In the five months running up to the May 2010 general election, 120 Labour Party volunteers who would be either driving a fleet car or hire vehicle provided by the organisation, or would be making a mileage or fuel claim if driving their own vehicle, were asked to enrol in the Permit to Drive scheme.

Emma Robson, the Party’s fleet staff services assistant, said: “RiskMaster is fully integrated into the Labour Party and our employees understand the reasons for its introduction and why as an employer we must be compliant with all health and safety legislation.

“With a significant number of volunteers driving on Labour Party business it was essential that they were enrolled in the scheme as we wanted to ensure they were in possession of valid driver and vehicle documentation and then keep a track of their on-road behaviour.”

RiskMaster, how it worked, and why it was a crucial feature of the Party’s occupational road risk management procedures, was explained to volunteers through communications distributed via regional directors.

Robson said: “A number of issues around the reasons for RiskMaster enrolment were raised by the volunteer drivers. These were resolved and no one objected to the scheme. However, in the future I would communicate directly with all the drivers.”

She added: “Communication is essential and an explanation of how RiskMaster works and the reasons for obtaining a Permit to Drive is vital. It is crucial that volunteer drivers understand that, whoever they are working for, the organisation is responsible for their health and safety when driving.”

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