SHIFT is a theory-driven, multi-component programme developed originally to promote healthier lifestyles among HGV drivers (the programme is currently being expanded to bus and coach drivers). HGV drivers are a group that, due to the nature of their roles, often face a number of barriers to a healthy lifestyle. Long hours behind the wheel and unpredictable schedules limit opportunities for physical activity and regular healthy meals. Access to nutritious food is often poor, with many relying on service station options high in fat, sugar and salt. Sleep patterns can be disrupted by early starts or overnight shifts, while tight delivery deadlines and traffic stress contribute to elevated mental strain. Together, these factors can lead to increased risk of road accidents, chronic disease and reduced life expectancy.
The SHIFT programme has, therefore, been designed to improve drivers’ health, wellbeing and road safety. It is based on more than a decade of behavioural science, occupational health research and real-world trials with logistics workers. The result is a seven-hour driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) module. All HGV and bus drivers must undertake 35 hours of CPC training over 5 years to maintain their licenses.
Professor Clemes has been engaging with stakeholders such as individual companies, trade and industry bodies as well as government to raise awareness of SHIFT and the potential benefits to both the transport and logistic sectors but also the wider economy of a healthier HGV workforce. The University’s Policy Unit has been supporting her on her engagement with policymakers.
It has been through her positive conversations with the Department for Transport about the potential of SHIFT that this joint event was devised. It brought together a wide range of stakeholders for a day-long event held at the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine.
Attendees on the day included Logistics UK, the Road Haulage Association (RHA), The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), Unite the Union, Evri, Wincanton, Royal Mail, Culina Group, First Bus, The Go-Ahead Group, the Association Of Trainers, and many more.
During the day, attendees were given the background to SHIFT to include the evidence base, implementation evidence based on its use with Wincanton and adaptation for bus drivers. They were then given the opportunity to take part in ‘short’ SHIFT, a one-hour taster session to experience the module, to then provide feedback and discuss the potential for wider use.
Then followed a discussion about driver health monitoring, D4 medicals – the medical examination required for drivers applying for or renewing certain types of driving licenses in the UK – and NHS health checks. Finally, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Professor Dan Parsons, addressed the attendees to encourage future collaboration between Loughborough University, government and industry to drive positive change.
There was plenty of encouraging discussion throughout the day and feedback that Professor Clemes and her colleagues will take onboard for future development of SHIFT. The Policy Unit will continue to support her on how to build on the momentum and raise awareness of its important work and potential to drive change.
Commenting on the day, Professor Clemes: “There was a great deal of positivity and enthusiasm in the room for promoting driver health, and it was great to see so much support for the new SHIFT CPC module. I look forward to engaging further with policymakers and industry to improve the health of all vocational drivers up and down the country. A healthier driver workforce has so many benefits to the logistics, freight and transport industries, as well as all sectors of the economy they support. Furthermore, the risk of road accidents is reduced as is the cost to the NHS of drivers requiring treatment for preventable conditions.”
Plans are currently in place to implement SHIFT internationally and also to extend it to other transport sectors. This will include rail, bus, van and coach drivers.