FLEET MANAGEMENT
Tim Meadows, brand director at Automotive Leasing, explains how efficient fleet management can help the NHS cut both costs and emissions.
F
rom ambulances to consultant cars, fleet is vital to the NHS’ ability to de-
liver effective healthcare. But as spending cuts hit hard and emissions targets tighten, the world’s fourth largest employer faces almost unparalleled challenges in ensuring its fleet remains viable. Automotive Leas- ing is already a trusted partner for over 350 NHS Trusts and authorities, working to en- sure health sector fleets can cut costs and carbon whilst remaining a valued service for drivers.
With the Government targets to reduce CO2 emissions by at least 26% by 2020 inching ever closer, emission levels are set to become ever more important for health sector organisations. It is almost inevitable that NHS vehicle usage and subsequent environmental impact will come under the microscope once more. As a result, ef- ficient and up-to-date fleet vehicles are an effective way of ensuring these ambitious targets are met without sacrificing the in- dependence and mobility of key personnel.
Recently, Automotive Leasing worked with Dumfries and Galloway council to provide several electric vehicles to be used as pool vehicles for NHS staff in the region. As well as enhancing the environmental creden- tials of this particular council, Automo- tive Leasing worked with staff to develop a bespoke fleet strategy and ensure these vehicles delivered on driver requirements, within budget.
This issue of value is a central concern at a time when public sector budgets are fac- ing a sustained period of cuts and health service managers are under pressure to achieve savings across the board. Due to these measures, cutting public sector fleet vehicles can often seem like an effective way of reducing overheads. Yet a well-run fleet can offer significant savings in the long term, especially when compared with the alternative of using employees’ cars for business travel.
The most common method of reimburse- ment for employees using their vehicles in this manner is through the award of a mileage allowance. This rate, which is typically set at 45p per mile, can be signifi- cantly more expensive than running costs for a fleet vehicle. On top of this, the lack of a single repair or maintenance partner
inevitably results in higher upkeep costs being pushed onto individual employees. Reliable, well maintained vehicles are es- sential for healthcare professionals, espe- cially those who may be involved in quick- response scenarios, and therefore effective maintenance should remain a priority con- cern.
As well as these long-term savings, fleet vehicles confer a number of additional ben- efits upon both employer and employee. Our advocacy of driver training schemes, run
alongside comprehensive accident management programmes, is designed to ensure that our clients benefit from work- ing with a leader in the field of driver safety and wellbeing.
Health and safety factors can represent a concern when employees are using their own vehicles for NHS-related travel, as the employer remains responsible for ensur- ing that standards are upheld. As a result, this system requires time-consuming inter- nal management. There are a number of driver documents that should be checked regularly, including MOT certificates, ser- vice history, driving licences, business use insurance and registration documents. An externally managed fleet removes this bur- den, freeing up key staff.
Balancing the concerns of individual driv- ers and wider organisational requirements is always one of the biggest challenges faced by any fleet manager. To support NHS fleet managers through this balanc- ing act, Automotive Leasing offers a range of tailored solutions with value for money and driver satisfaction at their core.
One offering that has proved popular with several health sector clients in recent months is a salary sacrifice programme. This supplementary fleet option allows more employees access to a company car alongside a more traditional leasing ar- rangement. In financial terms, salary sac- rifice can offer employees significant taxa- tion savings, while also attracting lower national insurance contributions for em- ployers.
If an effective consultation and education programme is in place, salary sacrifice can be a popular initiative amongst staff. Through Automotive Leasing’s SalaryPlan scheme, we work closely with NHS staff to ensure they reap the maximum financing and service benefits from the scheme, and ensure it integrates effectively with any tra- ditional leasing arrangements.
As well as ensuring the best possible pro- vision for the organisation concerned, a leased fleet can offer experiential benefits for its drivers. In terms of practicality, a managed fleet ensures employees have ac- cess to vehicles which are best suited to the job in hand. Additionally, the average four year vehicle replacement cycle allows driv- ers to continually drive the most efficient and comfortable vehicles on the market. These newer vehicles can also be instru- mental in reducing emissions and running costs.
Overall, it is becoming clear that with the scale of the savings the health sector has to find, and the emissions targets in place, fleet may come under questioning. Auto- motive Leasing can help to provide a com- prehensive, flexible set of answers – and low-cost, low-carbon solutions – for pro- spective NHS clients.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
T: 0844 493 5840 E:
marketing@automotive-leasing.co.uk W:
www.automotive-leasing.org
national health executive Sep/Oct 11 | 71
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