The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has launched its new driver accreditation scheme.

It is hoped that the programme will provide verification to both employees and customers, as it will show that driver agencies are concerned with promoting good practice. The industry-recognised scheme will be voluntary and is intended to encourage continuous improvement within the sector.

Benefits of the accreditation include an effective audit process which will highlight any incidences of non-compliance or ineffectiveness, plus a reduction of corporate and operational risk. Every driving agency which signs up to the proposals will be required to sign a declaration of intent and the FTA will carry out a series of independent audits of the company's systems, including its standards of recruitment and management.

Julian Thompson, managing director of 24-7 Staffing, said: "The FTA's Driver Accreditation Scheme will give clients the assurance that the consultants really understand the legislation involved with driving their vehicles."

The programme has installed a governance group to ensure its goal of continuous improvement is achieved. It is made up of founding driver agencies and will consider details such as audit performance, feedback results, complaints and other detrimental information.