02 NEWSLINK n MAY <strong>2021</strong>
For all the latest news, see www.msagb.com Do our views matter or is the government paying lip service? Colin Lilly Editor, <strong>Newslink</strong> Stakeholder is a buzz word I have never been totally happy with and I have always viewed with some suspicion. I tend to think of it as a feelgood word to make everyone think they’ve been included, but a certain bias remains. I referred to the Oxford Dictionary for a definition: Stakeholders- “All those with interests in an organization [sic]; for example, as shareholders, employees, suppliers, customers, or members of the wider community. ‘Stakeholder theory’ is an approach to business that attempts to incorporate the interests of all stakeholders in a business, as opposed to the view that a firm is responsible only to its owners. It thus attempts to adopt an inclusive rather than a narrow approach to business responsibility.” What better way to make people feel included than hold a consultation? If the outcome of that consultation falls in line with the desired outcome for the definition it can be held up as a victory for democracy. However, if the stakeholders’ views do not coincide with the desired outcome, they can always be ignored. Does this have an air of familiarity? Consultation is defined as the action or process of formally consulting or discussing. Consulting is the business of giving expert advice to other professionals. The driver training profession has a keen interest in road safety and casualty reduction, with the knowledge and experience to provide expert advice. A referendum is a general vote by the electorate on a single political question which has been referred to them for a ‘‘ I am reminded of the ADIs who invested in theory training centres only to have the DfT publish the question bank and answers. It shows that governments have little regard for driver training... ‘‘ NEWSLINK n OCTOBER <strong>2021</strong> direct decision. A simple majority is all that is required to approve a decision. Therefore, can we say that the recent B+E issue was the subject of a consultation or a referendum? If a ‘consultation’ was held on complete removal of the driving test, can you predict the result? I would suggest the proposal would receive overwhelming support from the public. Once again, that would be a referendum. Could these changes have been possible if we had remained a member of the EU? We must spare a thought for those trainers who have invested in a business specialising in B+E training, some acquiring manoeuvring areas; their financial future has been put at risk. I am reminded of the ADIs who invested in theory training centres only to have the DfT publish the question bank and answers. It shows that governments of any political hue have little regard for driver training. Glib suggestions have been made that B+E trainers can easily swap to learner training, but this shows a lack of understanding. A vehicle that is suitable for B+E training is not necessarily appropriate for learner training. Organisations offering LGV training will find some of their vehicles under used. They may not be able to invest in more CE vehicles. It is all very well for the DVSA to claim to be able to provide an extra 50,000 driving tests. Will this figure be based on the last financial year, when Covid-19 reduced the number of tests conducted, or an average taken from non-Covid years? There may be a need for 50,000 extra drivers but will that number be recruited and come forward to be tested? If the level of demand means that there are unused slots exceeding the number created by removing the B+E category, then some explanations of the decision will be required. Continued on page 8, with more reaction from MSA GB on this story CONTACT To comment on this article or any other issue surrounding driver training and testing, contact Colin via editor@msagb.com Welcome to your digital, interactive <strong>Newslink</strong> See a pale blue box in any article or on an advert? It it contains a web address or email, it’s interactive. Just click and it will take you to the appropriate web page or email so you can find more details easier. You’ll also find these panels across the magazine: just click for more information on any given subject. To get the full story, click here How to access this magazine You can read <strong>Newslink</strong> in three ways: Go online and read the interactive magazine on the Yumpu website; or, if you would like to read it when you don’t have a mobile signal or WiFi, you can download the magazine to your tablet, PC or phone to read at your leisure. Alternatively, a pdf can be found on the MSA GB website, at www.msagb.com Follow the link MSA GB sends you to access <strong>Newslink</strong>, and then just click Download to save a copy on your device COVER STORY The fate of the unskilled or the unlucky... a caravan lies wrecked by the side of the motorway. SPECIAL REPORT B+E testing falls by the wayside - see pgs 8-12 03
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