TfL Ref: 1589-2425

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 14 August 2024 asking for information about Disability Equality training for bus drivers in Bromley.

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 specifically asked: For the bus companies that operate in Bromley, what exactly constitutes the training in diversity, equality and inclusion? For the bus companies that operate in Bromley, in regards to Disability Equality training, is this training led by those with lived experience of Disability and by Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisations? What format is this training provided in -online or in person? Does every bus driver have to do this training and how often do they do it? What material does the training cover and does it cover the Social Model of Disability, neurodiversity, mental health, invisible and visible impairments?

All bus drivers commencing work with a TfL contracted bus operating operator complete bespoke Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Training. We have recently created a new course in partnership with Equality Works, a specialist training company. This new training is being completed by all 24,700 bus drivers within the next two years as ‘Certificate of Professional Competence’ training; mandatory Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) approved training which forms part of PSV license requirements. The course will also continue to be compulsory for all new drivers.

The training development involved extensive consultation with stakeholder organisations, including many representing various disabilities. A number of the designers, trainers, and TfL staff involved have lived experience of disability as well as other protected characteristics.

The training is delivered in person by bus operator trainers, approved by the DVSA. Not all these trainers will have lived experience of disability, however the training includes interviews with disabled people speaking about their own lived experience and their experience of the London bus service, both good and bad, and what drivers can do to assist when needed and provide the support they may need.

We can confirm that the training includes the Social Model of Disability as well as neurodiversity, mental health and invisible and visible impairments, with many of these conditions included in the interviews with our customers where they discuss their lived experience and their experience of the bus service and bus drivers.

The Big Red Book is a guide provided to London bus drivers, advising them on the guidelines and procedures to follow. Please find the latest version of the Big Red Book attached. This is in the process of being updated to include further guidance developed internally and with our external stakeholders.

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

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.

Yours sincerely

Sara Thomas

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London