Driving Simulator Training Trial : Terms of Reference

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Letter to Branches

No. 594/15
Ref: 300.02
Date: 14th September 2015




To: Branches with POSTAL Members

Dear Colleagues

Driving Simulator Training Trial – Terms of Reference
 
Branches will be aware that the 2012 Joint Statement on the RTA Procedure and Driver training committed Royal Mail and the CWU to improving the safety of our drivers and the public. Subsequently Royal Mail approached the department to trial Driving Simulator Training, which is being provided by a company called the Transline Group.

The training is being proposed on the basis of drivers enjoying the innovative approach of the simulator which provides an opportunity to be coached and for drivers to practice their driving skills, as well as experiencing the potential consequences of risky driving; and all in a safe environment. It should also be noted that participating in this trial is voluntary.

The objective is to improve driver skills, hazard perception and driving styles, to improve safety performance.

The trial of the Driver Simulator will take place at Rochdale DO, which is a High Impacting Unit in the NW England Delivery Director area. All drivers at the unit will be released for training on the simulator in groups of 4 over half-day sessions.

Whilst we recognise this is entirely voluntary, we would encourage our members to become involved in the trial as it meets with our expectations in regard to the safety of our drivers and other road users. The course is designed to be entirely supportive to the driver and does not include any pass/fail assessment. The performance data will remain confidential. The feedback and performance data will be jointly reviewed, and where the information proves successful, then any further roll-out will be progressed through Joint agreement.

Progress of the courses, and measurement of success, will be reviewed at the Road Safety Joint Working Group, which currently meets regularly, and has representation from RMG and the CWU.

Any enquiries to Bob Gibson’s Office, quoting reference 300.02
Email address: mstewart@cwu.org

Yours Sincerely

Bob Gibson
CWU Assistant Secretary – Outdoor




Terms of Reference between Royal Mail and the CWU
Trial of Driver Simulator Training Course


The 2012 Joint Statement on the RTA Procedure and Driver training committed Royal Mail and the CWU to improving the safety of our drivers and the public. Both parties reaffirm the commitment to deliver improved safety and support for our drivers by working together to identify appropriate data driven initiatives, tracking of deployment and benefits realised from agreed joint initiatives with a view to delivering sustained improvements.

Current driver training provision is catered for, by in-cab training which provides in-depth and detailed instruction and coaching, but is limited to the conditions and hazards that are experienced on the day.

A trial is proposed of Driving Simulator based training, provided by Transline Group. It is suggested that drivers enjoy the innovative approach which provides the opportunity to be coached and practice their skills, as well as experience potential consequences of risky driving, all in a safe environment.

Aims / Objectives
Transline will deliver training to drivers in groups of 4, during half-day (3.5hr) sessions, to cover all drivers at a location. The drivers will drive in the simulator and be coached in safe driving styles, including management of various hazards.

Transline will use the simulator to simulate normal conditions but also to create hazards (e.g. weather events, cyclists/pedestrians, other vehicles pulling out), and then coach drivers to handle them, practicing skills by repeating the events.

The objective is to improve driver skills, hazard perception and driving styles, which will result in improved safety performance.

Approach
The simulator will be taken to Rochdale DO, which is a High Impacting Unit in the NW England Delivery Director area. All drivers at the unit will be released for training on the simulator in groups of 4 over half-day sessions.

Involvement in the trial is voluntary; however, we would jointly encourage all drivers to participate in the trial. This will enable us to maximise the offering, but also be able to accurately assess the success of the trial.

The training is targeted for completion during September.

The course is designed to be entirely supportive to the driver and does not include any pass/fail assessment.

Evaluation / Review
The performance of the unit before the course deployment, and after the courses are completed, will be measured, and feedback obtained from drivers. This will demonstrate the successes, or otherwise, and inform whether this approach should be further deployed. The performance data will remain confidential and not displayed in the unit as a league table as such. The feedback and performance will be jointly reviewed, and where the information proves successful, then any further roll-out will be progressed through Joint agreement.
Progress of the courses and measurement of success will also be reviewed at the Road Safety Joint Working Group, which currently meets regularly, and has representation from RM functions and the CWU.

Any concerns regarding approaches taken should be directed to the Driver Capability & Behaviour Manager.




Signed............................................ Signed.................................................
Mark Bromhall Bob Gibson Royal Mail Driver Behaviour & Capability Manager CWU Assistant Secretary


Date: September 2015