EMAS fleet awarded Van Excellence

East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) has something extra to celebrate this Christmas as it its vehicles are awarded Van Excellence accreditation. 

Van Excellence is a nationally recognised, transport industry led initiative to enhance standards of compliance and to celebrate those that have demonstrated excellence. 

To successfully be awarded the Van Excellence accreditation EMAS vehicles underwent an audit which included pre-use vehicle inspections and maintenance cycles to asses roadworthiness, risk analysis, load requirements, driver/ passenger protection and speed limiters to maintain a safe working environment. Vehicle standards were measured through appearance, taxation, insurance and MOT and vehicle administration through record keeping and retention. 

Richard Needham, Assistant Head of Fleet Services, coordinated the project, he said: “Our vehicles have to be serviced and maintained to the highest standard because of the amount of use they get and the job that they do. 

“The Fleet department is constantly striving to provide a high quality and efficient service to our colleagues that will support them operationally. 

“This award goes to show that whilst we will continue to look at ways to adapt and improve the service we provide we will always work to the highest standards within the Fleet workshops and this accreditation means our work is being nationally recognized.” 

Steve Farnsworth, Head of Fleet Services, said: “Having this certification shows that we have demonstrated the high operational standards needed to join the excellence group. 

“It has been a team effort and all staff within our Fleet workshops have worked very hard to achieve the excellence accreditation. 

“We are the second Ambulance in the country to be awarded the Van Excellence and are very proud of all involved in making that happen.”