DVSA Earned Recognition

First Coach Operator in Greater Manchester Awarded

As a family run company, we have always strived to ensure we run a compliant and well-maintained operation. In 2019 we were encouraged by a member of the DVSA to apply for the Earned Recognition scheme which is a voluntary scheme introduced in 2017 and operated by the DVSA. Here’s an overview of the scheme as quoted by the DVSA:

“The DVSA Earned Recognition scheme is a voluntary scheme for all operators who can demonstrate a strong track record of compliance and adherence to standards. Operators must be able to show that they have robust systems and processes that promote effective and proactive transport management.”

Further information available from DVSA.

As a pro-active company always looking to improve and be an industry leader we set the wheels in motion which was immediately halted by COVID-19 and the introduction of lockdown in early 2020. In the summer of 2020 once operations were back up and running we resumed our quest to become an Earned Recognition operator, by October 2020 we underwent an independent audit via an approved DVSA Earned Recognition auditor who was very complimentary of our policies, procedures and processes that are in place throughout the company.

In early 2021 we were again halted by another lockdown which yet again put the brakes on our quest for Earned Recognition. As soon as lockdown was lifted and operations were underway we continued to fine tweak our systems, distribute more in-depth training to our drivers, engineers and office staff, put in place more above and beyond systems to ensure we always remain more than just compliant but an exemplary operator within the North West and beyond.

By Autumn of 2021 we were ready, all the hard work, training, endless hours of typing and implementing new policies and procedures had come to an end, it was time to go ahead with the official Earned Recognition Audit. We were booked the audit on Monday 13^th December 2021 at 9am sharp.

The audit progressed for 3 days, we were required to provide large amounts of evidence to back up our systems, training, policies, processes and procedures we operated within the company.

The audit was formally submitted just after New Year 2022. It has been a tense few weeks since our official audit awaiting the DVSA decision, and to our delight we have now been accepted as a DVSA Earned Recognition member.

Thanks goes to all the Yelloway Team for making this happen but in particular to James (our Transport & General Manager) for all his hard work, dedication and tenacity in making this happen.

Like many businesses, we have had to adapt to new ways of working since the pandemic hit early 2020. Not only have we adapted, we’ve improved, we’ve grown and although it’s taken us longer than expected with repeated lockdowns because of the pandemic we’ve got there, we didn’t give up and we’re where we should be; a recognised, safe, reliable coach operator. Oh yes; and one of the first two coach operators in the Greater Manchester area to be accredited with the much acclaimed DVSA Earned Recognition award. Are we proud? I’ll say!!