues drivers have to face. Job satisfaction for me is helping businesses stay legal, and ensuring business owners and employees get a good night’s sleep!