Agency drivers

Many companies use agency drivers on occasions. When you start to use an agency their performance is unknown. A good agency will be party to the REC/FTA/RHA Joint code of good practice for agency drivers ( joint code of good practice )

Brake, the road safety charity have produced this leaflet called Managing Agency Drivers. Click here to download Managing Agency Drivers

Agency

Client

Client worst practice

Agency worst practice

Poor safety, fuel use and vehicle care
No clear written policies
Taking work on at very low rates
Very limited assessment and training
Using dangerous 'multi-registered drivers'
Keeping no records or performance data

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Agency recommendations

Set clear written policies
Work in partnership with clients
Clearly understand client's requirement
Focus on quality and value
Have comprehensive driver selection process
Provide drivers with firm procedures
Obtain relevant quality marks

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Client worst practice

No advanced planning of staff needs
No developing/ applying written policy
Playing off agencies against each other
Calling agency at the last possible minute
Not paying the agency a fair rate
Not properly assessing drivers
Giving drivers /agency minimal guidelines

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Client recommendations - Advice to Senior Management

Consult operational / depot managers
Take 'holistic approach' when setting policy
Agree terms and conditions with agency
Longer term planning of labour needs
Pay a fair rate to get high quality staff
Ensure regular audits and feedback

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Client recommendations - Advice to Operational Management

Always buy on quality and value
Systematic recruitment / training procedures
Give clear and realistic requirements
Treat all agency / employed drivers equally
Keep and use detailed operational statistics
Provide drivers with regular feedback

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Overall recommendations

Develop partnership approach
Plan ahead as much as possible
Set and implement agreed procedures
Give clear operational instructions

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