AFP and BVRLA Join Forces for Enhanced Transport Solutions

Hello, Champions of Net Zero!

In an exciting development for fleet managers and leasing company staff, a new salary sacrifice course has been launched, courtesy of a collaborative effort between the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) and the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA). This initiative marks a significant step forward in the ongoing partnership between these two esteemed professional bodies, which are dedicated to enhancing the resources and training available to their members.

The salary sacrifice online course is designed to equip fleet managers and leasing professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to establish and manage compliant salary sacrifice schemes. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, particularly with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), the demand for effective training in this area is more pertinent than ever.

The curriculum of the course encompasses a wide array of essential topics. Participants will learn how to set up or select a compliant scheme tailored to their organisation’s needs. Key considerations include identifying employees who may benefit from salary sacrifice, determining the most suitable vehicles for the scheme, and understanding the implications of national minimum wage regulations.

Moreover, the course goes beyond the basics, addressing critical issues such as risk protection options for employers, navigating parental leave policies, and managing the complexities of motor insurance. It also delves into the practicalities of handling driver charges, damage assessments, fines, and strategies for effective employee engagement and marketing of the scheme.

The course is led by Jon Burdekin, a seasoned expert with over 30 years of experience in the UK leasing and fleet finance sector. His impressive portfolio includes collaborations with high-profile organisations such as McDonald’s, Shell, Oracle, Royal and Sun Alliance, Royal London Mutual Assurance, and the BBC. Burdekin’s extensive knowledge ensures that participants receive high-quality guidance that is both practical and relevant to today’s fleet management challenges.

Ronnie Gillman, the training manager at the AFP, expressed enthusiasm about this new offering, stating: “With the current benefit-in-kind incentives surrounding electric vehicles, there is a burgeoning interest in salary sacrifice schemes. Consequently, there is a strong demand for training that provides comprehensive guidance on how to effectively choose and operate these schemes.”

Gillman further emphasised the synergistic relationship between the AFP and BVRLA, saying, “We are delighted to be able to offer this joint course, which thoroughly addresses the needs of our members. Committing just one day to this training will empower delegates to explore the topic in depth and implement actionable strategies within their businesses.”

Adding to the excitement, Mark Pow, Head of Learning and Development at the BVRLA, shared his insights on the initiative. He noted that “our members are responsible for the vast majority of salary sacrifice programmes available in the UK, with new schemes launching every month. The membership base of the AFP and the BVRLA complements each other effectively, making it logical to extend our popular salary sacrifice course to the AFP community.”

In a reciprocal gesture, the BVRLA will also be offering the AFP’s well-received Women’s Voices in Fleet course, aimed at empowering women to assert their viewpoints in corporate settings. This two-way collaboration signifies a promising expansion of joint training initiatives designed to benefit both organisations’ members.

This partnership is timely, particularly as organisations look to enhance their sustainability practices and navigate the complexities of transitioning to electric fleets. Salary sacrifice schemes can play a pivotal role in this transition by providing employees with a tax-efficient way to acquire electric vehicles, thus contributing to the wider goal of reducing carbon emissions and achieving net-zero targets.

As the automotive landscape continues to shift towards sustainability, the AFP and BVRLA’s commitment to providing targeted training resources will undoubtedly help their members adapt to these changes. By investing in education and professional development, both organisations are helping to foster a more informed and prepared workforce, ready to tackle the challenges of the future.

In conclusion, the launch of this salary sacrifice course is not just an educational opportunity; it is a crucial step towards empowering fleet managers and leasing professionals to make informed decisions that align with both their organisational goals and the broader objective of achieving net-zero emissions. We encourage all interested members to seize this opportunity and enhance their knowledge in this vital area of fleet management.

Stay tuned for more updates as the AFP and BVRLA continue to develop innovative training initiatives that support our journey towards a sustainable future!

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