My career has taken me from roadside enforcement and investigations into seriously and serially non-compliant operators with DVSA, to compliance management, independent auditing and the development of industry standards. I’ve worked with both goods and passenger transport operators, giving me an understanding of how compliance is assessed—and the practical challenges of keeping an operation running safely every day.
During my time at DVSA, I led a significant rewrite of the Earned Recognition audit standards, helping shape the scheme’s approach to assessing operator compliance. The standards developed through that work gained recognition from Traffic Commissioners and Transport for London as an acceptable standard of compliance assurance. I also assisted in the development of the “Road to Earned Recognition” pathway, working alongside colleagues to help operators build towards the scheme through structured, practical improvements.
As a Compliance Manager with the Road Haulage Association, I carried out audits, advised operators and prepared reports for Traffic Commissioners. That experience built on my enforcement background, allowing me to help businesses understand their responsibilities, identify gaps and put practical improvements in place.
Across these roles, I’ve seen the impact compliance failures can have: good operators, often small family businesses, facing a public inquiry, uncertainty over their licence and difficult consequences for their staff and livelihoods.
What struck me most was how rarely it came down to people not caring. Most operators wanted to do things properly. They were simply stretched, working with systems that hadn’t kept pace with the business, or unsure what the regulator expected until it was too late.
I started Transport Standards Group to give operators the support I’d have wanted them to have: honest, practical advice from someone who understands both the regulator’s expectations and the realities of running a transport business.
I am passionate about this industry. The people who keep the country’s goods and passengers moving deserve support that helps them run safer, stronger businesses, with systems that work in practice and advice they can act on.
Whether you run a small fleet or a national operation, manage transport, lead the business or maintain the vehicles, I’d welcome a conversation. You might be preparing for a DVSA visit, facing a public inquiry, developing your systems or looking to train your team. Or you might simply want an honest second opinion on how you’re doing.
Whatever brings you here, let’s talk.
Amanda TyrerFounder, Transport Standards Group