Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity Optimises Fleet, Saving Over £160,000 and Cutting Emissions by 111 Tonnes
In 2025, Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity undertook a transformative review of its fleet operation, resulting in projected savings of over £160,000 across the next fleet cycle and a reduction of 111 tonnes of CO₂ emissions over four years.
The charity provides critical support to families of children with life-threatening or terminal illnesses, often using its fleet to transport families to medical appointments. As such, the vehicles needed to meet demanding criteria: capacity for at least five passengers, ample boot space for equipment, and the highest standards in safety and reliability.
To ensure the fleet met these operational and financial requirements, Fleet Administrator Ed Stansfield, supported by Vavoom Vehicle Management, led a comprehensive review of vehicle models. Key evaluation criteria included:
Following an initial shortlist of six manufacturers, Vavoom conducted a competitive tender, negotiating directly with manufacturers for the best support terms and consulting its panel of leasing providers to secure optimal pricing and contractual benefits. Each shortlisted vehicle was assessed using Vavoom’s whole-life cost calculator, tailored specifically to the charity sector.
Two models advanced to the final evaluation phase. Rainbow Trust staff tested the demonstration vehicles extensively in live operational scenarios, ensuring real-world suitability.
After thorough analysis and employee feedback, the fleet team recommended Škoda as the preferred manufacturer. This decision was approved by CEO Zillah Bingley, with the Škoda Scala selected for care workers and the Octavia assigned as a pool vehicle.
“The Škoda Scala has proved to be an outstanding choice, meeting all of our core requirements,” says Ed Stansfield. “Its 5-star Euro NCAP rating — particularly the 87% score for child occupant protection — alongside its overall reliability, gave us the confidence to extend our fleet policy to a four-year lifecycle. We’ve also been able to simplify fleet management and benefit from a pooled mileage facility with our leasing partner.”
By refining its vehicle selection and supplier strategy, Rainbow Trust has not only enhanced operational efficiency but also aligned its fleet with its broader commitment to sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
Stuart Adam, Managing Director at Vavoom Vehicle Management, adds: “We’re proud to have supported Rainbow Trust in this important process. It’s rewarding to see our expertise contributing to both financial and operational improvements, and we look forward to providing continued in-life support.”
Zillah Bingley, CEO of Rainbow Trust, concludes: “The review process with Vavoom will deliver significant benefits to the charity. Feedback from our staff has been overwhelmingly positive, and we now have a clear, sustainable fleet strategy for the years ahead.”
