DVSA Earned Recognition: An Overview

Earned Recognition is a government-backed initiative whose mission is to help transport operators achieve excellence in their business, whilst elevating their compliance standards. At its core, DVSA Earned Recognition offers operators a fast track to responsible transport management, allowing exemplary operators to improve business efficiency and achieve a competitive edge.

Participation in the programme is a voluntary decision based on the guidelines outlined by the DVSA, which include for example demonstrating robust monitoring systems and a commendable compliance track record. By understanding the ins and outs of the scheme, operators are equipped to streamline their operations and position themselves as leaders in their field who are committed unquestionably to safety and compliance.

To help you evaluate whether the DVSA Earned Recognition programme is the right path for your business and to help you understand clearly the process involved if you decide to join the scheme, today we are sharing with you answers to the most commonly asked questions we get from our customers interested in participating in Earned Recognition.

Is my business eligible for the DVSA Earned Recognition Programme?

The key eligibility criteria for DVSA Earned Recognition pertain to your operator licence and your compliance standards, and you can find full details of the specific KPIs which are monitored in the scheme over on our main Earned Recognition page. One of the most fundamental requirements to qualify for Earned Recognition, is that you must have held an O licence for at least 2 years, and be in full compliance of that licence.

Regarding compliance management, you must be operating a fully digital driver management and vehicle maintenance system, both of which can communicate directly with the DVSA. Convey’s compliance platform, for instance, will automatically send notification to the DVSA informing them of any missed KPIs by a set amount. Should this happen, the DVSA will work with you to address any issues. Convey is proud to be a trusted partner for Earned Recognition, and is one of just a handful of accredited providers whose software platform covers both monitored areas in the programme.

I am a new operator – How can I apply for Earned Recognition?

That’s a great question which many new operators have been asking since the scheme first started in 2018, and you will be pleased to know that the DVSA was listening. In June 2023 they launched the Road to Earned Recognition trial which helps operators with newly-acquired O licences (within the previous 6 months) to build best practices and compliance for future eligibility. The trial is open to businesses of any size, at no cost, offering a comprehensive learning programme and one-to-one support. After the ‘up to 2 year’ programme, participants can then undergo an Earned Recognition audit and, if successful, apply for full membership.

What are the benefits of the DVSA Earned Recognition?

The benefits of being part of the DVSA Earned Recognition are many and varied. On a day-to-day basis, your fleet will experience fewer roadside checks, and there will be less likelihood of DVSA enforcement staff visiting your premises. Your brand gets a boost with DVSA Earned Recognition status and your clear commitment to compliance can play a positive role in winning contracts and growing your business. As a member of DVSA Earned Recognition you will also have direct access to DVSA experts who can help your business excel through leveraging their valuable knowledge and insights. 

How does a business apply for the DVSA Earned Recognition scheme?

In order to ensure a smooth and efficient application experience, we recommend that you research carefully the eligibility criteria and get all your documentation ready prior to submitting your application form. Familiarise yourself with the relevant official guidance documents and complete the online checklist found on the Government website www.gov.uk/dvsa/earned-recognition. These essential steps will help you evaluate your readiness for the application and make sure you don’t experience unwanted and unnecessary delays. Furthermore, existing Convey customers can access our Earned Recognition module to help evaluate their eligibility for the scheme prior to applying.

What happens during the review process?

Completed applications for the scheme will be processed by the DVSA when they are received and the review process has a 3 month period for completion. The DVSA will examine your recent track record with key performance indicators to verify and evaluate your most recent driver hours data and vehicle compliance standards. In the event of incomplete applications, you will be asked to supply missing information prior to the end of the 3 month deadline, and if you miss this deadline your application will automatically be rejected.

Should your application be successful, you will get notification from the DVSA and you will be prompted to schedule your initial audit, which is a crucial step towards full accreditation. In the event that your application for DVSA Earned Recognition is rejected, you will be provided with a clear explanation of why you weren’t eligible. You are welcome to reapply in the future provided that you show evidence of the necessary improvements.

What’s involved in the Earned Recognition audit?

Following  a successful application, the next step is to find an accredited auditor and book your initial audit within the designated 3 month window. Make sure you do have online access to manage your operator licence, so that you can supply the auditors with specific reports they may request. Find out more on the Government website – http://www.gov.uk/manage-vehicle-operator-licence

The Earned Recognition audit will meticulously examine your transport management systems pertaining to the following areas:

• Effectiveness of processes.
• Identification and resolution of compliance issues.
• Continuous control and risk management.

To prevent delays and improve chances of your desired outcome, ensure you have gathered all the necessary evidence prior to the audit and be ready to effectively demonstrate how your systems align with the required compliance standards, and to allow access to your vehicles for inspection. It is highly recommended to comply with all reasonable requests from the authorised audit provider and be prepared to cover all costs involved in the audit process. 

The auditor will then send their report to DVSA for the scheme manager to review, so you won’t receive the outcome on the spot. Should all requirements be met, you will be granted accreditation. If they feel that their standards are partially met, the auditors will work with you to create an improvement plan. And if they judge that standards have not been met, you will be given the opportunity to reapply, if and when you are confident that you meet the requirements for DVSA Earned Recognition.

What are the KPIs that you are measured against in Earned Recognition?

Operators who are members of the Earned Recognition programme must maintain agreed safety standards for both drivers and vehicles, and there are several Key Performance Indicators that are monitored, and only reported to the DVSA if any of these KPIs are missed.

For drivers there are 9 KPIs, including the levels of driver hours, law infringements, working time and unaccounted mileage. When it comes to your fleet, there are 5 KPIs, including safety inspections being completed on time and with the correct documentation, as well as the handling of any identified defects. You can find out more about the tracked KPIs on our main Earned Recognition page.

If I change my mind, can I leave the DVSA Earned Recognition programme?

The DVSA Earned Recognition scheme is a voluntary programme and, in light of this, an accredited operator can choose to leave the scheme at any time by providing 7 days’ written notice to the scheme manager. Once you leave the programme, your business will be removed from the Accredited Operators list and you will lose access to all scheme benefits.