08 Sep Virtual sessions for Drivers

Since March, 2020, we have been keeping ourselves in our home because of Corona Virus (Covid-19). For safety measures, schools, colleges, universities, and even shopping centres were closed.
Due to the “Virus Crisis”- everything from the economy to education has slowed down. The one thing that can bring momentum during such kinds of situations is “Virtuality”.

Our society has gone through the issues, parents were worried about children’s education and employees were unsure about how to work from home.
However, Virtuality solved some of these the issue. Classes were taken online and simultaneously; some employees, started working from home using video technology.

Now the whole world is moving online, then why not try setting training sessions for taxi drivers.
Recently the Council of Mendip District decided to give live online sessions for Safeguarding to all its licensed taxi and private hire drivers.

In June, this year Safeguarding training was made mandatory at a licensing board, Mendip District, UK.
When the initiative was launched, around 40 drivers attended the first two courses. The result was not only satisfied drivers, but the panel received demands for increased session seats. Now, throughout September to October sessions are fully booked.
It is now mandatory for drivers to take the virtual course within 12 months and new applicants have to complete the training before they are issued with a license.

The Councilor Sam Phripp, member of the licensing board said: “Taxi drivers are in a privileged position and sometimes they are witness to issues relating to vulnerable children and adults. We want our drivers to be alert to any potential issues, and to know what to do if and when they have concerns. The take-up rate to our first two virtual training sessions has been excellent, as was the feedback from drivers, who were engaged throughout.”

The course covers the following content:
• Awareness of the different forms of exploitation.
• Child sexual exploitation.
• Modern-day slavery.
• Recognizing signs of exploitation and abuse.
• Understanding about the Safeguarding program.
• How to handle the situation if there is any safeguarding issue.