CILT(UK) HGV Driver Safety and Welfare – A National Scandal?

When: 5 November 2025

• In-Person to start: 18:00 - 20:00 - Refreshments to be served 18:00 - 18:30PM
• Online to start at: 18:30 - 20:00

Where: West Oxford Community Centre, Botley Road, Oxford, OX2 0DT

Speaker: Rhys Hackling MD Direct Connect Logistics Limited & RHA Representative to be announced

The Thames Valley Group is privileged to welcome Rhys Hackling, MD of Direct Connect Logistics Ltd, alongside a yet to be selected representative from the Road Haulage Association.

Lorries parked in roadside laybys at night are so common they do not even register on our consciousness. For too long, our HGV drivers have had to suffer from a lack of safe, secure parking and rest locations with proper welfare and hygiene facilities. If employers treated their staff like this in fulfilment centres or other logistic establishments, they would likely end up in court. What should be done about this and, importantly, who and how should we pay for it?

Rhys will explain how he has been championing this issue through the RHA for some time now, and give us a clear outline of what needs to be done to overcome a growing challenge that undoubtedly leads to poor recruitment and retention of one of our most valuable assets – HGV drivers.

Rhys has over thirty years’ experience leading business enterprises across the distribution, warehousing and transport sectors and has actively supported the CILT Thames Valley Group and Chamber of Commerce with their Workforce Development partnership ans Local Skills Improvement Programme.

As usual with Thames Valley Group events, attendees are warmly invited to continue the evening afterwards with informal discussion and networking at the adjacent pub – most likely between the venue and Oxford Station, a ten minute walk away.

Booking for Members - Free & Non-Members -£5.00 inc. VAT

Note: If you are not a current Member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, please be aware our membership team may be in touch with you using your email address provided regards membership opportunities. If you do not wish to be contacted please email and let us know at [email protected]

Competies asssigned to this event:

• FM1.1 Freight Transport Operations and Services
• EQ2 Risk Management

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