Avoid common mistakes at your FORS Silver audit – V7.1
Getting Silver accreditation is simple if you know what to avoid!
Use the quick links below to see common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Quick links
S2 Performance data
Common failure:
Not submitting an Operational Performance Action Plan
What to do:
Prepare and upload your S2 Operational Performance Action Plan with your application. Use the FORS S2 Operational Performance Action Plan template or make your own.
Tips:
Your plan must include:
- Key performance data (collisions, incidents, RIDDOR, transport fines, fuel use, emissions).
- Targets for improving these areas.
- Steps you are taking to meet your targets.
- How you collect and track data.
Review your plan every year to check progress and set new goals for the next 12 months.
Provide your well-to-wheel emissions data using the free FORS Emissions Calculator (available on your FORS dashboard).
Small operators (Four or fewer vehicles and four or fewer employees) can use the free text box in the application instead of uploading an Operational Performance Action Plan.
S3 Environmental impact
Common failure:
Not submitting an Operational Performance Review
What to do:
Prepare and upload your S3 Operational Performance Review with your application. Use the FORS S3 Operational Performance Review template or make your own.
Tips:
Your plan must include:
- Actions to reduce your operations environmental impact.
- Goals and targets for the next four years.
- How you will track progress.
Update your plan at least every year to stay on track.
Small operators (Four or fewer vehicles and four or fewer employees): Can use the free text box in the application instead of uploading an Operational Performance Review.
S5 Professional development
Common failures:
- Drivers have not completed mandatory FORS driver training.
- Champions have not completed mandatory FORS manager training
What to do:
Provide proof that:
All drivers have finished their required training (Annex 1 of the FORS Standard).
All FORS Champions have completed their manager training (Annex 2 of the FORS Standard).
Tips:
- The FORS Training Dashboard can be used as proof, but double-check that all records are correct.
- You can also upload training certificates.
- If using your own training logs (spreadsheets), make sure all training appears it’s on the FORS Professional Training Register.
- Booked training is NOT enough – it must be completed before
- Make sure all Bronze and Silver training is up to date.
S10 Fleet transition
Common failure:
Not submitting a Fleet Replacement Plan
What to do:
Prepare and upload your Fleet Replacement Plan with your application. Use the FORS S10 Fleet Replacement Plan template or make your own.
Tips:
Your plan must include:
- Planned procurement cycle to replace vehicles.
- Estimated total costs of ownership of petrol/diesel vehicles vs. greener alternatives.
- Any financial support available for upgrading your fleet.
- Things to consider when switching to greener vehicles.
Small operators (Four or fewer vehicles and four or fewer employees): Can use the free text box in the application instead of uploading an Operational Performance Action Plan.
By following these steps, you will avoid common mistakes and improve your chances of passing your FORS Silver audit on the first try!