ARQ RENEWS FOCUS ON DECARBONISATION

Vinny O'Holloran

Decarbonisation will be a significant focus for the rail industry over the next 30 years as the UK Government aims to remove all diesel-only trains by 2040, with a legally binding commitment to net-zero carbon by 2050. The railway has recognised that, collectively, we must do more to be part of the solution to climate change.

Network Rail estimates that to decarbonise our rail network completely, 13,000 single track kilometres will need to be electrified by 2050 - approximately 450 kilometres every year - to achieve net-zero; however, it has been identified that only 251 kilometres was electrified from 2019-2020.

To help Network Rail deliver these targets, a new collaborative partnership - comprising three leading rail companies within the Renew Holdings Group - has been launched.

AmcoGiffen, REL (Rail Electrification Limited) and QTS together form ARQ - a truly integrated self-delivery model for the UK rail network as it moves closer to achieving these electrification and decarbonisation targets. ARQ will play its part in meeting the challenges set to industry by Network Rail in response to the decarbonisation agenda.

COMING TOGETHER

Individually, each of the businesses has been providing expert services in their respective disciplines to enable electrification programmes across the country throughout Control Periods 5 and 6. By coming together as a unique family, the ARQ partnership will offer an unprecedented in-house delivery model covering the full range of railway engineering services required for future electrification schemes.

Andries Liebenberg is the Executive Director responsible for Renew Holdings’ rail activities. He said: “The Department for Transport, Transport Scotland and Transport for Wales - through Network Rail - have set very demanding targets for the industry. One of the key challenges is that of affordability. It is clear that the rate of cost increase on typical electrification projects is no longer sustainable. In addition, development lifecycles are getting longer while not always delivering the desired outcomes.

“ARQ has the ambition to be an integral part of the solution and the future of decarbonisation of the UK rail network.

“This is a partnership that is ideally structured to meet the targets which have been set to the industry by Network Rail. ARQ’s significant differentiator is that it will work in partnership as a unified family of companies, each bringing their unique skills and self-delivering the broad scope of what makes up any rail system.”

ALL BASES COVERED

ARQ offers a complete delivery model with a flat structure and reporting lines, with directly employed specialist teams, supported by an extensive plant fleet. Through this, it has the ability to reduce or remove the often-

© Lawrence McEwan

complex contracting models which can add unnecessary layers of cost and risk to any programme.

It will create a more collaborative working environment, with all parties aspiring to achieving the same common goal which, when complemented with early involvement from project inception, will optimise disciplines integration, remove unnecessary job role duplications and promote innovation. Workforce safety maturity will also be reinforced through continuity of safety behaviours, whether individuals are working through the ARQ partnership or their respective subsidiary.

ARQ is already embracing Project SPEED, applying it to schemes currently in development and delivery. This distinct, agile structure and direct delivery model has been well received, with early signs proving to be very positive.

COMMITMENT TO INVEST

This exciting new partnership is led by Vinny O’Holloran who joins from Costain Group where he was project director within its rail division for six years. Working on projects including Queen Street Station and StirlingDunblane-Alloa, he brings considerable experience to this newly created role as director, responsible for implementing strategy at ARQ.

Vinny commented: “Joining ARQ is a real highlight for me and I was immediately struck by the investment that has already been made. It demonstrates the commitment that all three businesses - and Renew Holdings - have to making this venture stand out from the crowd. It is obvious that they have listened to what the customer has said and carefully crafted a strategy which I very much look forward to executing.

“The role will allow me to have independent control over the activity of ARQ, ensuring consistency throughout. It also gives the customer the confidence that they have an accountable individual who is instantly able to influence a programme, with direct access to those who are delivering the works.

“At ARQ we understand that electrification is a significant contributor in meeting Network Rail’s decarbonisation commitments and that things have to change to drive efficiency. We want to be part of this change; to help drive it forward. We already have the skills within each business to do this and the ability to supplement the skills and knowledge gap in the industry. I am excited by our existing large in-house training facility and plans to expand which will enable us to further invest in training and develop sustainable skills for the future.

“By working together, we bring every element required for what is a rail system under one accountable, collaborative partnership.”

ARQ is also committed to continuing innovation both on and off track. Vinny added: “We are very conscious of the fact that possession time on the railway is at a premium, so we will ensure that we maximise access by continued investment into bespoke rail plant, but also to explore further innovation in the design and build process. We must be able to accurately design in a virtual world, build (where we can) off the railway and then use the access time efficiently, ensuring minimal disruption for the travelling public and maximise productivity.”

ARQ is currently in talks with key stakeholders to look at ways in which it can help to support upcoming electrification projects across the network.

(Below) From left to right – Vinny O’Holloran (ARQ), John Booth (AmcoGiffen), Scott Kernachan (REL), Alan McLeish (QTS).

RAIL INDUSTRY SUPPORTS SAMARITANS

BY GETTING ACTIVE OUTDOORS THIS SUMMER

THE RAIL INDUSTRY IS SUPPORTING SAMARITANS TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO SIGN UP TO THE CHARITY'S VIRTUAL FUNDRAISER, SAMARATHON, AS RAIL STAFF GET INVOLVED AND SET THEMSELVES THE CHALLENGE OF WALKING, JOGGING OR RUNNING A MARATHON IN JULY, HELPING SAMARITANS' VOLUNTEERS TO CONTINUE PROVIDING VITAL EMOTIONAL SUPPORT.

Launching in Mental Health Awareness Week, Samaritans is encouraging supporters to make the most of the long summer days after months of lockdown by getting active and being out in nature, which is known to help boost physical and mental wellbeing.

Participants can choose how, when and where they complete their marathon – and can sign up alongside friends and family, cheering each other on either in person or remotely.

Rail staff’s Samarathon efforts will also contribute to Samaritans and the rail industry’s ‘Million Hour Challenge’ including training and participation hours. The volunteering initiative aims to bring the rail industry together to help Samaritans be there for those struggling to cope, whilst also improving mental health and wellbeing within the rail industry. There are many ways for rail staff to get involved in the Challenge, including fundraising activities such as Samarathon or organising workplace tea events to support staff wellbeing. Rail staff can log their hours at millionhourchallenge.com.

Olivia Cayley, Samaritans’ head of rail programme, said: “We’re so pleased to see the rail industry getting involved in our virtual fundraiser, Samarathon. In 2020, Samaritans volunteers spent over one million hours responding to calls for help during a very challenging time and the pandemic has shown that our services are needed now more than ever. “Taking part in this challenge is not only a fun way to look after your own mental health and wellbeing, with rail staff being able to log hours towards the Million Hour Challenge, but will allow our amazing volunteers to continue to support anyone who may be struggling with theirs.”

Pentalver Design Engineer, Laura Richards, took part in Samarathon last year to raise money for the charity and wants to encourage others to get involved this year. Speaking about the fundraising challenge, Laura said: “I completed 40.78 miles, over approximately 10 hours and 31 minutes and raised £544.16! I found the walks to be a way to look after my own mental health, and cope with the daily stress of lockdown life. This made me push myself to exceed the 26.2-mile target and go as far as possible. Mental health is a topic that is incredibly important to me and that we need to continue to raise awareness of. I am truly grateful to G&W and everyone who sponsored me, and to my family for walking alongside me for some of the challenge. It was heart-warming to see that even in these tough times people still want to help those in need of support.”

‘Million Hour Challenge’ launched in March 2019, building on Network Rail and the rail industry’s partnership with Samaritans to reduce the number of suicides on the railway and support those affected. The challenge, which is running for five years and has just reached its two-year mark, has 30 rail partner organisations signed up, with opportunities for around 165,000 of their staff to support Samaritans’ efforts.

Three UK is the official sponsor of Samarathon. Connectivity has never been more important and over the three-year partnership, Three UK and Samaritans will work together to expand services and help more people access emotional support, 24/7, 365 days a year.

CELEBRATING SAMARITANS RAIL VOLUNTEERS

This month sees Volunteers’ Week, an annual national awareness campaign to thank and recognise the contribution of those across the UK who selflessly give their time to help causes close to their hearts.

Due to the rail industry’s 10-year partnership with Samaritans, many rail staff give their time to support the charity, making up some of the amazing 20,000 Samaritans volunteers who help keep the helpline running and are there to offer emotional support for anyone who is struggling to cope.

Everyday Samaritans volunteers answer 10,000 calls for help and with the impact of the pandemic, the volunteers’ support this year has been invaluable. In the year since restrictions began in the UK on Monday 23rd March 2020, Samaritans provided emotional support over 2.3 million times, via phone and email. One in five of these contacts were from people who were specifically concerned about coronavirus, so it’s clear Samaritans services are needed now more than ever.

Those who work within the rail industry and volunteer for Samaritans can also contribute to the Million Hour Challenge. Building on the partnership between Samaritans and Network Rail, the volunteering initiative aims to bring the sector together to donate its time to help the charity be there for those struggling to cope, whilst also improving the mental health and wellbeing of rail industry staff.

Rail staff can get involved in any way that suits them, simply by signing up online and logging their hours. From fundraising activities to online training offered by the charity, such as ‘Managing Suicidal Contacts’ course, and volunteering opportunities with local branches to become a listening volunteer or help with admin and support roles – research has shown that volunteering not only helps others, but also improves the volunteer’s physical and mental wellbeing too.

Recently, MTR Elizabeth Line’s Rizwan Javed was invited onto ITV’s Good Morning to talk about the lives he has saved since attending Samaritans’ suicide prevention course, with industry staff getting in touch to find out more.

Whatever you’re facing, Samaritans volunteers are there to listen, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org

RAILWAY SAMARITANS LISTENING VOLUNTEER HEROES

RailStaff meets two Samaritans listening volunteers from the rail industry who have gone above and beyond, donating their time, to support others this year.

MISTY NICHOLSON, QUANTITY SURVEYOR, COSTAIN

Misty is a Samaritans volunteer at the newly opened Samaritans London City Hub. Misty works at Costain, an organisation that is working in partnership with Samaritans to promote employee wellbeing and raise vital funds to help the charity continue to deliver its life-saving services. Misty completed her Samaritans training online during lockdown while juggling work and studying at London Southbank University.

Speaking about becoming a volunteer, Misty explained: “I have been a Mental Health First Aider for two years and felt like I could give more using my basic training. Samaritans do so much for society and as someone who has seen a family member struggle, I wanted to help others.

“It has been an eye-opening experience. It’s amazing how close our group of trainee volunteers became, even though we were all in different places. Our online training gave us the time to talk about things together and I felt really supported. The outbreak of Coronavirus has just reinforced how important it is to volunteer.

“I would say to just take the leap and go for it. I have learnt some invaluable life skills. It’s so powerful to help people talk things through. It might just be one conversation, but it could make all the difference.”

PATRICK HALL, RAILWAY SIGNALLER, NETWORK RAIL

Patrick has been a proud Samaritans listening volunteer since 2002 alongside his job as a Railway Signaller for Network Rail, starting at the age of 26 and inspired after he experienced ups and downs with his own mental health.

He said: “I’d got to a point in my life where I had some spare time on my hands and instead of coming home from work to just watch EastEnders or Coronation Street, I thought I could be doing more with my time and helping people. Like many people, I’ve had my ups and downs in my life and with my mental health and fortunately I had a lot of support from friends and family at the time. But I thought, what if I hadn’t had that support network there – what would I have done? So, in volunteering for Samaritans, I hope I’m helping and being a listening ear for people who haven’t got that support.

“Being a volunteer, you learn the incredible power of listening and power of giving people time and space to talk. It’s also boosted my confidence as well and benefited my personal and professional life – doing talks for Samaritans and press or radio interviews – when I first started, I’d have said ‘no chance’, but I’ve done it and I’ve been pleased to do it because when you believe in something and realise something is such a good precious thing, you want to talk about it and spread the message.

“I don’t regret doing this for one minute. It’s a solid part of my life now and it’s a privilege to be a part of.”