NASP Update – September 2020
NASP Update – September 2020 Here’s the latest monthly update on activity undertaken by the National Associations Strategic Partnership on behalf of the industry. For further updates and access to a host of useful information and resources please also visit http://www.n-a-s-p.co.uk NASP comment on continued closure of waiting rooms It is notable that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have also written to DVSA highlighting that the failure to provide adequate sanitary facilities and waiting spaces to customers (and what HSE deems as ‘workers’ in this context, i.e trainers), is contrary to health and safety legislation and regulation. DVSA have maintained to date that it is difficult to open waiting rooms across the board due to the challenges of ensuring social distancing (and need to limit exposure for all users to COVID-19), staffing challenges, and the issue at some test centres that waiting rooms are being pressed into service as extra office space to allow staff to socially distance. We should make it clear that NASP has not necessarily simply demanded that waiting rooms open immediately, pragmatically we realise some of the challenges highlighted by DVSA make this difficult. But we do continue to press for DVSA giving us a timeline for when they expect waiting rooms to be re-opened, and that that timeline should factor in the change of seasons which is upon us, and the likelihood of inclement weather. And if waiting rooms cannot be opened up – what is the alternative? In respect of this issue, NASP will also asking why (with the advent of Examiner’s entire ‘office’ being available on their tablets now) so much office space is still needed that waiting rooms need to be pressed into service as extra office space in some locations – even allowing for social distancing requirements. As Examiners are largely out of the office on test most days, and work from a tablet now, the traditional office set up is not necessarily needed in the same way. The regulator maintains it is continuing discussions with HSE about the use of waiting rooms for driving instructors. We will continue to press the agency on this important issue which has the potential to impact the health and welfare of trainers across the board, even in the context of the decision to keep waiting rooms closed being made for health and safety reasons. NASP also notes member feedback on some test centres still refusing access to toilet facilities and has taken the ones reported to us up with DVSA. Please keep feeding in your experiences on the ground to us or your national associations (ADINJC, DIA and MSA being the groups which form NASP and the only ADI associations or groups to have first tier representation to DVSA). NASP Guidance Other useful information: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do Concerns over theory test availability continue Theory Test provision continues to be a serious concern for NASP and its members, and we continue to press DVSA on when theory test availability will improve. Guidance on changes to Part 3 and Standards Check Assessments In the meantime, NASP has a useful summary of the changes on the NASP website you can view and if you have any queries you can speak to your national association or ORDIT trainer for advice and to help prepare for your next assessment. Asking the questions and seeking the solutions From the ongoing pain that is the online booking system, to the lack of capacity for testing to meet demand, theory test woes, to what’s happening with ADI and PDI assessments in the face of COVID – please be reassured – you ask us, it goes on our list and is chased up regularly, even if we don’t always get the answers we want, in the timescale we want. Keep your feedback, questions and queries coming through to your respective associations so NASP can ensure they are highlighted where it matters most and push for answers or solutions. The NJC continues to be dedicated to help you in these challenging times and we hope you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy. ADINJC’s helpline is 0800 8202 444 The Secretary’s number is 07855 453414
The ADINJC is a national association run by ADIs on a not-for-profit basis. We work tirelessly to inform, represent and support our members, and to promote the interests of our profession. |
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