Safeguarding in the taxi industry: New opportunities may arise post-lockdown

An award-winning training company is offering the licensed taxi trade new opportunities to raise earnings and help combat the slump in business caused by coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

Spectrum Courses Ltd say taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers can boost their income by specialist training courses to transport vulnerable children and adults, ahead of potential changes in legislation.

The online business, based in Peterborough, says their accredited courses were developed specifically for taxi and PHV drivers; and for many of the thousands of people who have completed their courses, it is their first qualification.

The company offers two courses for taxi and PHV drivers (Transporting a Child with SEN, and Transporting Vulnerable Adults), which already exceed the recommended training guidelines.

Spectrum’s Managing Director, Jane Saggers, said: “Our company was set up to help protect Taxi and Private Hire vehicle drivers around understanding vulnerable children and adults, and help them to gain a professional qualification for the work they do. It’s important too for drivers to realise that they can make a huge impact on a vulnerable pupil and adult’s life.

“During lockdown, we’ve seen a huge rise in enquiries for our courses from local authorities all over the UK,” she added. “Social distancing is going to mean so many more cabbies are needed.”

The courses available have bite sized learning modules and feature topics which meet DfE Training guidance.

The courses cost £49.00 and last three years. Each certificate carries a unique reference number which can be verified online by licensing authorities, NHS Trusts etc. For more information go to www.spectumcourses.co.uk