How to register for FORS or CLOCS accreditation

The Bottom Line

To register for FORS (Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme) or CLOCS (Construction Logistics and Community Safety), you must sign up through their official websites, pay the registration fee, and prepare your business for a formal audit. This audit will scrutinise your safety protocols, environmental impact, and operational efficiency to ensure you meet industry-leading benchmarks.

Choosing Between FORS and CLOCS

While both schemes aim to improve road safety, they serve slightly different purposes:

• FORS: An over-arching voluntary accreditation scheme that covers all aspects of safety, fuel efficiency, and vehicle emissions. It has three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Most contractors start at Bronze.
• CLOCS: Specifically designed for the construction industry. It focuses on the collaboration between site operators and fleet operators to ensure the safety of vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians.

In many cases, especially when working on major infrastructure projects like HS2 or for Transport for London (TfL), having at least FORS Bronze is a contractual requirement. Many businesses find that achieving FORS Bronze automatically helps them meet the requirements for CLOCS compliance.

How to Register

1. Sign up online: Visit the FORS or CLOCS websites to create an account. You will need to provide basic company details and the number of vehicles in your fleet.
2. Pay the fee: Registration and annual subscription fees are usually based on the size of your fleet. You will also need to pay for the audit itself.
3. Access the standards: Once registered, you will get access to the specific 'Standard' documents. These are your bibles; they list every single requirement you must meet to pass the audit.

Preparing for the Audit

The audit is the most intensive part of the process. You are required to demonstrate that your management systems are robust. You should prepare the following:

• Policy Documentation: Ensure you have written policies for fuel management, road risk, and driver health.
• Vehicle Records: Have clear logs of maintenance, daily walkaround checks, and tyre management.
• Driver Training: You must prove that your drivers have undergone specific safety training, such as 'Safe Urban Driving' (SUD) or 'Van Smart' courses.
• Safety Equipment: Depending on the level you seek, you may need to install side-guards, blind-spot cameras, and audible left-turn warnings on your vehicles.

Tip: Don't book your audit until you have at least 90 days of clean, organised records. The auditor will want to see a consistent history of compliance, not just a folder you put together the night before.

What Happens During the Audit?

An independent auditor will visit your premises (or conduct a remote audit if permitted). They will sample your files, check your vehicle records, and interview staff to ensure that what is written in your policies is actually happening on the ground. If you pass, you will receive your certification, which is usually valid for one year. If you fail, you will be given a period of time to rectify any 'non-conformances' before being re-evaluated.