A RISK management consultation is being offered to hundreds of fleets free of charge in one of the largest offers of its kind in the industry.

Volkswagen Fleet Services is offering the initial consultation, called The Journey, to all its customers in conjunction with DriveTech (UK).

It will look at a firm’s risk management procedures and recommend a programme intended to take fleet decision-makers and their drivers along a ‘clearly signposted A-Z risk management route’.

The consultation will include an audit of each company’s current occupational driving policies, with recommended procedures and changes to improve management control in line with best practice recommendations by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

There is also the opportunity to assess drivers by CD-ROM or online to determine their risk exposure rating, with a range of solutions such as driver training and e-training, based on the risk rating, offered to employees.

DriveTech has also developed database systems that enable fleets to access comprehensive records of driver audit trails and cost analysis.

Vince Kinner, head of Volkswagen Fleet Services, said: ‘For a long time now, Volkswagen has been bringing products with class-leading passive and active safety features to the market.

‘We’re now going one step further and offering our customers an additional safety package.

‘Not only will it protect company drivers; it will also help our customers to keep pace with the changes in legislation which no fleet manager can afford to ignore.’

DriveTech chairman Chris Howell added: ‘Our new partnership with Volkswagen will not only introduce best practice risk management to numerous fleets, but will also enable our existing clients to experience the Volkswagen brand.’

As part of the strategic partnership DriveTech will be using a fleet of 15 Volkswagen Passat 1.9 TDI 130bhp Highline saloons.

The firms claim that The Journey will help businesses meet legislation requirements and corporate and social responsibilities.

New customers will be offered the consultation on completion of their agreement with Volkswagen, while existing customers can take advantage of the service on contract renewal.