Access to Profession: The UK and London recipe for high quality taxi services by Roger J Silvers MA, LLM RJS Management Services Ltd

Key skills requirements Customer care Managing conflict & difficult situations Customers with special needs Health and safety Legislation and Codes of Practice Transporting children & vulnerable persons NOS – Road Passenger Vehicle Drivers (taxi, PHV, CT & Chauffeur) VRQ – Level 2 & NVQ – Level 2

Skills development From 2005 DfT funded project with aims & objectives: Raise the profile and professionalism of the industry, Achieve consistency of skills nationally Raise the quality of service provided Ensure sustainability of this essential service Provide an opportunity for individual skills development.

Challenges Raising awareness and obtaining support from stakeholders Lack of recognition of importance of taxi / PHV Over 300 licensing authorities No central governing body Overcoming negativity from the trade Training providers Funding for the training Sustainability

Achievements Some licensing authorities now require drivers to have VRQ and/or NVQ Some operators have adopted the qualifications Many drivers have obtained the VRQ and/or NVQ For many drivers it is their first qualification For many where English is not first language support has been given VRQ and NVQ have been updated: VRQ– Level 2 - Introduction to the roles of the professional taxi and private hire driver (now obtains some funding) NVQ – Level 2 – Road Passenger Transport

Future challenges: VRQ and NVQ are recognised national qualifications Lack of recognition of importance of taxi/PHV Not part of public transport Cost and available funding still an issue Training providers Maintaining momentum Lack of national drive Law Commission – reforming taxi and private hire services - limited support for skills development

Key to success of London 2012 Olympics & Paralympics: Essential not to ignore importance and use of taxi - PHV Dedicated taxi & PHV drop-off / pick-up facilities Value in having professional taxi marshals Ensuring accessibility for wheelchair users – use of fixed ramps Good and accurate signage for drivers and spectators Good communications with taxi – PHV industry essential Detailed maps and information on Games venues

THANK YOU Roger Silvers MA, LLM RJS Management Services Ltd Website: Phone: +44 (0)