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Tony Greenhalgh – Head of Compliance
At Suttons, compliance is not just a regulatory requirement; it is a cornerstone of our operational philosophy. In an industry where precision, safety, and reliability are paramount, adhering to compliance standards ensures that we maintain the highest levels of integrity and trust with our customers, suppliers, and workforce.
Role of the Head of Compliance at Suttons
As the Head of Compliance, my role is pivotal in ensuring that Suttons consistently meets and exceeds regulatory standards. I provide our directors, transport managers, and planning teams with expert advice and support on all relevant compliance matters. This includes ensuring that our legal obligations are properly discharged and that legislative documents such as the Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness and Traffic Commissioner Statutory articles are meticulously followed. Our compliance-first approach is integral to everything we do, fostering a culture where safety and legality are crucial.
Suttons’ Competitive Edge in Compliance
Suttons sets itself apart from competitors through outstanding compliance records. Our numbers speak for themselves: we maintain infringement rates below 2%, OCRS scores under 2, and an MOT first-time pass rate exceeding 98%. To put this into perspective, an OCRS (Operator Compliance Risk Score) of 25 is considered high risk, while anything under 5 positions you as a low risk operator. These metrics highlight our commitment to excellence and our superior performance in MOT testing and roadside stops.
Commitment to Compliance Schemes
To ensure maximum compliance, Suttons is actively involved in several prestigious schemes:
- DVSA Earned Recognition (ER): We have achieved exemplary audit results, with no issues found out of 263 elements in our most recent audit—described as the best audit ever seen.
- Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS): We hold Bronze and Silver accreditations at some of our main sites.
- PING: Supported by national highways, this program utilises mobile, gantry, and static cameras to improve driver education and compliance, enhancing the safety of our drivers and other road users.
- Logistics UK: As an active member, we attend seminars and briefings quarterly, staying ahead of legislative changes and industry discussions. We also use Logistics UK for training, including CPC refreshers.
Importance of Compliance for Logistics Providers
For logistics providers, compliance is non-negotiable. The cost of non-compliance, especially in the transport of chemicals and dangerous goods, is significantly higher than the cost of maintaining compliance. This underscores the necessity of adhering to safety regulations to protect everyone from drivers to the public. At Suttons, we view compliance as an extension of health and safety—ensuring the well-being of our workforce, customers, their products, and other road users.
Collaboration with Governing Bodies
Suttons works closely with governing bodies such as DVSA and the Traffic Commissioner. Our engagement includes monthly calls with DVSA Earned Recognition representatives and weekly communications with the Traffic Commissioner’s office. These strong relationships help us stay aligned with the latest regulatory requirements and best practices.
Benefits to Customers
Our commitment to compliance delivers numerous benefits to our customers:
- Cost Efficiency: The cost of compliance is always lower than the potential costs of non-compliance.
- Reliability: We are dedicated to delivering on time and in full, with the assurance that our operations are safe and compliant.
- Peace of Mind: Customers can trust that their goods are handled with the utmost care and adherence to safety standards.
- Preventative Measures: Our proactive approach to compliance helps prevent incidents before they occur, ensuring continuous, smooth operations.
Suttons’ MOT first-time pass rate, now at its best in five years at 98.63%, compared to the industry standard of 89%, exemplifies our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of roadworthiness, compliance and operational excellence.