Mandy Tincombe
On-Site Compliance Advisor
I first started working for FTA as a fortnight’s temp, having just moved to the area. I became aware of a vacancy at the Management Training College in Wadhurst, and jumped at the chance - closer to home and beautiful surroundings - a small level of staff and great fun. It suited me very well as I had a son at school, but after a couple of years a vacancy arose in the Tachograph Inspection department. Time to move on. That was in 1985, and I am now the longest serving advisor. It is a great job, continually meeting people, working on my own but part of a team.
Generally I visit my companies every three months, working from home making my own bookings. Some companies may be a little reluctant initially, but when they realise I am there to help they become very friendly and full of questions. I regularly speak to the individual drivers regarding the reports I have generated, and they are most appreciative of having infringements explained.
I now undertake audits as well, which makes for greater variety - and I will soon be trained for CDU installs, which means I will be setting up the program for companies as they go to digital tachographs. It is marvellous how this position has grown, moving forward with the times.
The regard companies have for FTA is very flattering, and its position in the industry is very high. The team spirit within the company makes for a pleasant working environment - an active social club, a summer camping weekend, and for me, joining the ’25 year club’ for a delightful evening with old colleagues over dinner is the guacamole on the tacho.
FTA? It’s not bad!
