Transportation - N/A, N/A, UK
Akcess was created to provide cost effective assisted and wheelchair passenger transport in and around Swindon. Created by Managing Director, Mark Kennedy, and his father Michael Kennedy, Akcess is a Community Interest Company that operates "not for profit".The company uses ACEVO's (the UK's largest network of civil society leaders) full cost recovery software. This means that Akcess is self-sufficient and doesn't use government subsidies to keep services running. The services are more reliable and in turn keeps costs lower for the local government who use Akcess. The family run business, which includes 170 vehicles, covers Wiltshire, Dorset and Gloucestershire. The company was built upon the values of patience, care and compassion regarding their service users and clients. To this day, Akcess keeps its family business values at the heart of its business, prioritising the needs and care of their users always. Working in partnership with many charities and organisations, including the local authorities of:• Community Transport Association• Swindon Borough Council• Wiltshire County Council • Gloucestershire County CouncilAkcess aims to make community spaces more accessible, fulfilling a local need for wheelchair assisted transport. As well as local authorities, the company works across a variety of sectors, including local schools, care homes and Clinical Commissioning Groups.Akcess only recruit drivers who show natural compassion and care. They must also have a current Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate and no points on their driving licence. Drivers then receive a full driving assessment with a driving assessor, before they begin employment. Drivers then receive a day of MiDAS training, which includes:• wheelchair securing• minibus road safety• passenger assistance Drivers are also trained in all aspects of child protection, health and safety and reporting procedures, and receive ongoing refresher training.