The BVRLA has appointed auditors to help launch the association’s comprehensive new governance programme in 2016.

Assessors from the AA will carry out the quality assurance inspections for the association’s corporate members, while CCAS will audit the BVRLA’s leasing broker members.

“We went through a rigorous selection process ahead of making this decision,” said BVRLA Chief Executive Gerry Keaney. “We were impressed with the AA’s IT infrastructure and national coverage, while CCAS was chosen for its impressive knowledge and experience of the leasing broker sector.”

Both firms will assist the BVRLA’s members with maintaining their compliance with the association’s Code of Conduct.

AA business development manager Howard Curle said: “We’re delighted to be appointed to fulfil this important auditing role.  It will help to reassure hirers that BVRLA members’ vehicles are maintained to the highest standards of safety while their premises and procedures are transparent and meet industry best practice. It underlines why a BVRLA member should always be chosen by those hiring or leasing vehicles for business or leisure purposes.”

CCAS managing director Andrew Smith added: “The services that we’ll be providing to members will underpin the professional standards of the BVRLA, re-assure funders and build more sustainable business with customers. We’re really very pleased indeed to be chosen by the BVRLA to carry out such an important piece of work.”

The governance programme will be introduced in January 2016, as the BVRLA issues five sector-specific versions of its mandatory Code of Conduct. The programme will help rental, leasing, commercial vehicle and broker members to assess and demonstrate their compliance with the BVRLA and other regulators, such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

The BVRLA will be carrying out in excess of 500 audits in 2016 under the new governance programme, which will be run by the BVRLA’s dedicated Compliance Officer. If an audit identifies compliance issues, members will be provided with advice, guidance and support. Any member who does not adhere to the Code of Conduct and does not rectify areas of concern raised in an audit can be expelled from the BVRLA.