BACK on Air by Backhouse Jones

BACK on Air is the podcast for operators who have compliance on their mind and road transport at the heart of their business.

This episode is a recording of our recent live webinar, where we focus on management structure, employment, and rising fuel pressures.

This session takes a practical look at how operators can approach some of the most pressing operational challenges in today’s environment. From defining clear management roles and accountability, to effectively managing your workforce, and understanding the impact of rising fuel costs, we explore what good practice looks like in the real world.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What a management team should look like – including roles, responsibilities, and where accountability sits
• Who ultimately holds decision-making responsibility within your operation
• Building and managing your workforce – from recruitment and probation to ongoing monitoring, training, and discipline
• How to maintain standards beyond day one
• Whether rising fuel costs or shortages could trigger force majeure and contractual protections

If you enjoy the episode and would like to join the live webinar – where you can ask questions and take part in interactive discussions – you can register here:
https://backhousejones.co.uk/free-webinar/

This podcast is correct at the time of broadcast and is not a substitute for tailored legal or compliance advice. If you need specific guidance, please seek professional support.

Enjoyed the episode? Leave us a review and let us know what you’d like us to cover next.

Contact: [email protected]
Website: www.backhousejones.co.uk

BACK on Air is the podcast for operators who have compliance on their mind and road transport at the heart of their business.

This episode is a recording of our recent live webinar featuring Dr Lisa Dorn, founder of PsyDrive, who specialises in research, training, and interventions that improve driver safety.

This session moves beyond headlines to explore a fundamental question: what really causes mistakes behind the wheel?

We unpack the human factors that influence driver behaviour in the real world – from decision-making and perception to the operational pressures that shape day-to-day driving.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How driver motives and decisions influence behaviour on the road
• Why errors and missed information still happen, even within structured systems
• The impact of stress, workload, and wider operational pressures
• What organisations can do to support safer decisions and improve outcomes

This is not about compliance in isolation. It’s about understanding behaviour in context – and what operators can practically do to reduce risk across their fleet.

If you enjoy the episode and would like to join the live webinar – where you can ask questions and take part in interactive polls – you can register here:
https://backhousejones.co.uk/free-webinar/

This podcast is correct at the time of broadcast and is not a substitute for tailored legal or compliance advice. If you need specific guidance, please seek professional support.

Enjoyed the episode? Leave us a review and let us know what you’d like us to cover next.

Contact: [email protected]
Website: www.backhousejones.co.uk

BACK on Air is the podcast for operators who have compliance on their mind and road transport at the heart of their business.

This episode is a recording of our latest live webinar, where we explored key issues affecting operators right now – from load security best practice to managing challenging interactions with the DVSA.

Ensuring loads are properly secured is a fundamental part of operator compliance, and we look at how the Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness applies in practice. We also discuss what can happen when encounters with enforcement officers become heated, and how to handle these situations professionally to minimise risk.

We then turn to the wider operational challenges linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. From shipping disruption to rising fuel costs, these external pressures are creating real-world impacts for operators.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Load security and best practice in line with the Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness
• How to manage difficult or heated interactions with the DVSA
• The potential compliance implications of these situations
• Operational challenges caused by global conflict and supply chain disruption
• Practical steps to manage risks such as delayed shipments, route changes, and increased costs

If you enjoy the episode and would like to join the live webinar – where you can ask questions and take part in interactive polls – you can register here:
https://backhousejones.co.uk/free-webinar/

This podcast is correct at the time of broadcast and is not a substitute for tailored legal or compliance advice. If you need specific guidance, please seek professional support.

Enjoyed the episode? Leave us a review and let us know what you’d like us to cover next.

Contact: [email protected]

BACK on Air is the podcast for operators who have compliance on their mind and road transport at the heart of their business.

This episode is a recording of our recent live webinar, where we explored how internal disagreements within a transport business can quickly become compliance issues if they’re not handled early.

What starts as a difference of opinion – perhaps over driver defect reporting, supervision, or record keeping – can escalate into something much bigger. When conversations stall and tensions rise, regulatory risk often grows quietly in the background.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How internal management disputes can develop within transport businesses
• The compliance risks linked to driver defect reporting, supervision, and record keeping
• Why avoiding difficult conversations often makes problems worse
• Practical ways to address disagreements before they escalate
• How mediation can help businesses find a constructive way forward

If you enjoy the episode and would like to join the live webinar – where you can ask questions and take part in interactive polls – you can register here:
https://backhousejones.co.uk/free-webinar/

This podcast is correct at the time of broadcast and is not a substitute for tailored legal or compliance advice. If you need specific guidance, please seek professional support.

Enjoyed the episode? Leave us a review and let us know what you’d like us to cover next.

Contact: [email protected]

Website: www.backhousejones.co.uk

BACK on Air is the podcast for operators who have compliance on their mind and road transport at the heart of their business.

This episode is a recording of our recent live webinar, where our legal experts explored the key corporate, employment and regulatory developments set to shape 2026.

As we move into the Year of the Horse – a symbol of strength, endurance and forward momentum – we focus on what operators should be doing now to stay prepared, protected and ahead of the curve.

In this episode, we cover:

• Preparing your business for a potential sale and what to expect during the due diligence process
• Getting your “house in order” so you’re ready when opportunity arises
• The key changes under the Employment Rights Act and what the implementation roadmap means for operators
• What might trigger a Public Inquiry – including management information, roadside encounters and MOT failures
• Practical steps you can take now to influence outcomes and strengthen your compliance position

Whether you’re planning for growth, considering your long-term future, or simply want to make sure your business is ready for increased scrutiny, this episode provides clear, practical guidance you can act on straight away.

If you’d like to join one of our live webinars – where you can ask questions and take part in interactive polls – you can register here:
https://backhousejones.co.uk/free-webinar/

This podcast is correct at the time of broadcast and is not a substitute for tailored legal or compliance advice. If you need specific guidance, please seek professional support.

BACK on Air is the podcast for operators who have compliance on their mind and road transport at the heart of their business.

Enjoyed the episode? Leave us a review and let us know what you’d like us to cover next.

Contact: [email protected]
Website: www.backhousejones.co.uk

BACK on Air is the podcast for operators who have compliance on their mind and road transport at the heart of their business.

This episode is a recording of our recent live webinar, where we welcomed back Gordon Humphreys of Foster Transport Compliance to unpack one of the areas operators most often get caught out by: tachographs.

From understanding what the data is really telling you, to spotting issues before they escalate, Gordon shares practical, straight-talking insight drawn from real-world experience.

In this episode, we cover:

• How to review tachograph data and identify common problem areas
• Managing mixed and occasional work without falling into compliance traps
• What tachograph data actually shows – and what it doesn’t
• Driver follow-up, training, and effective day-to-day management
• Infringements: when to escalate, and when it’s simply human error

Whether you’re managing a fleet or driving yourself, this episode is packed with useful takeaways you can apply straight away.

If you enjoy the episode and would like to join the live webinar – where you can ask questions and take part in interactive polls – you can register here:
https://backhousejones.co.uk/free-webinar/

This podcast is correct at the time of broadcast and is not a substitute for tailored legal or compliance advice. If you need specific guidance, please seek professional support.

Enjoyed the episode? Leave us a review and let us know what you’d like us to cover next.

Contact: [email protected]
Website: www.backhousejones.co.uk

BACK on Air is the podcast for operators who have compliance on their mind and road transport at the heart of their business.

This podcast is a recording of our live fortnightly webinar held every other Friday. So, if you like what you hear and fancy joining the live event – where you can ask questions and vote in our interactive polls – you can register here: https://backhousejones.co.uk/free-webinar/

In this episode, our expert panel returns with another hour of practical, transport-focused insight, tackling some of the key regulatory, employment and dispute risks operators need to be aware of right now.

With major legal and compliance developments on the horizon, the discussion focuses on what’s changing, where operators are most exposed, and how issues can be addressed before they escalate.

We cover:

• The next tranche of Employment Rights Act changes – what’s coming and how businesses can start preparing now
• A closer look at the Preventative Maintenance Inspection (PMI) process, with our regulatory team exploring the “monitor” purpose in practice
• Common disputes in the transport sector – and, crucially, how they can be avoided – with guidance from our Dispute Resolution team

This podcast is correct at the time of broadcast and is not a substitute for tailored legal advice. If you need specific guidance, please seek professional legal support.

Enjoyed the episode? Leave us a review and let us know what you’d like us to cover next – we read every one, and your feedback helps others find us.

Contact: [email protected]
Website: www.backhousejones.co.uk

BACK on Air is the podcast for operators who have compliance on their mind and road transport at the heart of their business.

This podcast is a recording of our live fortnightly webinar held every other Friday. So, if you like what you hear and fancy joining the live event – where you can ask questions and vote in our interactive polls – you can register here: https://backhousejones.co.uk/free-webinar/

In this episode, we’re BACK for 2026, launching the new year with a high-impact discussion on the road regulatory and compliance issues operators need to be thinking about right now.

Our expert panel sets the tone for the year ahead, exploring how recent developments in transport law, people management and regulatory enforcement could affect operators across the goods and PSV sectors – and what practical steps can be taken to stay compliant, resilient and commercially focused.

We cover:

• The impact of convictions and what must be notified to the Traffic Commissioner
• Challenging Traffic Commissioner decisions, including appeals to the Upper Tribunal
• From compliance to capital value – key considerations when preparing to sell your business
• People management in focus – a deeper dive into the Employment Rights Act
• Key risks, challenges and opportunities operators should have on their radar for 2026

A new year brings new challenges – and new opportunities. This episode is designed to help operators start 2026 with clarity, confidence and a clear view of the road ahead.

This podcast is correct at the time of broadcast and is not a substitute for tailored legal advice. If you need specific help, please seek professional legal guidance.

Like the episode? Leave us a review and tell us what you’d like us to cover next, we read every one, and your feedback helps others find us.

Contact: [email protected]

www.backhousejones.co.uk

BACK on Air is the podcast for operators who have compliance on their mind and road transport at the heart of their business.

This podcast is a recording of our live fortnightly webinar held every other Friday. So, if you like what you hear and fancy joining the live event — where you can ask questions and vote in our interactive polls — you can register here: https://backhousejones.co.uk/free-webinar/

In this episode, we bring you the final BACK on Air of 2025, rounding off the year with a lively round-table discussion on the key developments in transport law from the past 12 months, and, crucially, what operators need to have firmly on their radar for 2026.

Our panel reflects on the challenges, changes and trends shaping the goods and PSV sectors, offering practical insight to help operators finish the year strong and plan ahead with confidence.

We cover:

• Key regulatory changes from 2025
• Compliance and Public Inquiry trends across the goods and PSV sectors
• An update on challenges to clandestine entrant fines
• Traffic Commissioners’ anticipated priorities and areas of focus
• The Employment Rights Bill and practical steps operators can take now
• The Bus Services Act – franchising, tendering and how to maximise opportunities
• What’s in store for operators in 2026

Alongside legal reflections and strategic insight, there’s also some festive cheer as we close the door on 2025 and look ahead to the year ahead.

This podcast is correct at the time of broadcast and is not a substitute for tailored legal advice. If you need specific help, please seek professional legal guidance.

Like the episode? Leave us a review and tell us what you’d like us to cover next, we read every one, and your feedback helps others find us.

Contact: [email protected]

www.backhousejones.co.uk

BACK on Air is the podcast for operators who have compliance on their mind and road transport at the heart of their business.

This podcast is a recording of our live fortnightly webinar held every other Friday. So, if you like what you hear and fancy joining the live event — where you can ask questions and vote in our interactive polls — you can register here: https://backhousejones.co.uk/free-webinar/

In this episode, we’re diving into one of the biggest seasonal risks facing operators: drugs and alcohol in the workplace. As festive celebrations ramp up, so too do the challenges for operators trying to keep their workforce, and their operation, safe.

We’re joined by guest speaker Ean Lewin and Daniel Jones from D.tec International, leaders in drug and alcohol testing across safety-critical industries, to unpack why substance misuse remains a persistent and high-impact threat.

We explore:

• Why drugs and alcohol continue to be one of the most significant risks for operators
• Key responsibilities for senior leaders, directors and transport managers
• The dangers of “turning a blind eye” and the consequences when things go wrong
• How to mitigate Christmas party chaos (yes, it’s that time of year…)
• Managing temporary and seasonal staff
• What effective policies and procedures actually look like in practice

This session is packed with practical insights to help you navigate the festive period confidently and compliantly.

This podcast is correct at the time of broadcast and is not a substitute for tailored legal advice. If you need specific help, please seek professional legal guidance.

Like the episode? Leave us a review and tell us what you’d like us to cover next, we read every one, and your feedback helps others find us.

Contact: [email protected]

www.backhousejones.co.uk