1. Challenge
Having last year achieved the ISO 9001 certificate for its quality management systems, DATS was looking to further strengthen its reputation for quality and reliability.
The company also wanted to develop its market areas and extend its corporate reach to some of the largest national supply chains, including Network Rail.
RISQS, the supplier management company for the GB transport industry, gave DATS such an opportunity.
Process
DATS became qualified on RISQS, previously known as Achilles Link-up, in April 2014. They selected the relevant product codes and completed the online questionnaire before going through the rigorous audit process, which brought to light a number of weaknesses in the company’s processes.
‘It became evident that there were some deficiencies in our processes, particularly auditing, but the entire process was enlightening,’ says Abdul Shakeel, Managing Director at DATS. ‘It really encouraged us to improve our operating standards.’
In particular, the audit helped DATS restructure aspects of its pre- testing protocol, which involves conveying information to the donor or the donor company, so as to make the whole process easier and more helpful for both DATS and its clients.
Results
Whilst its early days for DATS, the company has only been RISQS qualified for a few months, already, the benefits of belonging to the RISQS community are becoming apparent:
Visibility means business. For a company providing a very specific service, RISQS gives DATS crucial visibility to buyers and has helped the company get a foothold in the GB rail industry with Network Rail. ‘We’re now working with a key client in the industry and other people can see that,’ says Abdul.
A respected name. ‘RISQS is a symbol of quality, recognised nationally,’ says Abdul. ‘It’s a powerful marketing tool.’ DATS prominently displays its RISQS qualification stamp on its newly launched website and advertises its qualifications and accreditations in the website’s Media Room, which is helping to boost its profile.
Thanks to this promotion of such a widely recognised symbol of quality, Abdul was recently contacted by, and met with, a large recruitment agency in Teesside that specialises in the construction and oil and gas sector to talk about service provision opportunities.
Exceptional support. ‘I rang up the Achilles Supplier Support team after becoming RISQS qualified to have a team member personally thanked for her unequivocal dedication and outstanding customer service,’ says Abdul. ‘She fully understood our concerns, helped guide us through the process, answered any questions we had and she was always there to turn to for support. She was absolutely pivotal.’
‘Ultimately, RISQS has helped us to meet a national standard and given us real credibility in the GB rail industry,’ says Abdul.
Drug and Alcohol Testing Services (DATS), based in the Tees Valley, UK, is a specialist testing service providing drug and alcohol screening services across the UK for a wide range of industries, including transportation, oil and gas, manufacturing, local authorities and construction.
Achilles Experiences
Drug and Alcohol Testing Services get a foothold in the
GB rail industry and streamlines its services with RISQS

2. Achilles Information Limited
30 Western Avenue, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 4SH UK | T: +44 (0)1235 820813 | F: +44 (0)1235 821093 | E: enquiries@achilles.com | W: www.achilles.com
“Being RISQS qualified is like a hallmark. It’s a nationally recognised benchmark that proves that we’re providing a service at a very high standard.”
Abdul Shakeel PgDL Law, Managing Director
Drug and Alcohol Testing Services
02-08/2014