The logistics sector brings with it unique challenges. Integral to the success of the UK economy yet virtually invisible, we have been working not only towards providing consistent and relevant professional development, but also towards improving perception of the industry.
Several thousand logistics organisations, trade associations, trade unions, training providers and public partners have been involved in our work. We thank you all for your contribution. Some of our key achievements to date are summarised below.
Reducing driver shortages through schemes including the:
- Young Driver Scheme
- Logistics Skills Award
- Scottish Driver Trainer Scheme
- Women with Wheels
In total, 2.089 people have successfully gained their LGV licence as a result of the various Skills for Logistics schemes.
Reducing internal skills gaps through the creation of a clear career development framework - The Professional Development Stairway. 'The Stairway' provides a framework to encompass operative and managerial roles from new starter through to Logsitics Director. The Stairway is now being used by organisations such as DHL Express, Royal Mail, Langdons and Defence School of Logistics.
Raising investment in vocational training through the development of 'The Logistics Skills Agreement' (LSA) which was created by a process which involved a number of partners including employers, trade associations and employer bodies and organisations that supply and fund education and training. The LSA defined an agreement of how SfL and employers will work with key funding partners to secure the necessary supply of training. An agreement has been developed for each nation and English region.
Improving productivity through training investment by working with employers to identify the positive impact skills development can have on the bottom line. The 'SkillsPay' campaign, supported by SfL, Business in the Community, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (UK), the Freight Transport Association, the Road Haulage Association and the United Road Transport Union, identified and promoted the links between publicly funded qualifications and benefits to the business bottom line.
Addressing diversity issues in the sector by carrying out numerous marketing and communications campaigns targeting men and women of all ages and from all communities. Our work has involved roundtable discussions with Motor Transport and a variety of press activity including featuring on the BBC Radio 4 programme Woman's Hour. SfL also works with careers advisory groups such as Connexions and Learndirect to provide clear, consistent and thorough information, advice and guidance. We have raised the profile of women in logistics through various initiatives such as the Women in Transport and everyWoman awards cermonies.
Improving quality and quantity of learning supply through a number of initiatives including the review of all existing and the development of new National Occupational Standards to ensure qualifications provide consistent and relevant training. Furthermore, SfL has been instrumental in the development of new qualifications more appropriate to specific areas of our sector including the Carry & Delivery Goods, Logistics Operations Management, International Trade and Logistics Operations, Warehousing and Storage and Mail Services NVQs.
Apprenticeship offerings have been enhanced with a Supply Chain Management framework introduced to Scotland and apprenticeship schemes are now available covering all the new NVQs. SfL has worked with HE and FE institutions in England on the Logistics Foundation Degree Framework. We have also contributed to the development of the Retail Business Diploma.
Bringing you together through the Skills for Logistics affiliate scheme, which currently has over 200 members. The scheme provides members with a range of benefits including networking opportunities to share best practice. Affiliates have a private section of the SfL website where they can, amongst other things, access the image library and discuss issues with other members on the discussion forums. In addition, SfL has held a number of national and regional events and conferences to bring together organisations from the industry, including SMEs and large PLCs.
Listening to industry through a variety of working groups and consultations covering projects such as the development of The Stairway, review of NOS, DriverCPC and the development of Foundation Degrees, employers have played a key role in ensuring the training and development products and services are tailored to their needs. In addition, SfL has established regional and supply chain specific relevance forums that provide employers with a platform to ensure their concerns are heard and taken into account.
Keeping you informed through a vast array of research and publications including our annual driver shortage survey and regional labour market intelligence reports.
Improving the image of our industry by working collaboratively with industry Marketing specialists, SfL has established the Industry Image Group that works together to improve perceptions of our industry. Work to date includes perception research, provision of photography and numerous press campaigns, including one focusing on the 'green side' of the industry.
Representing the industry on a variety of working groups to ensure new initiatives are developed and delivered in a way that benefits employers. For example, SfL is working closely with the Driving Standards Agency to ensure Driver CPC is implemented in a way that suits the needs of the industry. SfL has also worked with GoSkills (Passenger Transport SSC) to establish the Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training which will approve all Driver CPC periodic training.
Looking to the future by providing in-depth Information, Advice & Guidance (IAG) through our own and stakeholder careers websites. Furthermore, SfL has developed careers brochures targeted at school children to promote the vast array of career opportunities logistics offers along with study material that will put logistics on the national curriculum.
