Backline Secures FORS Status
Since the company’s inception many moons ago, Backline has sought to establish itself as a specialist provider of temporary staff – providing unparalleled service to both its clients and workforce.
Through concentrating its efforts within a specific sector, and by offering complimentary services such as industry relevant training and the use of its two Outbase facilities to support a variety of transport operations, we have been able to do exactly that.
From humble beginnings, a single office in a predominantly residential street in Exeter, the company has grown organically to a multi-branch network spanning seven counties; supporting a number of household names and with a turnover comfortably into eight figures.
As part of that journey, we are proud to have accrued several accreditations, awards and accolades along the way:
REC Membership
Recognising quality recruitment practice and providing clients with the assurance that the company operates both legally and ethically.
FTA / Logistics UK Driver Agency Excellence
Further evidence of our commitment to exacting standards of operation. An annual audit focuses on both compliance and best practice when it comes to the recruiting of and supply of drivers and other staff within the industry.
SQA, AITT, FAA & JAUPT Accredited Training Centre
Offering a number of industry focused training solutions such as ADR, Materials Handling and Driver CPC courses, accreditation from each of the relevant authorities ensures that high training standards are upheld. It also provides clients with the peace of mind that they have satisfied their legal obligation to provide appropriate training for their staff.
ISO 9001:2015
Demonstrating our commitment to continual improvement, this certification recognises the Quality Management System we have in place. We’re constantly learning and updating the way that we work to provide a better service for our clients and staff alike.
In November 2020, however, Backline achieved one of its most prestigious awards yet. At our operating centre in Exeter, we were successful in our application for Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) Bronze status, setting us alongside highly regarded companies such as Grafton Merchanting, Wincanton, XPO Logistics and DHL Supply Chain to name but a few.
We spoke to Rob Sargent, Operations Manager at the site, who was tasked with preparing for the application, about the experience.
“It’s a great feeling to have our hard work officially recognised by FORS. The application process is quite intense – an external auditor visits and goes through all of your operational procedures, Health & Safety policies, checks out the site and various other compliance documentation to make sure you’re up to scratch as far as your O licence obligations are concerned. Gaining FORS Bronze status will open doors on a number of commercial opportunities that were previously closed to us and further cement our status as experts in our field.”
We’re pleased to have been awarded the operator certificate and our aim for 2021 is to become one of the first (if not the first) suppliers to be awarded FORS accredited driver hire company status.