Call Sign January 2008 - Page 18 - Compliance Officers Report

Compliance Officers Report
Hello Ladies and Gents, Can I start by wishing you and your families a very happy and prosperous 2008. The past year has flown by and with my change in role, I can honestly say that personally I have had a particularly varied and interesting 2007. Throughout the coming year, there are certain changes that I intend implementing that I feel will enhance my role as Compliance Officer and also add continuity and consistency to what I believe is a very important position within the Society. I am fully committed to my position and will work hard to make sure that our rules and regulations are followed correctly. I still drive regularly myself and have always been hands-on, open-minded and above all, fair. Talking to drivers and staff alike, many have raised numerous concerns and issues that I will do my utmost to keep abreast of. In our trade, honesty goes a long way and over the next few	months, with the help and expertise of the Call Centre, I will be strictly monitoring the system to make sure that these guidelines and procedure rules are adhered to. I recently had a very interesting meeting with the head of complaints at the PCO in which we discussed our individual methods of dealing with certain types of grievances. I am sure that there are initiatives that I can gradually incorporate at Dial-a- Cab, which will ultimately improve me as Compliance officer and	further develop the role within the Society. I sometimes feel that when it’s particularly busy, a very small minority take the opportunity to try and beat the system because they feel it will go unnoticed. Let me reassure the vast majority of you who do not do that, this will not be the case. So to those the comment may refer to, please be aware that zone hopping (especially into physical zones) and booking into zones such as E140 from far away areas, are high on my priority list of regular complaints that I receive. As I have previously mentioned, If you have queries on any of these issues I will be only too pleased to explain them. Please play the game fairly or risk facing the consequences. Once again, a very happy and healthy new year to you all… Allan Evans DaC Compliance Officer allane@dialacab.co.uk

The LTFUC 2007 Chairman’s Report
The London Taxidriver’s Fund for Underprivileged Children and London’s licensed taxi drivers are very aware of the increasing interference that affects day-to-day operations. I am nevertheless delighted to report that with an increase in generated income, a reduction in general administration expenses to a little over 2% and restrictions on the appeals granted, a strong reserve is carried forward to 2008 - the 80^th anniversary year of the Fund. This has been achieved not only through the many benefactors who give regular, unstinting and generous support, but the taxi drivers of London whose unfailing encouragement - by donating lost property rewards, taking our diaries, carrying collecting boxes at Christmas and of course giving their time when taking part in the outings for which the Fund is so well known - is truly appreciated. The events organised by the LTFUC during the year and those in which the Fund participated, followed a similar pattern to previous years, giving pleasure and excitement to many hundreds of disadvantaged children. Since the early 1970s, the first event of the year has been the Grosvenor House Mad Hatters party and 2007 was no exception with Frank Bruno and the Cheeky Girls heading the fantastic entertainment. No less than seven London boroughs were represented by their Mayors and escorts, which lent a very special atmosphere to the day. Although	the weather wasn’t too kind for the visit to Legoland in the Spring, the spirits of over 200 children were not dampened. The resounding success of the outing was due to a terrific turnout of over 100 taxis and the Earls Court Exhibition Centre facilitating the start and finish of the event, including breakfast for the drivers. July saw the annual outing to Southend-on-Sea and although proving once again to be a most popular and exciting venue, I have to repeat my request to drivers that giving up just one day in the year would make such a difference. I thank the Metropolitan Police for allowing the Fund to once again support their Summer Camp for deserving children from East London, and the Pearly Kings and Queens for the invitation to take part in the Costermongers’ Harvest Festival and Parade. The Edgware Mall must be thanked for making the LTFUC their sponsored charity for 2007 and the Mayor of Camden, for kindly inviting the committee to tea in the Mayor’s Parlour. As I’ve said, grants this year have been restricted in order to build	reserves, but among others I was delighted to present a motorised changing bench to the TuffKids nursery at north London’s Kisharon School. I must also recognise the support given to the families of London taxi drivers unable to work through no fault of their own. Apart from a brief review of the last twelve months, this report also marks the start of the Fund’s 80^th anniversary year, during which there will be numerous fund-raising events, outings and parties, all currently in the planning stage. Please visit www.ltfuc.org.uk for a continual update. I congratulate those committee members who have celebrated family occasions during the year and am delighted to welcome back Sheldon Collins, who rejoins the committee as a trustee. Not only do I thank Gerry Dunn MBE (S84) for his sterling service as Honorary Treasurer for many years - and wish Sim Yiannikaris (E53) good luck on taking on this responsibility - but I thank most sincerely all my fellow trustees - working London taxi drivers who take no money for their time - for their loyal and unflagging support. In my capacity as Chairman for a further three years, I look forward to serving the LTFUC to the best of my ability, helping maintain its position as the oldest and best-known London Taxi Trade Charity. David S. Lessman (D19) LTFUC Hon Chairman

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