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Vehicle and Fleet Management

Many issues affecting the efficiency and sustainability of the sector were identified through the CSIF Advisory Committee. The CSIF found significant differences in fleet management practices across the sector and concern over the high cost of fleet management and vehicle purchase and turnover. A desire for expert advice on this issue resulted in the Vehicle Acquisition and fleet management project and Fleet Resource Centre. The Fleet Resource Centre is available on the CSO Information Portal. The resources have been developed by collaboration of CSO and Government representatives who act as the Fleet Management Working Group.

The CSIF funded The Richmond Fellowship Victoria to act as the Lead Agency in a fleet management CSO Network.

Case Study-Richmond Fellowship Victoria CSO Network

The Richmond Fellowship was the Lead Agency in a CSO Network comprised of nine original Network Members. The purpose of the network was to establish a cooperative arrangement to examine the most efficient way of acquiring, disposing of and managing fleet vehicles. RFV acted as the Lead Agency and employed a project officer to oversee the project. The project was funded from April 2006 to April 2007.

Outcomes

The financial outcomes from the project exceeded the project expectations. There were price, income and fuel efficiencies from new vehicles associated with the purchase and disposal of fleet vehicles for smaller agencies that would not have been achieved by a smaller organisation working in isolation. There was extra revenue generated from sales at the beginning of the project. There were administrative efficiency gains resulting from the employment of a Project Manager. A dedicated focus upon fleet activity by the project manager contributed significantly to the reported financial gains.

Future

Some original members deciding not to proceed with the service, however seven organisations are presently participating in the fleet management service. There are also a number of CSOs expressing an interest in joining on a fee for service basis in the future. Regular communication and collaboration has been a key to the project's success.