TfL Ref: FOI-0534-1718

Thank you for your email received on 1 June asking about the Knowledge of London.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our Information Access Policy. I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require. You asked for:

“…details in relation to TFL tasking employment training company Kennedy-Scott to design and deliver a "Fast track knowledge" in 2007. It was requested by TFL to accelerate the knowledge process not exceeding 2 years. 2 years is not long enough to complete the knowledge properly.”

In 2007 the then Mayor of London launched a campaign to improve the diversity of London’s taxi trade. This included a publicity campaign and a programme of assisting and supporting women and members of ethnic minorities while they learnt the Knowledge of London. The support programme was sponsored by the London Development Agency (LDA) and delivered by Kennedy Scott.

All applicants supported by the scheme undertook the full Knowledge examination process and were examined by TfL to the same standard as all other applicants.

I have answered your questions below as you have posed them.

1/ Was it designed to run in conjunction with and specifically for TFLs campaign to target and recruit applicants from black, Asian and other ethnic minorities?

No course was designed to ‘fast-track’ or accelerate the Knowledge of London examination process.

2/ Who made the decision to do so and why?

Please refer to my answer to question one.

3/ How was the course designed and who signed it off?

In addition to the answer given in question one, all applicants undertook the full Knowledge examination process and were examined by TfL to the same standard as all other applicants. The support provided to applicants was a matter for the LDA and Kennedy Scott.

4/ Who examined the applicants and were they examined more favourably to those not on that course?

Please refer to my answer to question three.

5/ How many drivers completed this course?

Please refer to my answer to question one.

6/ Were applicants allowed to qualify at the 2 year point regardless whether they had reached the required standard?

No. Please refer to my answer to question three.

7/ Is the course still in operation today and who at TFL is responsible for it?

Please refer to my answer to question one.

8/ At any time is the applicants ethnicity a factor in his/her progression through the knowledge process?”

No. The progress of all Knowledge applicants is determined solely by the scores they attain throughout the examination process.

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.

If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for some reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely

Lee Hill

Senior FOI Case Officer

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London