Save the Children Win the Fleet Forum 2023 Best Transport Achievement Award

Save The Children International (SCI) was awarded the prestigious 2023 Fleet Forum Best Transport Achievement Award for their outstanding Fleet Transformation Project. This transformative initiative, which garnered recognition from UPS Foundation, has revolutionized SCI's fleet management practices and set a new standard for INGOs (International Non-Governmental Organizations).

Award rationale

Under the leadership of John Saisi, Global Senior Fleet Manager, SCI successfully calibrated their approach with internal and external stakeholders, resulting in a systemic change that has had far-reaching positive impacts. By strategically realigning their fleet operations, SCI has not only achieved sustainable cost reduction and emissions reduction but has also enhanced safety measures.

Cathy Nightingale, the UPS Health & Safety ISMEA Representative, commended SCI for their exemplary fleet management practices during the award presentation. She emphasized how SCI's initiative has served as an inspiring example for other organizations. SCI's ability to manage their fleet differently and establish a unique relationship with their donors has been commendable.

Fleet Forum Executive Director Paul Jansen acknowledged the groundbreaking nature of SCI's Fleet Transformation Project. He highlighted the innovative model they introduced for fleet financing and cost recovery, which has paved the way for a leading practice fleet operation. SCI's holistic approach, prioritizing sustainability, value for money, operational efficiency, and road safety, has been instrumental in overcoming systemic barriers faced by INGOs in fleet management.

Project

During the Annual Conference, Jamie Meacham, Global Head of Warehousing, Distribution, and Fleet, elaborated on the project's details. In the past, SCI's fleet comprised project-specific vehicles that were retained even after projects concluded. This resulted in a bloated and aging fleet, characterized by high operating costs, inadequate safety standards, and environmental pollution. The absence of a sustainable solution further exacerbated the fleet's inefficiencies and financial burden.

To address these challenges, SCI's Fleet Transformation Project focused on improving fleet management practices and optimizing fleet utilization. The primary objective was to equip SCI with a transport system that is safe, reliable, sustainable, and efficient. By achieving these goals, SCI aimed to enhance program efficiency, improve safety for both staff and communities, and significantly reduce their global carbon footprint.