Frequently Asked Questions
Q. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE ABA TO MY COMPANY?
Employers will have the reassurance that when engaging training providers to deliver accredited training under any of the current accrediting bodies that the training will be to an agreed uniform standard across all member bodies. Training providers will also have the reassurance that the accrediting bodies are independently audited by an external auditor to ensure compliance with agreed standards and codes of conduct.
Q. HOW INVOLVED WITH THE ABA ARE THE HEALTH & SAFETY EXECUTIVE?
The ABA in its new format was given HSE Board approval in January 2013. The HSE will still be involved in the ABA, working in a consultative capacity. Freight Transport Association (FTA) have been confirmed as the independent auditor of the ABA as from September 2018
Q. DOES THE ABA HOLD AN ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND WHO CAN ATTEND?
Annual General Meetings will be held at the appropriate times and members of the ABA will be entitled to attend.
Q. WILL ACCOUNTS BE AVAILABLE FOR SCRUTINY?
The ABA does not have formal accounts as it does not collect monies from anyone. Any expenses incurred are met in equal share by the member bodies.
Q. WHO ADMINISTERS THE ABA AND HOW ARE THEY VOTED IN?
The ABA is administered by the member bodies who allocate representatives to attend on their behalf. No-one is voted in.
Q. WHO FUNDS THE ABA AND ARE THE PEOPLE WHO RUN IT PAID SALARIES?
The ABA is not funded, no-one is directly employed by the ABA therefore no salaries are paid.
Q. WHAT IS THE ABA’S VISION?
Founded by AITT, ITSSAR, NPORS and RTITB in a spirit of close co-operation and shared values, the ABA has been created with a simple goal: to contribute to the reduction in workplace transport incidents and help employers improve productivity and profitability through training.
Q. WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO JOIN THE ABA?
Membership is open to all workplace transport training accrediting bodies. Those wishing to join will be required to follow a clear code of practice aimed at maintaining high standards.
Q. WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF JOINING THE ABA?
Accrediting bodies that join the ABA will be able to demonstrate that they are working to nationally agreed common training standards which will ensure uniformity in the training arena. Members will also be able to demonstrate their on-going commitment to and compliance with the Code of Practice by being formally and independently audited against set criteria.
Q. WHAT IS THE ABA GUIDANCE TO EMPLOYERS OF WORKPLACE TRANSPORT (MHE) OPERATORS WHO HAVE BEEN CERTIFICATED OVERSEAS AND THEN WISH TO OPERATE WORKPLACE TRANSPORT MHE) IN THE UK?
The ABA recommends that the operator be treated as experienced but uncertificated operator. Therefore an employer should arrange for an assessment of the operator’s ability to establish the duration of Basic Training required and should not issue an Authorisation to Operate until Basic, Specific and Familiarisation Training has been completed.
Q. Who audits the ABA?
The ABA have nominated auditors who ensure each member is complies with the code of practice set out by the ABA. Failure to do so, could lead to removal of their membership.
Q. How do I complain about a member of the ABA?
The ABA’s nominated auditors would handle all complains relating to ABA members confidentially. If you have an item of concern, please contact abaschemeadmin@fta.co.uk
