The first meeting of the reconvened UK Downstream Oil Distribution Forum (UKDODF) has been formally opened by Edward Davey, secretary of state, for energy and climate change.
The forum, last active in 2007, has been reconvened as part of the proposals agreed between Unite union and haulage companies employers following the dispute in April.
Davey had formally requested both Cogent Sector Skills Council and Skills for Logistics Sector Skills Council to reconvene the forum to review of best practice in health and safety and driver training standards.
Cogent and SfL have appointed an independent chair Brian Worrall, recently retired from the downstream sector, to lead the forum.
SfL chief Mick Jackson said: “Skills for Logistics has been raising the awareness within government of logistics as a pivotal business function and the importance of raising skills levels within our sector. We are, therefore, pleased to be involved in the Downstream Oil Industry Forum, which will play a positive role in addressing tanker driver skills and training issues.”
