News (1277)
Industry news of relevance to Fellows and Members
IoC news - Fellows Gowning (22)
Inst of Couriers Fellows' Gowning event Feb 29th 2024
Ceremonial gowning of IOC fellows 2024
IOC announce Heathrow Airport Chief of Staff Nigel Milton as honorary fellow for 2024 - delivered Fellows' Gowning keynote.
The prestigious fellows' gowning of the Inst of Couriers takes place at the House of Lords, hosted by President, Lord Peter Hendy. For 2024 there is a life service gold hood waiting; the recipient, who was named at last year's National Courier Awards, is former Yodel Chief Operating Officer Carl Moore. Former Heathrow boss, John Holland-Kaye retired and stepped down as an IOC hon fellow; new Hon fellow for 2024 is Heathrow airport chief of staff Nigel Milton. Nigel will deliver the evening's keynote and will be welcomed by most recent IOC honorary, Vice Chancellor of the University of West London, Peter John.
The key business of the evening is gowning twenty ceremonial fellows; it’s a formidable list, spanning the express logistics sector. An extract includes: HR director at Whistl Louise O'Neil who is in the line, Justin Pegg COO DPD is confirmed. Operations Delivery director Smiths News, John Power is attending. Toll Logistics CEO Allison Lindfield is all set. Evri fellows coming up include Rebekah Ahmadi and Laura Newberry.
A breadth of govt is on the VIP list and will be joined regional bodies from TfL to TfWM. The whole IOC board is attending. Those hon fellows confirmed attending include Traffic Commissioner Sarah Bell and City of London Sherrif Alison Gowman. Former Royal Logistics Corps Brigadier Andy Moffat is also on the list.
Fellows gowning is an express logistics transport network and natter high point of the year. More than quarter of a million final mile vans will be represented in the room.
Fellows' Gowning 2024
high resolution images of the 2024 event are available for download in the photo bank
2023 - Two honorands, TfL commissioner Andy Lord and former Aldermanic Sheriff Alison Gowman. A new President, as Viscount Falkland passes on the mantle to Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill. Two dozen new fellows are received in line.
2022 – Two honorands, TfL commissioner Andy Byford and head of the DVSA Loveday Ryder – Services to Industry for Trevor Hoyle, a thousand years of service in the ceremonial fellows of 2022.
2018 - John Hayes CBE elected new Vice President, Honorary Fellowship awarded to Leon Daniels. Kate Lester takes Services to Industry hood.
2017 - The honorary gown was awarded to Heathrow boss John Holland-Kaye.
2016 - Fellows hand the gown to their President and recognise eighty years...New TfL boss took honorary fellowship & first-ever honorary associateship for the Army. Viscount, Lord Falkland, celebrating his eighty years...Sixty-four years since Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne...TfL boss Mike Brown awarded the hon fellowship, 12 new Fellows were gowned by IOC President Viscount, Lord Falkland.
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IoC Qualifications (44)
Qualifications in the Express Logistics sector
IOC Chair, Carl Lomas,
Qualifications are key to our sector, both for compliance and future workforce, from driver front line to management. The IOC have been working closely with FE colleges, Universities, LEPs and DfE/IFA, The IOC have a 4 module workbook pack to accompany the express delivery operative level 2 apprenticeship, candidates are funded by levy. Candidates who complete the workbook on their apprenticeship journey are eligible for associate membership of the IOC.
A degree in Express logistics for next generation managers
IOC has two key qualification routes, management & delivery. For management, IOC is working with The University of West London in the Heathrow logistics hot spot and Derby University in the heart of the East Midlands gateway to deliver the first-ever undergraduate degree dedicated to our sector. A level six apprenticeship degree standard passed by the IFA. A level six text book is nearing publication.
An apprenticeship for Express operatives
There is level two apprenticeship for express operatives, it is free to candidates and funded by levy. The ‘Courier Trailblazer’ was a phase three application and evolved into ‘Trailblazer Express Delivery’, the standard submitted to BIS Nov 2015, live apprenticeship qualification in 2019. A full delivery pack for learners, a four workbook reflective journal portfolio to match the standard went live in 2020, rich in employer operator content. Employer support came from APC to Yodel, nationals from Hermes to DPD to SMEs such as Swift in Liverpool and GLH in London.
Justin Moore, chaired the strong employer group meetings talking Express driver operative at Level two.
We have outstanding contributions from so many employers, nationals, networks and local SMEs. The standard that will set the future qualification for the front line of our sector. It’s a big thank-you all round for everyone who has made this possible. This will be a vocational qualification for our front-line teams delivering at the client face.
Workbook modules for the apprenticeship level two, ‘Express delivery operative.'
IOC uniquely built a full learning delivery pack for the express delivery operative apprenticeship. Built with rich levels of operator content, ‘What is this thing we call Express?’ ‘Parcels larger than letters, smaller than pallets’ ‘Same day, next day schedules.’ ‘POB to empty.’ ‘Safe-guarding age related goods from knives to fireworks.’ The learning delivery pack is formed of four module workbooks, they can be completed in the job environment, interactive learning booklets with interpretation boxes for on the job notes, top tip lines from industry. Knowledge to do the job, skills blocks that follow experience in delivery, behaviour focused on brand, integrity and security at the door.
IOC acting EQA for DFT IFA
Ofqual is the official external quality auditor, IOC acting as the sector review body, IOC have built a one hundred question bank for the apprenticeship knowledge test, extensive simulation exercises and a pointer set for the professional discussion module of express delivery operative.
Going beyond the standard for express delivery operative apprenticeship
Candidates who complete the IOC work books with an apprenticeship pass qualify for access to associate membership of the IOC.
Message to schools
IOC deliver key note tuition express sector introductions to schools. Explaining the career stairway in logistics. The schools message for the next generation is key, taking the message of our sector as a career path. IOC have worked very closely with further education, FE, from West Thames College GTA at Heathrow to Buxton & Leek with their Skillbase driver training centre in the homeland of former Sec of State for transport Patrick Mcloughlin.
Jobcentre Plus – SWAP - ‘What is this thing we call express logistics?’
For adults looking at a step into the sector, IOC have worked with DWP Jobcentre Plus to develop a free of charge SWAP, Sector Work Academy Programme targeted at the unemployed entering sortation and express delivery roles.
Copies of sector-relevant standards and qualification documents, including those authored by IoC and other external bodies can be found in the IoC Standards Archive.
IoC is also active in the Education & Training Foundation's Two-Way Street leadership exchange programme - for more details go here
IoC National Courier Awards (156)
The third President of the Institute of Couriers has been announced at the National Courier Awards Oct 22nd 2024.
The hottest secret in the express sector was revealed at the National Courier Awards, IOC Vice President Sir John Hayes was on stage to reveal that the next President of the IOC will be Lord Patrick McLoughlin - The Rt. Hon. the Lord McLoughlin CH.
Founding President was Viscount, Lord Falkland, he handed the baton to Lord Peter Hendy, Lord Peter took the DfT Ministers role for new Govt this year and stepped down. Oct 22nd all was revealed as the IOC announced the third President of the Institute.
Countdown to National Courier Awards
Largest nomination number ever for 2024.
Fifty make shortlisting - bike, van contract and office categories.
Services to industry award expected.
Special ambassadors of our sector to be recognised.
It's time to book your seat and be ready to rattle the clappers.
For 2024, the awards will close with a super hero category and the announcement of new services to industry winner.
Add to all the excitement as awards guests will welcome the new IOC President.
The National Courier Awards are independent and without sponsorship, they recognise everyone in the express final mile sector.
The winners remain a secret until the evening of the awards, winners must be present to be awarded one of the prestigious National Courier Awards. The panel of judges is chaired by Simon Allan-Brooks.
Take a look at the shortlist here
The Superheroes of 2024
IOC CEO, Dr Tracey Worth, ‘I welcome you to join the celebration of the 28th year of these annual independent national awards, ‘It is simply amazing'. Resilience is the backbone of our industry, from two-wheel to the ever-changing technology used by those who represent this professional and qualified industry. All in the express industry - national, regional organisations large and small, are welcome.’ We return to Drapers' Hall, City of London, there are Curly Wurlys, a gala dinner and the clappers return. Govt departments confirmed to attend include DFT, DFE, DEFRA and DVS. Top tip is the puffin bird will walk the route of parade for an outing with the Lord Mayor of London, Michael Mainelli.
Format remains, a network and natter reception of the whos who of express logistics. The awards will open with corporate awards and then a big focus on individuals, every winner on stage. A final moment of the evening to announce a rare life services to industry fellow is expected. The awards are independent and not sponsored. 2024 sees the largest nomination group ever put forward.
The National Courier Awards recognise the best of the best in the courier industry - from wheels to office, contract and military. A gala evening celebrating excellence from courier companies large and small, regional and national footprint alongside each other in a unique network of all things courier.
Join the conversation at #natcourierawards
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IoC & Government (0)
IOC & Government
All three Vice Presidents of the Institute of Couriers are former transport ministers. The Institute works closely with DfT, DfE IFA (formerly BIS), DWP, DEFRA and BEIS; From roads to education, parking, clean air and congestion to trailblazer apprenticeships; freight forums with Transport for London, GLA, Leeds and Transport for Greater Manchester. IOC have loose associations with many colleges; FE at Hull to West Thames at Heathrow. IOC has closely engaged with the LEP platforms, particularly those who have identified transport and logistics as a priority. In the Golden Triangle of logistics hot-spots, IOC have helped build the sector strategy from Nottingham through Derby to Leicester. LEP view - the inspirational postcodes; 80% of the UK within four hours of East Midlands airport by road. Peter Richardson, D2N2 LEP former Chair.
During the Covid-19 crisis, IOC engaged with The College of Policing and National Police Chiefs Council, a copy of the COVID-19-Police-brief-in-response-to-Coronavirus-Government-Legislation can be found below.
DfE have produced a guide to Trailblazer levy. The guidance and a detailed timetable of further information releases are available on the GOV.UK website here.
The DfE/HMRC draft legislation on levy is now available for comment. For the convenience of members we have a downloadable PDF of the request for comments here.
Copies of sector-relevant standards, including those authored by IoC and other external bodies can be found in the IoC Standards Archive. Simply select a tab below and click through to the documents of interest.
FORS – IOC chair Carl Lomas takes governance role.
FORS Fleet operator recognition scheme. More focus for vans as scheme achieves four thousand members. IOC chair Carl Lomas sat at the Governance council Oct bringing more van vision to the London standard turned national. FORS passed four thousand members in the last quarter, half of the vehicles are vans, the FORS emblem born in London has become a national representation of fleets working inside the standard to look at workforce, vehicle, compliance and clean air. The very latest standards V4 are published, take a look below, The bar has been raised a little for gold standard and some silver requirements have been passed down to Bronze.
Chief Inspector, Patrick Holdaway, National Business Crime Centre - COVID-19 briefing
Talking to the IOC during Covid-19 this week (3rd April 2020),
The College of Policing and National Police Chiefs Council have produced a briefing in relation to Covid-19, whilst aimed at policing I feel it would be of interest and benefit to fellows business and provide some answers to questions around police powers, particularly in relation to restrictions on movement and gatherings. This updated version is a result of the feedback IOC have been giving me which I have then fed back into policing.
Dowload here
Academics focus on degree apprenticeship for National Express employers at IOC Heads of Industry – Oct 18th IOD, Pall Mall London SW1
Academics in strength for round table group focus on Trailblazer degree apprentice at level six at the IOC heads of industry workshop at the IOD, Oct 18th
The judges have sat for the 2016 National Courier Awards.
Votes have been taken and the silver C courier awards are waiting for the best of the best in the express courier sector.
Military nominations for logistics in regular, reserve and private sector are set to recognise deliveries in austere locations under pressure.
While the winners are a secret it will be no surprise to expect a standing ovation for the excellence to be recognised in military logistics by the private sector of express and courier.
Innovation win for logistics training at Heathrow
Unique collaboration between college, employers and sector institute for win in logistics hot-spot of workforce need.
The skills & logistics centre trains young people and adults to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in the logistics industry, the project is a collaboration between West Thames College, System Training, the Institute of Couriers, business leaders and the local authority.
Tracy Aust, principal West Thames College quotes,
We are delighted to have received the highly commended accolade for innovation with our new skills and logistics centre. This has been the result of a strong partnership between West Thames, the Institute of Couriers, national employers and the local authority. We are confident that what we have created in West London will become a hub of excellence in the logistics sector.
David Cormack, System Training commented,
I am very pleased to see the logistics facility at Feltham being recognised for the contribution it makes to logistics sector not only at Heathrow but in the wider community in the capital. System are proud of their involvement with the facility and our part in delivering the next generation workforce for Heathrow. It offers a breadth of qualifications from foundation learning through to apprenticeship and degree level providing a valuable resource to the logistics, Express couriers and Air freight sector.
Hounslow council leader Steve Curran talked expansion of logistics around Heathrow. 'This is a success story of local people.’ Tracy Aust college principal, IOC chair Carl Lomas, ‘ Express logistics numbers are exploding, Heathrow is a hot spot location for this sector.’ Adam Sage, ‘West Thames college is committed to the next generation of logistics workforce.’
Carl Lomas, Inst of Couriers Chairman,
This is one of the UK hotspots for express logistics, there is a clear need for next generation workforce, the Logistics skills centre is a great success for local need and a sector match for Express delivery. The next step is levy and the new express trailblazer apprenticeship that should re-inforce excellence for local people and supply local courier and express companies with the workforce they need.
FORS - Fleet operator recognition scheme. More focus for vans as scheme achieves four thousand members. IOC chair Carl Lomas sat at the Governance council Oct bringing more van vision to the London standard turned national. FORS passed four thousand members in the last quarter, half of the vehicles are vans, the FORS emblem born in London has become a national representation of fleets working inside the standard to look at workforce, vehicle, compliance and clean air. The very latest standards V4,1 are published, take a look here, The bar has been raised a little for gold standard and some silver requirements have been passed down to Bronze.
What can be to done to improve logistics operations in Urban Areas?
Sheffield University, Dr Erica Ballantyne urban freight research hosted a round table focus group, Smart technologies, customers, quick turnarounds, reliable availability, safer deliveries, reduced mileage, air quality all featured in the discussions. Stakeholders who are part of and affected by Urban Transport policy and operations engaged the discussions. Tracey Worth for Institute of Couriers reports. The introduction started with moments of quietness to reflect on the issue 'What can be done to improve operations in Urban Areas whilst helping to alleviate current urban transport problems?' Each of three stakeholder table groups focused on how this question affected their area of expertise.
Storm Rannard for Insider News reports - Geman giant moves for UK Mail
Insider news report - Germany's Deutsche Post DHL looks set to acquire UK Mail after a £242.7m takeover bid was recommended to shareholders of the parcel delivery business. Under the terms of the offer, UK Mail shareholders will receive 440 pence per share and will also be entitled to an interim dividend of 5.5 pence per share. Peter Kane, chairman of UK Mail, said: "We have made good strategic progress in recent years, establishing leading positions in our key markets of parcels and mail, investing in additional capacity in our operations and in IT and product and service innovation. "However, the board believes that UK Mail will benefit significantly from becoming part of Deutsche Post DHL, and will be better positioned to continue to develop our parcels and mail businesses with the benefit of Deutsche Post DHL's greater financial and operational resources." The offer is subject to approval from UK Mail shareholders. The company's directors were advised by Investec Bank and described the bid as "fair and reasonable". Jürgen Gerdes, board member of Deutsche Post DHL, added: "The on-going expansion of our parcel network in Europe is driven by increasing demand within our e-commerce customer base for cross-border deliveries.
Infrastructure scored top priority for action, a national flavour with speakers from Coventry and Manchester. Guests from major players to small SMEs and two fully electric fleet operators.
Air quality, payload to weight, range, distance and legislation around charging were the big topics driven from the floor.
Chair Carl Lomas,
The van group clearly has two streams, operators who return vehicles for fuel or charge to their base and operators whose drivers take vehicles home, they are unlikely to have off-street parking, garage or charging facilities, The two groups are very different and each face infrastructure challenges that are quite different.
AELP logistics in employer heartland of levy for Express trailblazer.
UK Mail director John Nolan was at the heart of naming the Express trailblazer alongside CitySprint and TNT. What better host for an AELP training provider focus on Trailblazer delivery?
UK Mail sortation site in transport hot-spot on the A45 opened their doors to host the Association of Learning Providers Logistics Forum Sept 22nd. A full house of training providers, colleges and award bodies packed the event to receive strategic updates on Trailblazer, levy & RoATP. Quality and excellence in logistics sortation all around the group at the 22 acre, 55 million pound site set the scene for a strategy update with the very latest govt views on employer involvement to levy in logistics and express.
Carl Lomas, secretary for Express Trailblazer, Bill boards in the streets
Degree Apprenticeships will be the game changer that brings a new perception to every level of apprenticeship.
Dept for Education gave the green light for a degree apprenticeship for Express managers as part of the Trailblazer apprenticeships Sept 16th 2016.
IOC chair, Carl Lomas comments,
This will deliver a funded route, for levy and non-levy paying employers, lasting around five years, targeting next-generation entrants and existing team members aspiring to management in the express sector. The five year course will begin with management cpc or FORS practitioner and roll into a part-time degree study with a range of Universities including Derby, MMU, and West London.
Expected to start Sept 2017, a candidate will begin a job role in our sector, have no university fees to pay and be able to attain their degree within five years. There will be strong content on customer, final mile success, returns and sortation hubs. LoCity, air quality and delivery practices will be embedded into the learning.
Helen Smith launched TfGM freight group,
IMHX at the NEC, rail, tram and feet to make a multi-modal shift from Birmingham to Manchester. Consultants talking shop, a cracking lunch and then real business with a focused sector-specific set of round tables to make change inside the Northern Powerhouse. Parking, planning, customer education and clean air topped the bill.
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