RailStaff - Issue 275 | September-October 2021 by Rail Media

SEPT-OCT 2021 | ISSUE 275

PLUS NEWS PEOPLE HEALTH & SAFETY FEATURES COMPANY FOCUS CAREERS

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CONTENTS

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021 | ISSUE 275

'WRECKING BALL ACT' THREATENS FUTURE OF HISTORIC BRIDGES | 26

Unrest is brewing in an East Sussex village over National Highways’ plan to infill a historic railway bridge.

LINKING ELECTRIFICATION & LABOUR SUPPLY | 28

ESL, the electrification and civil engineering specialist, has branched out to offer solutions in the labour supply market.

RAILWAY SCAFFOLDING ACCIDENTS | 36

Scaffolding is best left to the experts, but engineers should check that the design and construction is fit for the job.

REPORTING FROM THE FRONTLINE | 38

CIRAS representatives get the word out about confidential reporting – here they explain what they do and why it matters.

TACKLING THE THREE PEAKS WITH RAILWAY CHILDREN | 44

The charity event makes its comeback this year, and teams drawn from across the rail industry set out on to conquer Britain’s highest summits.

44 46

T H G I L T O P

ES LEBRAT E C S R | 30 ted its CE T ADVANR MILESTONnEcy recently celeebgrainnings 10-YEA ment consulta e its humble b . ss ruit inc The rec in business. S rnover busine tu ar n e y o li il th n te £25 m ome a it’s bec

YOUNG RAIL PROFFESSIONALS: FUTURE INDUSTRY STRUCTURE AND CULTURE CHANGE | 46

Young rail professionals, perhaps more comfortable with change and career risk than their mentors, welcome a shift in the industry.

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Staff

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

NEWS

AN INDUSTRY TO BE PROUD OF

Matt Atkins

Production and design:

Adam O’Connor

Track safety:

Colin Wheeler

Advertising:

Asif Ahmed

Craig Smith

Chris Davies

Contact email addresses News: news@rail-media.com Track safety: colin@rail-media.com Pictures: pictures@rail-media.com Adverts: adverts@rail-media.com Subscriptions: manda@rail-media.com Contact details

First, an introduction. As the new Editor of RailStaff, I’m honoured to have been given the chance to work on this fine publication. I hope you’ll find that the content over the next 50 pages meets the magazine’s usual high standards and that it covers all the areas of interest relevant to our readership.

RailStaff Publications, Rail Media House, Samson Road, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 3FP. Tel: 01530 816 444 Fax: 01530 810 344 Web: www.railstaff.co.uk Email: hello@rail-media.com Printed by PCP Ltd. RailStaff is published by RailStaff Publications Limited A Rail Media Publication

Second, an admission. While I have a fair amount of experience in the world of reporting, I’m rather new to the Rail Industry. As is the way with a career in journalism, you take the opportunities when they’re presented to you, but very often discover yourself in new and unusual territory. There’s a cynical term for this – ‘parachute journalism’ – but over the years I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being dropped into new areas of interest and endeavouring to become an expert in a very short space of time. What I’ve discovered in my brief time in post is an industry that is not only essential to the everyday operation of the country, and which is staffed by dedicated and hard-working employees, but one which is also a technical

marvel (though very modest about it), and which is crucial to the development of the UK as a greener, more agile economy. As an outsider coming in, I am amazed that more praise is not lavished on our remarkable rail network, with its rich history and its focus on the future, not to mention the phenomenal effort required just to keep the wheels turning. That’s not to say it’s an industry without its fair share of problems. From financial sustainability to ageing infrastructure, along with the challenges of decarbonisation and regrowth in the wake of Covid-19, the railway faces many hurdles in the years ahead. The recent news that operators are falling back on diesel trains in response to the energy crisis, and that staff cuts are visible on the horizon, are testament to this. But the ambition and dedication to meet these challenges is clearly there, and this can be seen in the way staff across the industry responded to the pressures of the pandemic and delivered for customers under some of the most challenging circumstances we’ll ever experience. I’ve also been struck by the sense of family and fellowship running throughout the industry, marked by the concern that staff have for the safety of their colleagues and customers, as well as the enthusiasm with which individuals and organisations throw themselves into the many charitable causes run for, and by, the railway. I’ve felt truly welcomed by this industry and it seems criminal that the general public rarely hear good news about it in the wider press. It’s time for that to change. It’s crucial that we spread the word about how magnificent our rail network really is. I look forward to producing many more issues of RailStaff and learning more about this first-class industry. Moving onwards, I’ll do my utmost both to provide you with top quality content and to champion the cause of rail employees. Matt@rail-media.com FACEBOOK.COM/RAILSTAFF | @RAIL_STAFF | RAILSTAFF.CO.UK

NEWS

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

Freightliner, one of the UK’s biggest rail freight companies, has begun to mothball its electric locomotives and switch back to diesel trains because of the unfolding energy crisis. The firm says a surge in wholesale energy prices and an increase in track access charges has made the lowcarbon trains uneconomical.

diesel-hauled services, in order to maintain a cost-effective option for transporting vital goods and supplies across the UK.” ASLEF, the train drivers’ union, has called on the government to intervene. Mick Whelan, ASLEF’s general secretary, said: “It is utterly ridiculous that, a few weeks before COP26, when we will be looking to our politicians to plan for a green future, and a sustainable economy, to save our planet, environmentallyfriendly electric locomotives are being replaced by diesel-powered units to haul goods around the country. “Moving freight across the UK by rail rather than road is, inherently, a carbon-efficient mode of transport and an environmentallyfriendly way of doing business. Electrichauled freight services reduce emissions by 99%; even moving goods by diesel

The company said: “As a result of soaring prices in the UK’s wholesale electricity market, the price Network Rail charges us to operate electric train services has increased by more than 210% between September and October. This unprecedented rise in electricity charges has resulted in a sharp increase in the cost of operating electric freight services. As a result, Freightliner has taken the difficult decision to temporarily replace electric freight services with

Unions back Night Tube reopening The London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, has confirmed Night Tube services will recommence on the Victoria and Central lines on 27 November, having been suspended since the first Covid lockdown in March 2020. The response from unions has been broadly supportive. © 400tmax RAILSTAFF.CO.UK | @RAIL_STAFF | FACEBOOK.COM/RAILSTAFF

TSSA Organising Director, Lorraine Ward, said: “The people of London need to know they have a fully functioning public transport system there for them when they need it. Reopening these Night Tube lines will not only help boost revenue and the night-time economy but play a vital role in the safety of women, and workers generally, after dark. However, they also pointed out the difficulties staff may face when the services reopen. “RMT supports the reintroduction of the Night Tube,” said RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch, “but we know full well that prior to its suspension during the pandemic it was a magnet for violent, abusive and anti-social behaviour. “The reintroduction of the service must be thoroughly risk assessed with the involvement of our reps and it is also important that rosters are agreed which don't leave staff burnt out and exposed to intolerable pressures.”

Rising electricity prices force freight back to diesel traction reduces emissions by 76%. But this backwards step – forced on the freight industry by government inaction – will drive a freight train through our green credentials and make our targets that much harder to achieve. “We need the government to do the right thing for people, the right thing for business, and the right thing for our rail network. Because it is also the right thing for our planet.”

Competition launched to find GBR HQ On 4 October, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced that a competition will be run to identify the headquarters for Great British Railways (GBR), the single, accountable public body responsible for running Britain’s railways. As part of major reforms designed to ensure decisions about the railway are brought closer to the passengers and communities they serve, GBR will require a new national headquarters alongside regional headquarters. The Government will soon launch a competition by welcoming expressions of interest with a commitment that the national headquarters will be based outside of London – ensuring skilled jobs, investment and economic benefits are focused beyond the capital. The competition will recognise towns and cities with a rich railway history that are strongly linked to the network ensuring the first headquarters will take pride of place at the heart of a new era for Britain’s railways. The Transport Secretary also announced the creation of the GBR Transition Team under the leadership of Andrew Haines, who will continue to work as CEO of Network Rail.

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

UK Rail freight returns to pre-pandemic levels

The regulator’s Freight Rail Usage and Performance stats show that in the first quarter of this year (April to June 2021) a total of 4.33 billion net tonne-kilometres of rail freight was moved across the network. This is an increase of 36.5% on the same quarter last year (2020-21 Q1), and an increase of 1.3% compared with the same quarter two years ago (2019-20 Q1). ORR’s stats also show rail freight continued to have a punctuality figure above 90%, despite a drop in performance compared to the same quarter in 2020-21 and 2019-20. Freight operators experienced 8.27 minutes of delay per 100 train kilometres in 2021-22 Q1. This was 52.8% higher (i.e., worse) than the same quarter a year earlier (Q1 2020-21). It was also 3.0% higher than the same quarter two years ago (Q1 2019-20).

Construction products moved by rail freight companies increased the most compared with Q1 2020-21 due to high levels of demand for aggregates to fulfil the start of HS2 work. Domestic intermodal, which includes the transporting of goods to and from Britain’s ports, had the largest share of freight moved at 37.9%. Despite a 22.5% increase in volumes since 2020-21 Q1, there has been a reduction of 3.8% compared with 2019-20 Q1. Andy Bagnall, Director General at the Rail Delivery Group, said: “With the current HGV driver shortage the role of rail freight has never been more crucial in transporting goods and keeping supermarket shelves stocked. And whether it’s goods or people, to build back better and to create a fair, clean economy for tomorrow, the country relies on a thriving railway. To realise its commitment to net zero by 2050 and support economic growth, government should set an ambitious target to encourage the shifting of goods from road to rail.”

Passengers get back on board The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has released figures showing 182 million rail journeys were made between April and June 2021 (Q1 2021/22). This is more than double the previous quarter (Q4 2020/21) of 80 million journeys, and more than five times the 35 million journeys made in April to June 2020 (Q1 2020/21). Commenting on the ORR’s Passenger Rail Usage statistics, Andy Bagnall, Director General at the Rail Delivery Group, said: “Rail companies are working together to welcome people back to train travel, whether to visit friends or family or head in to the workplace. This growth in journeys is supporting the nation’s economic recovery because when people take the train it’s more than a journey. Train travel boosts communities and local businesses as rail passengers spend £133 billion a year in places like shops, restaurants and hotels before the pandemic.” The Department for Transport publishes weekly data on journeys across transport modes during the pandemic, compared to pre-covid levels, which shows that rail journeys have continued to increase over the summer and into the autumn and are currently around 65% of pre-covid levels.

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The amount of freight moved across the UK’s railway has returned to pre-pandemic levels according to statistics published by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).

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RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

RMT responds to planned rail job cuts The RMT has voiced its anger and concern after rail firms announced plans to shed thousands of staff as the industry seeks to cut costs by £2 billion. Employees working for train operators have been invited to apply for severance schemes as operators adjust to the impact of the Covid pandemic and make plans for the future. The Rail Delivery Group (RDG) has placed no limit on the numbers of those who could apply for severance. It said the scheme was “part of a vital set of reforms” for the railway in response to the Covid pandemic. The move has angered unions who see the announcement as a serious breach of trust. “This proposed job loss scheme across the rail industry has not been agreed with the RMT,” said RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch. “We would call for it to be withdrawn before serious damage is done to industrial relations at this critical point as we emerge from the pandemic. “It’s crystal clear that cutting rail jobs will adversely impact on passenger service, safety and accessibility. We are angry that these proposals have been bounced on us outside of the discussions we have been engaged in through the Rail Industry Recovery Group. “RMT’s executive will consider our response but we have said from the off that we will not allow the Covid pandemic to be used as a cloak for a jobs massacre across the rail industry. These plans should be withdrawn to allow normal industrial relations and procedures to continue without this threat hanging over us.”

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Railway workers save 81-year-old blackberry picker Two railway workers have been hailed as heroes after saving an 81-year-old man who became stranded while picking blackberries for his wife in the Peak District. Manchester-based trackworkers Colin Phillips and Rolando Navarro were working on a set of points on 30 September at Peak Forest in Derbyshire, when they heard cries for help and an arm waving in the grass. There they found local man Denis who’d been out foraging but had slipped and fallen down an embankment when the weather took a turn for the worse. He was exhausted, wet, and cold after being alone for around 20 minutes, unable to get back up on his feet in the muddy conditions. Colin and Rolando immediately raised the alarm and paramedics, accompanied by the Buxton Mountain Rescue Team, raced to find them. Although very cold, Denis narrowly avoided becoming hypothermic thanks to the fast actions of the Network Rail workers. He was brought down on a stretcher and checked over by a paramedic at home in the warm before being given a clean bill of health. A week on from the drama, Denis and his wife Janet say they can’t thank enough those who were involved in the dramatic rescue. “I shall be forever grateful to Colin and Rolando for the help they gave me,” said Denis. “They both stopped with me until the mountain rescue came and kept me chatting to me to keep my spirits up. It’s a good job somebody was there to help and I’m grateful it was them as they really looked after me.” Colin, a Network Rail Principal Technical Officer, said: “It certainly wasn’t a day at work I’ll forget in a hurry. When the mountain rescue turned up with around 20 people and all the gear, it was pretty impressive. The paramedics said his body temperature was a couple of degrees above hypothermia so had we not found him it might have been a different story I’d be telling.” Rolando Navarro, a Network Rail Senior Technical Officer, said: “Denis could have

been there for quite a while as this is a remote area but, luckily, we were doing a special inspection and it’s a just coincidence that we were there just when he needed our help. “I stayed with him until the mountain rescue teams arrived and we kept him chatting and he soon perked up. We feel good that we helped somebody in distress and we would do the same thing again, and hope that if we were in that position, someone would do the same for us too.” To express their thanks, Denis and Janet sent biscuits and chocolates to the railway workers. The couple, who’ve been married for 60 years, have also made a donation to the Buxton Mountain Rescue Team to thank them for their help.

Britain’s Largest Specialist Transport Union

MASSIVE CUTS TO JOBS & SERVICES

ON SCOTRAIL AND SWR Just weeks after the Rail Minister said that the Government expects rail usage to return to pre-COVID levels both ScotRail and South Western Railways have announced major cuts to jobs and services. Other opportunist employers are expected to follow their lead.

JOIN RMT in fighting this assault on our railways and the staff who have kept them running through the pandemic.

Protecting our members’ interests is our priority

Join us today rmt.org.uk

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HS2 welcomes accessibility ideas from pupils with disabilities Pupils from three Birmingham schools and colleges have presented their ideas for how the design of HS2’s stations and trains can meet the needs of passengers with a disability. Pupils from Braidwood school for the Deaf in Hodge Hill, Heart of Birmingham College in Washwood Heath, and Queensbury School in Erdington were invited to take part in a virtual work experience programme with HS2. The partnership forms part of HS2’s commitment to provide inclusive career development opportunities for Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) pupils and support them to achieve positive career outcomes. According to NHS data, the proportion of adults in the UK with a learning disability who are in employment is 5.6%, but in Birmingham it is just 1.4%. Working closely with SEND schools in the region, HS2’s Skills, Employment and Education team hope to improve on these alarming statistics by creating pathways into learning and employment on Britain’s new railway. “It’s vital that HS2 leaves a lasting skills legacy, and that local people benefit from the thousands of training and employment opportunities HS2 is creating,” said Richard Winter, Education Manager at HS2 Ltd. “Through our work as a Cornerstone Employer for the Careers and Enterprise Company in Birmingham, we’re striving to ensure that young people with Special

Educational Needs and Disabilities are at the forefront of the opportunities we are creating and feel empowered to recognise the valuable role that they can play in the delivery of this once in a lifetime project.” The work experience programme was delivered with the support of 20 HS2 staff, which included employees with a registered disability. This provided the opportunity for staff to share their personal experiences and openly discuss students’ concerns about potential barriers into employment. As part of the programme, students were assigned a bespoke project which encouraged them to work as a team to develop innovations which could make HS2’s stations and trains more accessible to people with a disability. On completion, the team delivered their presentation to

HS2’s Innovation and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion teams for review. Multiple voices lead to new ideas, new services, and new products, and encourage out-of-the-box thinking, said Andrew Pestana, HS2’s Innovation Strategy Manager, “and that’s exactly what this work experience programme showed. The students’ ideas really highlighted the barriers they can face when using public transport, and it’s vital that we listen and learn from their feedback to ensure that Britain’s new railway reflects the needs of everyone it will serve. “Simple ideas, like changing seat configurations for signers, and ensuring that all staff carry a notebook and pen really can make a huge difference for passengers with a hearing impairment, and we’ll certainly be taking those ideas on board.”

Leaf busting trains now out 24 hours a day on Midlands rail routes A special fleet of ‘leaf-busting’ trains have started blasting leaves off the line to help keep passengers and freight moving across the West Midlands and Chiltern main line this autumn. From 1 October until 13th December, seven specialist trains will wash leaf debris from a total of 91,195 miles of track across the region while trees are shedding their leaves. The seasonal delivery depot at Kings Norton is the nerve centre for keeping tracks in the West Midlands, West

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Coast main line to Euston, and Chiltern main line to Marylebone, clear this autumn. Three trains known as MPVs (multi-purpose vehicles) will operate from the Kings Norton depot, with another called an RHHT (rail head treatment train) operating from Banbury. The total miles of track treated over this time will be equivalent to going almost four times around the equator. After railway lines have been cleared with high pressure water jets, the machines then apply rails with a glue-like coating to help passenger and freight train wheels grip the tracks. Regarded as the railway’s equivalent of black ice on the roads, leaves on the line can

create issues when they stick to damp rails and are compressed by moving trains into a thin, black layer which can affect train braking and acceleration. The build-up of leaf mulch can also make it harder for signallers to detect a train’s location, causing delays. Martin Colmey, operations director for Network Rail’s Central route, said: “Even more work has gone into getting prepared for autumn this year because of the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, including how we operate the trains themselves. We are ready to keep people and goods moving across the West Midlands and Chiltern Main line running a safe and reliable service for our customers.”

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RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

NEWS IN BRIEF Drone tech boosts Metro maintenance The Tyne and Wear Metro is using drone technology to keep the network in tip top condition. Maintenance teams are taking to the skies using drones to monitor the Metro’s 77km of infrastructure. The drone provides a live video-feed to an operator, who then uses special software, with more accuracy than the human eye, to identify any issues with the network. Light rail is key to Covid recovery Britain’s light rail systems are instrumental in supporting economic growth, promoting social inclusion and achieving environmental gains (including a reduction in carbon emissions) in the urban areas that they serve. These are the key findings of a new report - Leading light: What light rail can do for city regions - produced by consultants Steer Group, for the Urban Transport Group. Protecting light rail services and maintaining the urban connectivity they provide - with further Government support if necessary - is key to ensuring towns and cities can recover from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, says the report. Mansfield primary school makeover The rail contractor QTS Group has completed voluntary renovation works on a primary school in Mansfield to help improve its exterior facilities for the new academic year. QTS, which has offices in nearby Linby, has completed refurbishment work on Peafield Lane Academy, a primary school and nursery located on Litton Road in Mansfield. Among the works completed, QTS renewed an old, rotten timber, retaining wall and planted wildflowers within the patch to encourage a thriving bee’s patch. An existing mud pit was also moved to prevent the school’s soft play area from getting messy. The QTS team also built a new digging play pit area. HeX partners with Google Maps Heathrow Express has launched a new partnership with Google Maps to offer information on journey times and fast access to tickets between central London and Heathrow within the Google Maps journey planner. Using mobile payment such as Apple Pay, a ticket transaction can be completed in under a minute. With non-stop trains between Paddington and Heathrow’s Terminals 2 and 3 taking just 15 minutes every 15 minutes, Heathrow Express provides a dedicated service for air passengers. Using an upgraded API Portal, Heathrow Express has built on their existing relationship with Distribusion Technologies to enable ticketing functionality within the Google Maps journey planner. RAILSTAFF.CO.UK | @RAIL_STAFF | FACEBOOK.COM/RAILSTAFF

Rail industry celebrates the Women in Rail Awards 2021 The fourth Women in Rail Awards took place on Thursday 30 September at the stunning and iconic Roundhouse, Camden London. The event was attended by over 600 individuals from across the rail industry, coming to celebrate colleagues and companies who, during the pandemic, continued to work hard to support others and help to create a more gender balanced, diverse and inclusive work culture. The ceremony was opened by Adeline Ginn MBE (pictured right), Founder of Women in Rail, in her last official appearance as Chair of the charity. She was followed on stage by Bernadette Kelly CB, Permanent Secretary at the Department for Transport and by Naga Munchetty (pictured below), Journalist, Broadcaster and Television Presenter, who was the evening’s host. Despite the crisis, Women in Rail received over 300 entries from, and in respect of, a wide range of individuals, teams and companies in the railway sector. The judges admitted having a very difficult task selecting who should be shortlisted and ultimately win. The evening saw nine awards presented across five individual and four team and corporate categories, and a Highly Commended and a Special Mention being given to exceptional shortlisted nominees.

The Judges commented that “It was truly inspirational to read about the amazing steps people from our industry have taken to reach out to others in time of need and, during the pandemic, continue to work hard to create a fairer and more inclusive sector.” The judges specifically requested that all the nominees be commended for their hard work, selfless dedication, and commitment during the crisis and that a huge thank you be directed to all those, and especially male allies, who nominated for this year’s Women in Rail Awards. An Outstanding Contribution Award was presented to Darren O’Brien, Retail Systems and Contracts Manager at Southeastern, for initiating ‘Rail to Refuge’, an initiative aimed at securing free train tickets for women, men and children escaping domestic abuse to refuge accommodations. To date, the initiative has helped get over 1,348 survivors, including 362 children over five years old, to safety. Adeline Ginn, Women in Rail founder and Legal and Marketing Director and Head of EDI at CPMS – Egis said: “This year’s Women in Rail Awards was very special. We celebrated the passion for equality and fairness in our industry, but also all those who stood up for our railway family values during the crisis.” “A huge thank you to everyone who supported and attended the ceremony and warm congratulations to all the winners and shortlisted nominees.”

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New polling commissioned by evo-rail, a UK-based rail technology company which was formed out of First Group, has revealed that 65% of younger people (18-34 year-olds) view internet on trains as important, and 29% would be more likely to use the network if internet connectivity on trains were improved. In particular, younger people, including young professionals and the future workforce, are demanding improved on-board Wi-Fi, with 18-34-year-olds up to three times more likely to travel by train if connectivity were improved, when compared with their parents’ generation. Evo-rail’s polling, which was commissioned by Opinium Research, also found that one in five are more likely to travel by train if connectivity were improved, rising to close to a third of younger people; close to 65% of regular rail users view having good quality internet on trains as important; and, if access to on-board internet were improved, 45% of respondents said they would use it to surf the web, while 42% would use it to respond to emails. The COVID-19 pandemic, saw passenger numbers decline to around 10% of usual levels (March- April 2020) and, as the UK returns to normal, there is a need to encourage users back onto our trains. Rail companies must ensure that taking the train is an attractive choice for passengers. Following the recent publication of the

Younger passengers demand improved Wi-Fi Williams-Shapps Review, the UK Government is in the process of reshaping our railways. Not only will enhanced internet connectivity encourage passengers back onto the network, but it will help build a railway of the future. Evo-rail’s solution, rail-5G, could drastically improve connectivity on our trains, said Simon Holmes, the company’s Managing Director. “Rail-5G will boost customer experience by creating continuous connectivity. Improved, reliable internet access will allow passengers to enjoy a range of activities on their mobiles, laptops or tablets and create the flexibility for people to use their journey as part of the working day or as part of the leisure experience. “Our polling shows how important on-board Wi-Fi is to the passenger and demonstrates

how a 50-fold step change in connectivity could significantly increase passenger numbers. Such a transformational change cannot be achieved by continuing to offer less bandwidth than customer need. As rail companies look to build a railway network fit for the modern passenger, the demands of our future workforce must be central to this.” Anthony Smith, Chief Executive of Transport Focus, said: “More people will go back to trains if the cost and convenience are right. By providing good Wi-Fi, passengers can also use the time they have productively. “We know from our research that only three in 10 passengers were satisfied with the internet connection they usually receive on trains. Almost three quarters of train users also told us that they think it is important that internet connectivity on trains is improved.”

Dartmoor Line services to resume after 50 years

For the first time in nearly 50 years, regular passenger services will run on the Dartmoor Line, connecting Okehampton to Exeter. Services will launch on Saturday 20 November, marking the first reopening under the Government’s Restoring Your Railway programme which is exploring ways to return old lines and stations to service across the country. The route will connect Exeter St. Davids, Crediton and Okehampton providing a launchpad for visitors to explore Dartmoor and regional links for local commuters. Around half of services, including at peak times, will also carry on to Exeter Central. The reopening of the route is expected to boost local businesses, the tourism sector, and provide greater access to education and work for thousands of people who live locally. The Department for Transport (DfT) and its partners have accelerated RAILSTAFF.CO.UK | @RAIL_STAFF | FACEBOOK.COM/RAILSTAFF

the reopening of the railway, delivering passenger services in only nine months from the original funding being approved to entry into service, and saving money at the same time. As the Government continues its overhaul of the railways following the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail, more lines and stations will be re-opened. To make this possible, Network Rail’s team of engineers has worked tirelessly to deliver a huge programme of work to physically reopen the line in just nine months, including laying 11 miles of new track and installing 24,000 concrete sleepers and 29,000 tonnes of ballast in record time. Repairs have also been made to 21 structures along the route including four bridges and a range of works including vegetation clearance, earth and drainage works and fencing are ongoing in preparation for the return of regular services. More work will be carried out over the winter including further work on the station buildings to enable the restoration of the café and other facilities.

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NEWS

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

Many companies struggle to hang on to good employees. But at Time 24 in Burgess Hill on Wednesday (September 21), HRH The Princess Royal helped one celebrate the fact that few apparently want to leave. Fifty-two of the 98 local staff at the manufacturer Time 24 have collectively put in more than 900 years’ service with the firm – an average of 17 years each. Such continuity of service was a significant personal and professional milestone, said Time 24 Director and Co-founder David Shore. More than that, the team’s loyalty has been key to building the company’s global reputation. So, he was delighted their achievement had been recognised by Her Royal Highness who visited to present long service awards.

Princess Anne recognises Time 24 staff “In the sectors in which we operate, dependability and consistently high standards are key and we must rely on our staff to perform as a team to the best of their ability, each and every day,” said David. “We know we are very fortunate in having such a dedicated, skilled and lovely bunch of people – some of whom we’ve known from the very earliest days of Time 24. Our success is very much their success.” Time 24 has shown spectacular growth recently, expanding 85% since 2017. It supplies components to clients operating in

critical safety environments, notably providing wiring, electronics, and on-site technical support for more than 30,000 UK rail rolling stock vehicles. Time 24 is also involved within civil and military aircraft, public transport and cancer treatment sectors supplying over 500 aircraft simulators, 1,000 radiotherapy machines and over 1,000 microchip manufacturing machines. Established in 1987, Time 24 also operates a manufacturing site in the Czech Republic employing over 100 staff.

New rail company promises greener, cheaper travel A new, 100% electric rail service with low fares is to start running between London and Edinburgh in a bid to encourage greener and more affordable travel, and reduce the number of passengers flying between the capitals. Called Lumo, it will provide low-carbon, affordable long-distance travel for over one million passengers per year. Over 74,500 passengers currently fly between Edinburgh and London each month. With single tickets between the capitals starting from just £14.90, the company promises a comfortable, convenient alternative to flying that is affordable for all. Some 60% of all single fares will be available at a cost of £30 or less. Rail travel already generates six times fewer carbon emissions than travelling by plane and Lumo expects to be even more carbon efficient than the average rail service because its trains are 100% electric. Helen Wylde, Managing Director for Lumo, said: “Travelling in the UK should not cost a fortune and it certainly shouldn’t be the planet that pays. Whatever your preferred mode of transport, we are likely to be more affordable and kinder to the planet. We believe everyone has the right to travel in style. We are empowering people to make green travel choices that are genuinely affordable without compromising on comfort.” RAILSTAFF.CO.UK | @RAIL_STAFF | FACEBOOK.COM/RAILSTAFF

The services trains will run on the East Coast Main Line and call at Newcastle, Morpeth and Stevenage, helping to improve regional connectivity while offering alternatives to Newcastle and Luton airports. Owned by FirstGroup, Lumo has invested £15 million on digital and IT infrastructure and £100 million on the manufacture and maintenance of five brand new, state-of-theart Hitachi AT300 intercity electric trains. The trains offer seats which are ergonomically designed and tested for longer journeys, as well as free Wi-Fi, a new entertainment system and a single class of quality service for all passengers. “The reasons people choose different modes of travel are changing,” said Helen. “People are now considering their impact

on the environment very carefully. They also expect better service and catering. We offer a new rail travel experience that is kinder to the planet and better value for passengers, while never compromising on service.” The company intends to publish its carbon emissions data on a regular basis to feed its carbon calculator, which allows passengers to calculate the carbon impact of their journey and compare it with other ways to travel. In addition, over 50% of the on-board catering menu is plant-based; staff uniforms are responsibly sourced and can be entirely recycled; and paper waste has been dramatically reduced by being a digital-first business. Services start on 25 October, with their frequency increasing over time to a maximum of 10 services per day by early 2022.

Emergency alarms cause 17 hours of rail delays

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

NEWS

Rail operator on the hunt for 250 new apprentices The number of apprenticeships on offer across rail firms Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern and Gatwick Express will increase by a quarter in 2022, with 250 programmes available across departments, including engineering, customer services, train driving and administration.

Rail passengers activating emergency alarms on Greater Anglia trains have caused over 17 hours of delays in just six months. The rail operator’s apprenticeship programme The train company is is open to people of all ages and backgrounds. reminding passengers that Parent company Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) activating the emergency alarm is seeking to reach as diverse a range of potential delays trains for all passengers applicants as possible, and is working with partners – and it’s not the best way to get including, Not Going To Uni, Socially Recruited, help. RMP Enterprise, The Association for BME Engineers From 1 April to 4 September and Springpod to attract interest from around the 2021 there were 89 incidents country to work across the Southern, Gatwick of passengers activating the Express, Thameslink and Great Northern routes. emergency alarm, causing 1,032 David Jackson, Apprenticeship Specialist at Govia minutes of delays and nine Thameslink Railway, said, “As passenger numbers cancellations. increase and the country gets back on track, we’re Most incidents were classed delighted to be able to offer even more fantastic as ‘malicious’ although 13% were apprenticeship opportunities to work in the innovative from customers who wanted rail industry. Glowing testimonials from our successful some help. Anyone who is apprentices – from this year’s cohort as well as those caught activating the emergency who joined the railway as an apprentice and have alarm maliciously could be fined since worked their way through the ranks – shows just up to £1,000. how many doors a scheme like this can open.” When an emergency alarm is activated, the driver of the train must stop the train and, in some instances, walk back to the carriage to find out what is happening and reset the alarm – causing hold-ups for passengers on board the stopped train and trains behind it. Martin Moran, Greater Anglia Commercial, Customer Service and Train Presentation Director said: “Activating the emergency alarm delays the train for everyone on board. Other passengers might be trying to get to work, school, funerals, hospital appointments, go on a date, or pick up their children from school or childcare. “The emergency alarm is just for urgent situations, such as a fire on board. Otherwise, there are better and quicker ways to get help such as asking for help at the next station or tweeting @greateranglia which is staffed 24/7. If someone becomes ill on a train and it’s a life-threatening emergency, passengers should dial 999 for an ambulance. Passengers should also alert any staff on board or contact Greater Anglia via Twitter. Anyone who spots someone activating the emergency alarm maliciously is asked to text British Transport Police on 61016.

The rail company is currently on target to hire 200 apprentices before the end of 2021, with some schemes already open for applications. Anyone considering applying for an apprenticeship with GTR should go to: https:// gtrailwaycareers.com/jobs/apprenticeships/.

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NEWS

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

Train driver makes final journey after 50 years on railway An Avanti West Coast employee has made his last journey as a train driver, marking the end of 50 years on the railway.

GWR hosts special audience with civil rights activist Dr Paul Stephenson On 1 October, Great Western Railway hosted ‘an audience with Dr Paul Stephenson OBE’ on board his very own train to mark the start of Black History Month. Civil rights pioneer Dr Stephenson, 84, was joined by friends and members of GWR’s REACH network (Recognising Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage) for a journey from Bristol Temple Meads to Swindon. GWR named Intercity Express Train 800036 in tribute to Dr Stephenson during Black History Month last year, celebrating a lifetime spent campaigning for civil rights for the British African-Caribbean community. Dr Stephenson’s campaigns were instrumental in paving the way for the first Race Relations Act in 1965. He later worked for the Commission for Racial Equality in London and in 1975 was appointed to the Sports Council, campaigning prominently against sporting contacts with apartheid South Africa. He was awarded an OBE in 2009 “for his services to equal opportunities and to community relations in Bristol” and in 2017

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received a Pride of Britain Award for Lifetime Achievement. Joining him for his special audience was Esther Deans MBE, director of One Bristol Curriculum, which works with schools to address diversity in the community by promoting unity through knowledge and awareness of others. “Paul was so proud to have a GWR train named in his honour last year and events like this help to increase awareness of his pioneering work,” said Esther. “He fought for equality and civil rights for more than 60 years and the closer relations we enjoy today between all the communities of Bristol are thanks to his unstinting dedication.” GWR Inclusion and Diversity Manager Odis Palmer said the train operator was proud to have recognised Dr Stephenson as one of its Great Westerners, celebrating past and present heroes from across the network. “Today was a wonderful opportunity for colleagues to ask questions and to celebrate Black contributions to British society. It was the perfect way to mark the start of Black History Month.”

Steve Wilson, 66, drove Pendolino 390157 from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly – where he has been based for 15 years – for his final shift before retirement. To celebrate the end of his long career, Steve’s wife and two daughters joined him for his last working day to gain an insight into the role he has done over the last five decades.

Accompanied by Steve’s manager, Dave Wright, they gave him a send-off at Euston station before travelling as passengers onboard the train to Manchester – it is the first time the family have made a train journey with their dad in the driver’s seat. Steve was greeted by applause from his family after stepping out of the driver’s cab for the last time at Manchester Piccadilly before being presented with his 50 years’ service award. Following in his father’s footsteps, Steve joined the railway in 1971 working on the platforms at Manchester Oxford Road. In 1974 he began working on the footplate (a term to describe where the driver operates a steam locomotive), marking the start of a career driving trains based out of Manchester. “I have many happy memories of my time on the railway and have thoroughly enjoyed working with colleagues as part of the Railway Family”, said Steve. “It meant a lot to share my last journey as a driver with my wife and two daughters, so they could experience the job I’ve loved doing – it has certainly been a memorable send-off for my retirement.” Dave Wright, Driver Team Manager at Avanti West Coast, said: “Steve is a rare breed of railwayman that has achieved the 50-year milestone. He has been a credit to Avanti West Coast and the depot at Manchester and will be sorely missed by everyone. During my time at Manchester it has been a privilege to manage Steve and I wish him all the best in his retirement.”

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NEWS

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

HS2 UNVEILS ITS

LONDON LOGISTICS H S2 has revealed the colossal logistics operation that is taking place at HS2’s logistics hub near Willesden Junction. The 30-acre site will be the beating heart of the logistics operation for HS2 in London, and will be where earth from the 26 miles of tunnel will be processed and critical construction materials will be delivered. The hub has been constructed and will be operated by HS2’s Main Works Civils Contractor, Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture (SCS JV).

The construction of HS2’s London tunnels will require 5.6 million tonnes of earth to be excavated. After being processed at the site near Willesden Junction, it will be taken by train to three locations across the UK – Barrington in Cambridgeshire, Cliffe in Kent, and Rugby in Warwickshire – where it will put to beneficial reuse, filling voids which will then be used as a basis for redevelopment, such as house building. The site will also receive over 100,000 pre-cast tunnel segment rings which will be used to form the walls of the London tunnels, delivered by rail from UK manufacturing sites. HS2’s contractor SCS JV has already confirmed that the first contract for pre-cast tunnel segment rings has been awarded to Pacadar UK, and will be delivered to the site from their factory in the Isle of Grain in Kent. At peak operation, eight trains per day will depart and arrive at the logistics hub, maximising the use of rail freight in the construction of HS2 in London. Speaking at the opening of HS2’s Logistics Hub, HS2’s Chief Executive Officer, Mark Thurston said: “In building Britain’s new high-speed railway, HS2 is committed to protecting the environment and minimising our carbon footprint during design, construction and operation. As a result, we are moving as much material as we can by rail as part of our Materials by Rail programme. The logistics hub at Willesden will be the beating heart of our London logistics operation and is a critical part of how we are building HS2.”

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The operation is being coordinated from a refurbished building on the site. Sheffield based SME, 3Squared, has developed a bespoke rail logistics software solution to manage and track the railway materials movements in and out. Tim Jones, Managing Director of 3Squared, said: “It is fantastic to see the hard work and effort coming to fruition in this largescale logistics operation, which will radically improve efficiencies and operations across the wider UK transport network. Joining the HS2 project has marked an exciting chapter in 3Squared’s journey, and we look forward to continuing to work with SCS JV and providing our technological skill and expertise, as HS2 progresses.” The London Logistics Hub sits on the old Freightliner Terminal site that first opened in 1967. It went on to become one of nine regional freight terminals developed specifically to handle Channel Tunnel intermodal traffic but eventually went into disuse in 2005. The site’s connections to the conventional railway make it an ideal location to coordinate HS2’s London logistics operation. The logistics trains are currently operated by GB Railfreight and the entire operation is the result of meticulous planning between HS2, Network Rail, SCS JV and HS2’s supply chain. The first train departed the site at

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

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the end of June, taking 1,470 tonnes of spoil to Barrington in Cambridgeshire. At an event to open the logistics hub, a Class 66 locomotive was revealed, number 66796, which has been rebranded by GB Railfreight with a HS2 design. The HS2 locomotive was named ‘The Green Progressor’ by 15-year-old HS2 enthusiast, Jermaine Allen, from Leeds. John Smith, Managing Director of GB Railfreight said: “Today’s opening marks a huge commitment to reducing the impact of carbon emissions

caused by construction and we’re proud to jointly recognise this with HS2 by unveiling the fittingly rebranded Class 66, ‘The Green Progressor’. “HS2 Willesden’s logistics hub promises to support the growth of rail freight in the UK by removing one million HGVs from our capital’s roads alone. By increasing the amount of material transported by rail freight for the construction of HS2 in London, GB Railfreight will continue to play a leading role in the delivery of Government’s net zero targets and the decarbonisation of transport.”

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NEWS

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

LNER inspires tomorrow's talent

London North Eastern Railway (LNER) is delivering record investment in supporting aspiration in communities up and down its route, with new projects set to benefit more than 11,000 children and young people over the next 18 months. This month, LNER is inviting applications from young people aged between 14 and 18 in Years 10-13 along the East Coast route to join its Tomorrow’s Talent experience, delivered in partnership with Springpod, which is all about inspiring young people about the world of work, as well as launching its next round of community investment projects. Tomorrow’s Talent, starting on 25 October,

will showcase the different careers available in rail to inspire the next generation. Participants will complete several modules on topics such as the growing use of technology and the importance of marketing within the rail industry. As part of the Responsible Business Strategy, LNER is also using the latest round of its Customer and Community Investment Fund (CCIF), worth £500,000 each year, to support more projects focused on boosting education and employability skills in communities along the East Coast route. The fund helps customers and communities along the LNER route to undertake projects and initiatives that will help address a local

issue, create opportunities to develop new skills, promote positive mental health and deliver educational or environmental benefits. David Horne, Managing Director at LNER, said: “Education and employability are important to LNER and the communities we serve, and we want to do all that we can to encourage the next generation, regardless of where their career takes them. “LNER’s Tomorrow’s Talent and the community projects we are supporting provide a fantastic opportunity for young people in their career development. As a modern business and inclusive employer, with a focus on the long term, we are determined to share what we do to inspire others.”

Institution of Railway Operators receives Queen's Charter The Institution of Railway Operators (IRO) was awarded Chartered status on 1 October 2021. Now named the Chartered Institution of Railway Operators (CIRO), the professional organisation has now been recognised for its value in the industry and its achievement during its 21-year existence. The chartership was celebrated on Friday 1 October with an inaugural lunch and presentation at St Pancras Renaissance Hotel with over 200 delegates joining. This included founders, Fellows, board members, early members, area council leaders, trade press and many more senior railway operators. Fiona Tordoff, CIRO’s Chief Executive

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Officer said: “The award of the Institution’s Charter recognises the collective efforts of our founders, our volunteer board and council members, our corporate members, our tutors and staff, and our 10,000 plus members, to enhance and sustain professionalism in railway operations. On 26 May 2021, the Privy Council recommended, and Her Majesty was pleased to agree, the IRO’s Draft Charter should be approved, and it was instructed a Warrant be prepared for Her Majesty’s Royal Signature. This indicated the Chartered Status was to be awarded on 1 October 2021. Howard Smith, Chair of Trustees said: “Becoming the Chartered Institution of Railway Operators ensures that we can be more

easily recognised across the UK and beyond. It gives our growing membership a new global identity linked by common commitment to high standards of professionalism.” The Institution of Railway Operators was officially registered in 2000 after years of planning and discussion amongst railway stalwarts who recognised how valuable an organisation of its type would be to the industry. Following the privatisation of rail, the many divisions in the railway industry were siloed and the existing knowledge and experience of its operating professionals was at risk of being lost. More than two decades later, the institution has over 10,000 members globally and is established in countries such as the UK, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Ireland and Saudi Arabia. It has maintained its commitment to professional development and has continued to increase its Continuing Professional Development offering, with members able to complete a degree with educational partner Glasgow Caledonian University. It has also developed an apprenticeship programme and has area councils across the continent. “The Chartership signifies the entrance into our new chapter,” said Fiona, “allowing us to elevate our profession even further and positioning us as the standard for railway operations globally.”

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RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

DEFIBRILLATORS FITTED AT ALL TSGN STATIONS

head of Restart A Heart Day on 16 October, Great Northern, Southern and Thameslink announced they will install publicly-accessible, life-saving automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at every one of their 238 stations, the largest roll-out of heart restarters on the UK’s rail network. Sussex Heart Charity and other organisations supplied many of the original AEDs but the network has now been massively extended and upgraded with more defibrillators as part of a wider £15 million stations improvement programme which involves over 1,000 projects, many suggested by local passenger and community groups. More than 30,000 people suffer cardiac arrest out of hospital across the UK every year and fewer than one in 10 survive. However, early chest compressions (CPR) and defibrillation can double the chances of surviving. Sam Facey, Head of Zero Harm in the Safety & Health team at parent company Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), said: “By fitting these life-saving AEDs, we believe we’ve made a genuinely positive contribution to the communities across our vast network, which covers London and nine counties. “All our defibrillators are publicly accessible, so of huge benefit not only to those travelling with us but also the communities we serve. They’re fully automatic – anyone can use them – and our staff are being given familiarisation training.”

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The AEDs are ‘smart’, giving verbal instructions and then shocking a patient only if they need it. They also use remote monitoring to sound the alert on dying batteries or out-of-date chest pads and all the cabinets are being wired in – to keep them warm and ready to go. Sam added: “We’re fitting the same model across our network to provide consistency of quality, staff familiarity and maintenance, and at some stations, where we were updating an existing AED, we’ve been able to return the original device to local charities for use at a second location in the community.” In an emergency, 999 operatives will shortly know the location of every AED and will direct people to them if they are close enough. Medical experts from the South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) joined Southern Rail staff and local MP Henry Smith at Three Bridges to demonstrate the simplicity of using the station’s two AEDs. Malcolm Legg, SECAmb’s Community

Resilience Lead said: “SECAmb is delighted GTR is installing such a significant number of defibrillators at its stations. Public access defibrillators are vital life-saving pieces of equipment which everyone should feel confident in using. “Our call takers will help talk people through what to do if someone requires resuscitation. In this week of Restart A Heart Day, I would encourage everyone to learn CPR. It’s never too late to learn how to save a life.” Crawley MP Henry Smith said: “Southern, Thameslink and Great Northern’s rail services keep the heart of our communities beating so it seems fitting to have publicly-available lifesaving defibrillators at stations that can restart the heart of someone suffering a cardiac arrest.” At Potters Bar in Hertfordshire, station assistant Curtis Cassell used the station AED to save a passenger’s life. Curtis said: “I ran out and saw the customer on the floor. He was older, in his 60s and someone I recognised as a regular. If there had not been a defibrillator, I don’t know what would have happened - I would think the worst.” Sue Hampshire, Director of Clinical & Service Development at Resuscitation Council UK, said: “The installation of defibrillators at all Govia Thameslink stations is a fantastic move, and we encourage passengers and the wider community to develop the skills and confidence to use these lifesaving machines. It’s important that people can access defibrillators in busy areas, where they are likely to be needed. “Restart a Heart, which takes place on or around 16 October, is all about getting hands on and learning essential skills in CPR and defibrillation, and we’d encourage everyone to get involved so they can help someone if they collapse and stop breathing. Learn more about how to get hands on with Restart a Heart at resus.org.uk/rsah.”

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FEATURE

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

"WRECKING BALL THREATENS FUTURE OF HISTORIC BR U

nrest is brewing in an East Sussex village over National Highways’ plan to infill a historic railway bridge within a conservation area.

The state-owned roads company manages more than 3,100 legacy structures on the Department for Transport’s behalf. A controversial programme to infill or demolish 134 bridges and tunnels was revealed in January, but the Government called a temporary halt over the summer. Work is expected to resume in the next few weeks, with 68 structures thought to be under immediate threat. Designed by civil engineer Frederick Banister, the bridge on Church Road, Barcombe was built in the early 1880s as part of a line connecting Lewes and East Grinstead. The Bluebell Railway now runs steam services on an 11-mile section further north and believes that “the remaining trackbed is a potentially valuable transport corridor which should be safeguarded.” The structure carries a narrow, minor road and is assessed as having a capacity of 24 tonnes. A weight restriction prohibits vehicles over 20 tonnes from using it, helping to keep unsuitable traffic out of the village. The brick parapets and wingwalls have been subject to movement for many years, with cracks recorded as long ago as 1994. But instead of carrying out further repairs, National Highways intends to bury the Victorian feat within an estimated 1,000 tonnes of aggregate and concrete. The design has already been completed and a start date for the work is awaited. There is anger that the scheme is being progressed under Permitted Development powers which leaves objectors without a voice and circumvents any democratic scrutiny of the historical, ecological and environmental impacts. “The community’s views are being disregarded,” asserts Jonathan Scripps, a local campaigner and resident. “The bridge is a heritage asset - connecting us with our past - and lies within Barcombe’s conservation area which is meant to ensure that the village’s special architectural and historic character is both preserved and enhanced. “The engineering issues with the bridge have been known about for decades, but instead of undertaking appropriate repairs, National Highways has just stood back and watched. Infilling is an unnecessary wrecking-ball act which will cost the taxpayer a fortune and fails to recognise the structure’s importance. “The use of Permitted Development powers is clearly intended to overcome the planning challenges that would be faced if All photos © The HRE Group

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RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

FEATURE

LRIDGEACT" the scheme’s many detrimental impacts were evaluated against the policies adopted in the Council’s Local Plan.” The landscape around the bridge is ecologically sensitive and the cutting to its immediate north is on the Priority Habitat Inventory for Deciduous Woodland, and includes some Ancient Woodland. A bat population has been recorded around the structure and the former trackbed beneath it serves as a wildlife corridor. “Blocking the natural habitat system by infilling the bridge will have a damaging ecological impact”, says Hazel Fell Rayner, the local campaign organiser. “The importance of green bridges has been researched extensively over the last 25 years and is now well understood. “Former railway routes offer unique opportunities for increased biodiversity that typically relies upon movement and connectivity with the wider landscape. The loss of Church Road bridge would sever that connectivity, forcing mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates to navigate a road crossing. “Those responsible for this infilling scheme need to be looking holistically at the issues around the bridge, not just its engineering.

The structure is a valued community asset, standing as a monument to the Victorians’ vision, courage and determination, and now plays a vital role in supporting our wildlife.” The creation or conservation of connected habitats - or Nature Recovery Networks (NRNs) - is national and local government policy and is supported by a number of academic bodies. The HRE Group - an alliance of engineers, sustainable transport advocates and greenway developers - has accused National Highways of “destroying opportunities to build a better

future”. It has called on Ministers to permanently halt the infilling programme and transfer the legacy structures to Great British Railways, a body being set up by the Government to oversee rail transport from 2023. Graeme Bickerdike, a member of the Group, described the infilling of the bridge at Barcombe as “the clearest demonstration of National Highways’ indifference for its broader social responsibilities. The company is a threat to the railway’s valuable infrastructure heritage, blights landscapes and rides roughshod over community aspirations.”

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COMPANY FOCUS

LINKING

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

ELECTRIFICATION & LABOUR SUPPLY

ESL, THE ELECTRIFICATION AND CIVIL ENGINEERING SPECIALIST, HAS BRANCHED OUT TO OFFER SOLUTIONS IN THE LABOUR SUPPLY MARKET, FORGING A LINK BETWEEN ELECTRIFICATION AND LABOUR SUPPLY.

SL Resourcing is the firm’s dedicated labour resource division, providing specialist rail electrification, civil engineering and safety critical operatives to client’s projects, as well as its own.

Founded in 2015 with the aim of developing an innovative business that could deliver a complete electrification service, ESL offers a design and delivery capability able to deliver on a wide range of projects. The firm has partnered with large clients to support them with the electrification elements of their multidisciplinary projects, and also delivered stand-alone packages of electrification works. The success of ESL’s new venture is reflected by its recent award of a place on the £150 million Network Rail Frontline Labour Framework, to supply specialist rail electrification operatives throughout the

UK. The programme will run over the next five years with a possible extension until 2029, and ESL will support Network Rail to deliver its programme of rail electrification projects throughout CP6 and CP7. The success of its Network Rail bid was based on its commitment to build the best and most reliable pool of rail electrification resources in the UK.

DOING THINGS DIFFERENTLY As a specialist in electrification engineering and delivery, ESL understands the challenges faced by Network Rail and its supply chain in regard to the limited supply of labour available across the UK. As opposed to the traditional labour agency model, ESL will provide a structure based on its existing model of self-delivery that adapts with the changing demands of Network Rail and reacts to resourcing issues when they arise.

“ESL approaches labour supply slightly differently,” said the firm’s Head of Commercial, Matthew Hardy. “Our strategy towards recruitment is based on three principles. First, we use our knowledge of the UK electrification industry to identify and attract the best resources in the market. Second, we target individuals currently outside of the industry but with obvious transferable skillsets. Finally, we look to sectors of society that are currently underrepresented in the industry and try to find people with the right mindset and motivation to forge a career in the rail sector.” And although labour supply is a relatively new venture for ESL, bringing the management of staff resources inhouse has been a game changer for the company, allowing it to better match its site requirements with the necessary competencies, and ensure each project is delivered by staff with the appropriate level of experience. This has helped the company to ensure safe and efficient delivery whilst maintaining industry leading quality and workmanship.

TOP QUALITY PEOPLE ESL’s aim is to provide the best people for the job at hand and it has assembled a pool of experienced staff, incentivising them with attractive packages and a commitment to health, safety and well-being. “We went into this with the aim of building a core team of top-quality people,” said Matthew, “And we know that to attract and retain staff we need to provide a good environment for workers. We’re dedicated to providing job security and excellent working conditions for our staff.” RAILSTAFF.CO.UK | @RAIL_STAFF | FACEBOOK.COM/RAILSTAFF

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

Looking further ahead, ESL is committed to bringing new blood into the industry. It has already developed a robust apprentice programme, allowing staff to complete their studies whilst gaining ‘on the job’ experience with them to support their learning.

CREATING OPPORTUNITIES The company is dedicated to creating opportunities for those who may not previously have considered a career in rail engineering. “Our overall aim is to improve the quality of labour available to ESL and supply them to clients,” said Matthew, “And we can do this by tapping previously overlooked pools of talent. An example would be ex-service people who may find it difficult to find work but who can bring a wealth of key skills, or attracting staff whose experience may

lie in other industries - aviation engineers, for example.” ESL has also joined the UK Government’s Kickstart programme, which is designed to provide new job placements for 16–24-year-olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of longterm unemployment. The Kickstart Scheme is a £2 billion fund to create hundreds of thousands of high-quality, sixmonth work placements. Through the scheme, companies are able to access a large pool of young people with potential, ready for an opportunity. Already, ESL has seen the benefits of joining the initiative. “An abundance of people have come to ESL through the Kickstart scheme,” says Matthew. “It’s a tough time for young people seeking work and currently two to three years’ worth of graduates are fighting for one years’ worth of jobs.”

COMMITMENT TO STANDARDS

The company has recently become a corporate member of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, marking an important milestone in the development of its labour supply division. All of ESL’s operatives are thoroughly vetted in regard to competencies, qualifications and experience and the move demonstrates its commitment to operating in accordance with the highest standards in the industry. The success and failure of multi-million-pound infrastructure

COMPANY FOCUS

projects regularly comes down to the quality, experience and reliability of the individuals on the ground during a given shift or possession, and ESL is dedicated to providing the right solution for the job, whether that’s individual operatives or full teams, supervisors, or construction management. Now that it is part of the Frontline Labour Framework, Network Rail can direct companies to use ESL for engineer supply and, with a huge amount of electrification work in the pipeline, ESL will be a very good draw.

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COMPANY FOCUS

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

ADVANCE TRS CELEBRATES 10-YEAR MILESTONE

n September, the recruitment consultancy Advance TRS celebrated its tenth year in business and enjoyed some well-deserved anniversary celebrations in London.

Andy Ridout.

Since its humble beginnings in 2011, Advance TRS has grown significantly, becoming a £25 million turnover business, and working closely with clients and candidates to provide a five-star recruitment service. In 2020 alone, the business welcomed seven new members to its ever-expanding teams in Guildford and Port Solent. So, what’s next on founder and Group Managing Director Andy Ridout’s agenda?

EXCITING CHANGES

With 25 years of industry experience, Andy is no novice and has ambitious plans for his business. He recently revealed some exciting changes for Advance TRS after 10 years of growth and outlined his plans for the next five years. It’s safe to say that the business’ future is looking bright. Andy recognises the important role that strong working relationships play in

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the company’s success. “While the last 12 months have been challenging, we’re very fortunate to have a loyal client base and motivated staff that are integral to driving the business forward,” he explained. He was also delighted to share that additional staff will be joining the company’s Guildford and South Coast teams. “The team on the South Coast have been hitting their targets and are performing well in every area, meaning we will be able to speed up growth plans for this division of the business.” In the immediate future, Andy sees the team re-engaging with clients in a face-toface environment, enabling his team to have in-depth conversations about their clients’ needs, helping them get the right resources for their projects. For the longer term, Andy has revealed some exciting expansion plans. “After setting up our Guildford and South Coast offices we are now opening a London office,” he said. “This will give us the opportunity to attract an even more diverse portfolio of recruitment consultants and offer a greater service to our clients and candidates. London will further expand our catchment area and we’re excited to take that next step.”

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

CHARITY GOLF DAY

He is also planning to expand into further markets including highways, renewables, power, and nuclear, which will all complement the sectors the business operates in currently.

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY Andy set up Advance TRS in 2011, with a view to providing a top-quality recruitment service for the built environment, focusing on building strong working relationships. “I come from a recruitment background. Prior to setting up Advance TRS, I’d already spent 15 years as a recruitment expert in the built environment. I wanted to offer a service that really focused on quality over quantity, building close relationships with clients, and getting a deep technical understanding of their needs.” He grew the business quickly, expanding from rail recruitment into further sectors across the built environment that he knew would complement each other. He attracted well-known recruitment experts in the industry to the business, expanding on the team’s area of expertise.

One thing that hasn’t changed over the years is Andy’s passion for giving back. Knowing how challenging the past 18 months have been for most people, he knew the impact will have been even greater on charities and was keen to plan a big fundraising event. This year, Railway Children and Advance TRS have teamed up to create the first annual Advance TRS Golf Day for Rail Aid, at the prestigious Belfry Hotel & Resort. Money raised by the event will help Railway Children partner with grassroots organisations with invaluable local knowledge and established community relationships, to support projects specific to the needs of the local area. The day will bring together industry leaders for some healthy competition, networking and, most importantly, to raise money for the Rail Aid campaign. All proceeds from the Golf Day go directly to Rail Aid and to helping children in need. Sponsors of the event will play a day of golf on the Ryder Cup Brabazon Course at the Belfry, followed by a three-course networking dinner, keynote speeches from former professional footballer and manager, Paul Merson, and HS2 CEO, Mark Thurston, followed by a silent auction for Rail Aid.

COMPANY FOCUS

JOIN OUR TEAM As an expanding recruitment business, Advance TRS has great opportunities for career development. It prides itself on rewarding success and promoting from within. However, it is always looking for new talent to further strengthen and expand its teams. As a recruiter, the company understands that talented and motivated staff are the key to any successful business. All of its staff receive invaluable mentorship from its experienced senior leaders and are able to shape a clear, bespoke career path, mapping out potential routes of progression within the company. The company’s dedication to creating a great working environment was recognised at the 2018 Toast of Surrey Business Awards when Advance TRS was announced as Employer of the Year and Leadership Team of the Year. To contact the company or find out more, visit www.advance-trs.com. The Advance TRS Golf Day for Rail Aid will be held on 20 October 2021. To find out more about the event and for details about sponsorship packages, email eg@advance-trs.com or marketing@advancetrs.com, or call on 01483 361 061.

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TRACK SAFETY

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

REPORT BY COLIN WHEELER

A RETURN TO THE RAILWAY FAMILY -

COULD IT REDUCE AVOIDABLE ACCIDENTS?

ike many others I spent most of my working life in the employ of British Railways. I recall the original application form for employment I filled in, and my surprise that it asked me to list any family members who were already in their employment. I also remember my concern at being asked to countersign conditions of employment that clearly specified that I must agree to live “within a mile of my home station”. But there were distinct and real advantages to being part of a dedicated organisation that tried hard to do what was best for the railway. Workforce motivation is best when it comes from feeling you are part of the railway family. We all benefit if everyone working on the railway feels they belong and works together to stay safe and get the job done. Sadly, today there are still individuals who look to work around rather than follow the rules and best practice, which we need to be able to work safely. ‘Human factors’ played a large role in the recent incidents that follow, but I wonder if these could have been avoided had the individuals involved felt they were working as part of a greater entity?

An avoidable near miss

A Safety Digest from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) was issued on 30 September following a near miss at 04:12 on the morning of 22 July. A Class 390 Electrical Multiple Unit (empty coaching stock) was travelling from Longsight Depot to Lancaster and, as it approached Eccles Station in Greater Manchester, the driver saw workers wearing reflective clothing on the track. He sounded the train horn and applied the emergency brake. The workers managed

to get clear with four seconds to spare before the train passed them travelling at 69 mph. The Controller of Site Safety (COSS) saw the train come to a stop and rang the signaller from his mobile. The plan was for safeguarded working. The workers were a contractor’s painting staff and the COSS (from an agency) was the nominated Person in Charge. Similar work painting white lines on the platform edge had been completed on each of the previous three nights, with Patricroft Station being painted earlier that same night. The line blockage covered both lines and stations between 00:01 and 05:00, protected by signals with no additional protection. Discussions between the COSS and the signaller had confirmed that scheduled trains were running, work would need to stop, and the blockage be given up for each train to pass. Calls to take and give back took between two and eight minutes.

Colin Wheeler.

At 04:10 the COSS told the signaller that the line was clear, and trains could operate, but he had not told the workers. At 04:11 he contacted them using his mobile phone and told them to move clear. As the call ended, they heard the horn of the approaching train. The Rule Book is clear, stating: “COSS should stay with your group so you are able to personally observe and advise everyone until work is completed and your group is no longer on or near the line.”

Lucky escape for MOM

September also saw the publication of RAIB’s Report 06/2021, following its investigation into a near miss with a Network Rail Mobile Operations Manager (MOM) at Rowlands Castle Station on 19 December 2020. On that day the Prime Minister had announced the restrictive Tier 4 Christmas lockdown, which “caused the MOM considerable distress associated with personal circumstances”. The near miss occurred at 19:14 when the MOM came close to being struck by a

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passenger train. He was on track retrieving a rubbish bag when the train approached at about 60 mph. The MOM climbed back onto the platform and was clear of the line just one second before the train passed. The report states that “the incident happened because the MOM had not arranged protection from train movements before going onto the track. The MOM and the signaller did not have a mutual or accurate understanding of the reality of the situation, and consequently the MOM was unaware that the train was approaching.” Underlying causes are listed as being “associated with the MOM’s competence, which was not adequately managed to ensure he worked safely on the track, and local management not functioning properly, which probably affected the recruitment, training and ongoing monitoring of the MOM.”

Train strikes hand trolley

Network Rail’s Safety Central website has long ago earned my appreciation for its open approach to making those who work on its infrastructure aware of accidents and incidents which hopefully may reduce

the likelihood of their being repeated. On Wednesday 8 September a train struck a hand trolley that had been left on the Up Main near Twickenham Station. The trolley ended up stuck under the front carriage of the train. The area is fitted with axle counters using the Line Clear Verification process. The Safety Central reference is NRA21-14, and I hope to find an update explaining how the trolley was forgotten!

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

TRACK SAFETY

Waterloo Underground fatality

On 7 September RAIB published its report on the fatal accident involving a passenger that occurred at Waterloo Underground Station on 26 May last year. At around 10:10 that day the passenger fell between the platform and the Bakerloo line train from which he had just alighted. The platform is curved and has platform mounted mirrors targeted on the platform train interface. The passenger was unable to free himself and the train departed with him still in the gap. The operator of the following train was unaware, being focussed on the platform and the trains stopping point. RAIB found that London Underground’s risk assessment “did not enable the identification and detailed assessment of all factors that contributed to higher platform interface risk at certain platforms.” FACEBOOK.COM/RAILSTAFF | @RAIL_STAFF | RAILSTAFF.CO.UK

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RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

It also found that “the model used to quantify risk makes no allowance for non-fatal injuries, and so understates the risk of harm to passengers”. The RAIB report makes three recommendations. The first relates to location specific risks, the second to the need for “ongoing evaluation of existing safety measures” and the third to the “effective delivery of actions proposed by internal investigation recommendations”.

Collision between tram and cyclist

At 19:25 on 1 September a Manchester Metrolink tram travelling between Audenshaw and Droylsden on the East Manchester Line struck and seriously injured a child cyclist. At that location trams run in ‘on street’ mode. The cyclist was crossing Droylsden Road at a ‘Puffin’ pedestrian crossing which is controlled by road traffic and pedestrian signal lights. RAIB’s investigation will consider the design and configuration of the crossing, how the crossing was risk assessed, legislation and industry guidance on the design and configuration of pedestrian crossings where trams run ‘on street’, and any “relevant underlying factors”.

Kisby UWC Collision

RAIB is investigating this accident which resulted in the derailment of a freight train. At 09:01 on the morning of 19 August, a Class 66 locomotive with 36 container wagons

struck a loaded farm trailer on this User Worked Crossing (UWC) which is near March in Cambridgeshire. The train driver applied the emergency brake just six seconds before impact, but the train was consequently still travelling at 58mph when it struck the trailer. The train ran on for 780 metres before stopping. Both drivers suffered shock and the train driver sustained minor injuries. It took four days for the recovery of the vehicles involved and the repairs to track and infrastructure so that trains could run again. Kisby UWC is fitted with a telephone and “user operated powered gates” that are not interlocked with the railway signalling system. Signs at the crossing direct users to telephone to obtain permission from the signaller before opening the gates and crossing the railway. RAIB is investigating and has said it has “been unable to find any evidence that a request to use the crossing was made by the driver of the tractor involved”.

Arguably, both efficiency and safety are improved by groups and individuals who know each other, warts and all. When we begin to learn more details of how Great British Railways will work, looking back and picking out what used to work well will surely be beneficial. As a taster you may like these pictures of yesteryear when prize lengths of track and improvements in track quality earned individual and gang recognition.

Photo d

On rear kept P W showing Photo d Photo da ing 1950 On rear Lingfield On rear o kept P W kept P W showing showing ing 1950 ? A1950 safe ing Lingfield tion to b Lingfield. quite ple

? A safe ? A safe p tion to b tion to b quite ple quite ple

Prizes for best kept P Way Gangers length. Length showing greatest improvement during 1950. Category "B". Gang 3/93 Lingfield. A safe place for such a presentation to be made? All seem to be quite pleased. Photo date 02.07.51.

Photo

At least the signalman may have been aware of their presence? Photo date 28.04.52.

As time goes by the locations get more hazardous. A couple don't seem to pleased? Photo date 27.05.54. RAILSTAFF.CO.UK | @RAIL_STAFF | FACEBOOK.COM/RAILSTAFF

No det

?At lea Photo been ad Photo No det No deta ?At lea ?At leas been a been aw

The way things were

Modern equipment, including computerised flows of information, has brought enormous benefits. But I believe that the railway has been damaged by the separation of its workforce into contractors, subcontractors, consultants and subconsultants, right down to individuals whose working employers change day-by-day. We all need to understand the strengths and foibles of those we work with.

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No matter the project you’re working on, we can get you up to speed with industry best practice. We’re an independent body that makes collective industry knowledge freely available to our members. Our tools, resources and engineering services allow the railway to be safer and more sustainable. We also offer consulting, training, research and events. So there’s no need to duplicate work that’s already been done. Here are three of the hundreds of resources we offer:

Shrink your carbon footprint

Optimise performance

Reduce risk on the network

Our Rail Carbon Tool helps you reduce carbon emissions through design and construction, for capital and operational cost and carbon savings.

Our Human Factors Hub provides a range of guidance, tools, products and services to help you support railway staff performance through systems thinking.

Our RED Programmes are safety brieﬁng videos that will help you raise awareness of operational safety issues to your workforce.

Learn more at rssb.co.uk/up-to-speed

HEALTH+SAFETY

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

REPORT BY COLIN WHEELER

RAILWAY SCAFFOLDING OLDING ACCIDENTS

caffolding design, be it for structural repairs to existing infrastructure, access for inspection, or to support a failing structure, is a crucial element of the work carried out on the railway. I have a growing conviction that the time has come for everyone to consider using bespoke scaffolds or proprietary scaffolding systems that result in fewer, if any, scaffold components only being available for a single site use. Scaffolding is often left to specialists to design, erect and dismantle, but do the engineers who are responsible for the work always check that the design and the methods used are adequate for the job? Working at height, as we know, is an area of concern.

OFFICIAL

RIDDOR dangerous occurrence scaffold failure Issued to:

Ref:

Network Rail line managers, safety professionals and accredited contractors NRA21-13

Date of issue: 24/08/2021 Location:

Warrington

Contact:

Matt Dean, Head of HSE CD NW&C

Overview In the early hours of Sunday 8th August, a service scaffold bridge partially collapsed while being installed. It came to rest on the bridge parapet. At the time of the incident, the two scaffolders were adding the scaffold boards, they were both able to exit without injury. An exclusion zone was in place underneath the structure and the work was in a engineering possession.

The line was blocked to allow the scaffold to be safely lifted and removed. The scaffold structure is in quarantine and an investigation has started. The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) was notified.

Immediate action required Scaffold design: •

Ensure a construction sequence is fully documented and communicated to those undertaking the work.

Scaffold in construction, ensure that: • •

the planned construction sequence is followed. a permit to load is in place before any load is applied.

• • •

where all scaffolds are left in a temporary state of construction, they are stable and fit for purpose. any changes to scaffold design go back through the design approval process. these checks do not supersede or replace those undertaken by a competent scaffolder holding a CISRS Advanced Scaffold Inspectors card.

Part of our group of Safety Bulletins

SCAFFOLD BRIDGE COLLAPSES Network Rail’s Safety Central website currently includes two separate safety advice postings. One posted at the end of August is titled ‘RIDDOR dangerous occurrence scaffold failure’. The incident occurred in Warrington on Sunday 8 August when a scaffold bridge partially collapsed while being installed, coming to rest on the bridge parapet. © Philip Openshaw Fortunately, an exclusion zone was in place underneath the structure and the work was taking place in an engineering possession. Subsequently, whilst the line was blocked the scaffold was lifted and removed. The Office of Rail and Road were notified, and the scaffold structure was in quarantine as their investigation began. However, the ‘immediate action required’ list on the Safety Advice is enlightening:

Scaffold Design:

Ensure a construction sequence is fully documented and communicated to those undertaking the work. Scaffold in construction, ensure that: • The planned construction sequence is followed. • A permit to load is in place before any load is applied. • Where scaffolds are left in a temporary state of construction, they are stable and fit for purpose. • Any changes to scaffolding design go back through the design approvals process. • These checks do not supersede or replace those undertaken by a competent scaffolder holding the CISRS Advanced Scaffold Inspectors card.

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RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

HEALTH+SAFETY

OFFICIAL

GLASGOW RIVER RESCUE Unusually, another scaffold-related safety advice notice was added to the Safety Central website in September. Entitled ‘Dangerous Occurrence: fall from scaffolding resulting in significant risk of drowning’ the incident is, again, under investigation.

On Friday 24 September a scaffolding contractor who is not named was “Dismantling the tube and fitting scaffold between the south pier and riverbank on a structure over water in Glasgow.” At approximately 09:15 one of the scaffolders was standing on a dropper tube when it slipped loose from its couplers. This caused him to fall from the scaffold into the river along with the tube (both his harness and lanyard were clipped to the tube). Fortunately, there was a rescue boat on standby and it immediately mobilised, quickly rescuing the scaffolder from the water. He went to hospital but after treatment was discharged at 14:00 on the same day. The following actions are listed in the safety advice relating to this accident: • Always wear a harness and know where the anchor points are. • Ensure documented erection and dismantling procedures are in place and communicated. • Ensure control measures are being implemented and followed. • Ensure life jackets are worn during all scaffold erection, dismantling and alteration works above watercourses. • Ensure fall protection equipment (e.g., harnesses, lanyard, inertia reel, etc.) is relevant to the task, frequently inspected and maintained and suitable anchorage pints are utilised.

Dangerous Occurrence: in Fall from scaffolding resulting significant risk of drowning Issued to:

All Network Rail line managers safety professionals and accredited contractors

Ref:

NRA21-15

Date of issue: 30/09/2021 Glasgow

Location:

James McKay, Health & Safety Manager (Capital Delivery)

Contact:

Overview g On Friday 24th September, a scaffoldin g the tube contractor was tasked with dismantlin pier and the and fitting scaffold between the south in Glasgow. riverbank on a structure over water scaffolders was At approximately 09:15 one of the it slipped loose standing on a dropper tube when fall from the from its couplers, causing him to tube. His the scaffold into the river along with on the same harness and lanyard were clipped dropper tube.

and it There was a rescue boat on standby the immediately mobilised, quickly rescuing scaffolder from the water. hospital by the The scaffolder was then taken to d around emergency services. He was discharge 14:00 on the same day. d and Work on the structure has been suspende an investigation is underway.

Immediate action required •

• •

Always wear a harness when working at height, and know where your suitable anchor points are, unless other protection is in place. Ensure documented erection and dismantling procedures are in place and communicated. being Ensure the control measures are implemented and followed.

• •

all Ensure life jackets are worn during scaffold erection, dismantle and ses. alteration works above watercour protection Ensure personal fall equipment (e.g. harness, lanyard, task, inertia reel, etc.) is relevant to the d, frequently inspected and maintaine and suitable anchorage points are utilised.

Part of our group of Safety Bulletins

Design calculations for permanent structures and temporary works are subject to checking to one of three levels of independence from the designer, dependent on the degree of risk involved. With scaffold, especially during its erection, alteration, and removal, particular checks are necessary for each stage of the work. Going forward, when working over railways and water courses, should there also be a requirement for the site presence of qualified scaffold designers in a management/supervisory role? FACEBOOK.COM/RAILSTAFF | @RAIL_STAFF | RAILSTAFF.CO.UK

HEALTH+SAFETY

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

REPORTING FROM THE

FRONTLINE C

IRAS representatives get the word out about confidential reporting – here they speak out from across the industry to explain what they do and why it matters.

When companies join the CIRAS confidential reporting community as a member, choosing the rep is one of the most important first steps. Reps are the crucial link that makes CIRAS work. Their role involves getting any CIRAS reports to the right person in their business so they can take action, as well as promoting confidential reporting to staff so they know there is a way for them to raise health, safety, and wellbeing concerns without being identified. Being aware of CIRAS could be the difference between someone choosing to raise a concern or not, increasing the likelihood that an issue gets resolved. “With the best will in the world – we’ve got a lot of good reporting systems and everything in place – it doesn’t always work. People are not always comfortable to report things for whatever reason: maybe they’re worried about their job, they’re not comfortable with their boss… and it’s just nice to know there’s somewhere else to go and your name’s not going to be put out there,” says Jo Parker, safety, health and environment manager, who has been CIRAS rep at Transport for London for six years. “CIRAS is confidential, so people are comfortable with it. And if the first place they go to report something doesn’t work out, they feel comfortable that they’ve got somewhere else to go where they feel safe. “There’s a CIRAS champion in each area of the business,” she continues, “and if we get a report in that’s relevant to a certain business area, I share it with them. “People around the business know that they can go to their CIRAS champion if they have any questions, and they may know the answer – and if they don’t, they come to me. We catch up every few weeks to see where we are, what reports have come in, to see if there’s anything we feel we need to

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Jo Parker.

Nathaniel Chambers.

share around the business. It’s really helpful having the CIRAS champions. It helps me to get the word out – it’s such a massive business.” Raising awareness is one of the reps’ main challenges. While some organisations choose to have a network of CIRAS champions, in most cases reps are tasked with this alone, using the tools and resources available to them from CIRAS but also finding innovative approaches working with their business. One way of addressing this challenge is to build in awareness of confidential reporting as part of new starters’ inductions, as many CIRAS members do, including Tram Operations. Talent and training manager Nathaniel Chambers, Tram Operations’ CIRAS rep, explains, “Safety is an integral part of what we do here at Tram Operations, so it’s only logical that our values stress the importance of personal accountability and reporting health and safety concerns. “It’s important that our new starters are made aware of all the ways they can report, including the existence of an independent place for them to raise their concerns if they feel they are not being taken seriously when they speak up internally in the first instance.

“When I first started at Tram Operations, I was repeatedly asked, ‘Who are CIRAS?’,” he continues. “The biggest challenge has been getting over suspicion of the reporting process. Communicating honestly about what CIRAS is and how it works helps overcome this. Senior managers and leaders might appear sceptical initially, then they always get on board after I explain that CIRAS is not trying to discourage staff from speaking up internally. It helps that I emphasise that we can use the report to highlight things that we can improve.”

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

HEALTH+SAFETY

39 © sturti

Confidential Reporting for Safety

Environment

Waste/fly tipping

Water quality

Noise Pollution

Temperature

Air quality

www.ciras.org.uk Report hotline: 0800 4 101 101

Report textline: 07507 285 887

Freepost: CIRAS

We take all genuine health and safety concerns. Rail Media (190mm x 130 mm half page) Education ads.indd 1

07/10/2021 15:14:26

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Mike Wills.

TAKING REPORTS SERIOUSLY

“We take CIRAS reports very seriously – each could be an opportunity to reduce risk or avoid an incident,” explains Kevin Ogilvie-White, lead safety manager and rep for train operator Great Western Railway. “We allocate each report to the person best placed to look into it, and they will undertake a full investigation, looking for how we can use the intelligence to improve health and safety. I review every response, and they are discussed at senior level meetings as part of our whole reporting process.” “Our staff see CIRAS as a point of contact they can rely on to seek action and get a response, and in fact we’ve seen a rise in colleagues going directly to CIRAS. We’d like to see the same level of confidence in our internal reporting options, as we’d always prefer people to come to us first.” At operator West Midlands Trains, where the rep is head of safety and environment Mike Wills, CIRAS is integrated into the wider reporting systems and there is a Board KPI around CIRAS reporting. Mike sometimes uses information from CIRAS reports during his regular meetings with the ORR, to show that issues are being investigated and dealt with. “CIRAS brings both parties to the table, and it’s important that both parties understand clearly all the issues identified,” he says.

reported, and CIRAS is a great tool for this. Although we have a chain of command, and an open-door policy, sometimes by the time it gets to senior management the content of the issue can change dramatically. “By raising a concern through CIRAS, staff can be open and transparent because they know it’s confidential. They can raise the actual problem, the facts. They don’t have to feel that they need to dilute the situation because they don’t want to drop their team or supervisor in it, for example, and they can report it immediately – middle of the night or middle of the day, everything can be done via the CIRAS website, which is really easy to use. “I’ve not received a CIRAS report – and that’s testament to my team, because we’re addressing the issues and situations as best as possible without the situation growing legs. However, it’s reassuring to know we have a safety net if nothing’s getting done with a close call or if staff are having difficulties getting their health and safety concerns resolved to their satisfaction locally.”

LEARNING LESSONS Although Liam has not yet received a report, he makes the most of learning from reports on the CIRAS website – always with identifying information protected. “I came across a report that I felt was really familiar as we had a similar issue at that time,” he explains. “It goes to show that it’s irrelevant what company you’re working for, the root cause of an issue can have similarities. I have used this information and raised to my clients about common issues to see how we can work together to improve things. Having the evidence of CIRAS reports is always useful and a great opportunity to implement change if needed.”

OPEN AND TRANSPARENT Liam Linford-Smith, now operations director at Civil Rail Solutions (CRS) was until last Christmas its CIRAS rep, as health and safety advisor and operations lead, and he was the rep at his previous company too: a rail principal contractor. ‘As a labour agency, CRS is always welcoming new members of staff, and as we ourselves are not always on site, the various reporting channels can be forgotten or misunderstood by our site staff,’ he says. ‘To combat this, we not only promote but actively encourage the reporting of anything our site teams feel needs to be RAILSTAFF.CO.UK | @RAIL_STAFF | FACEBOOK.COM/RAILSTAFF

Liam Linford-Smith.

In contrast, Jo at Transport for London has received many CIRAS reports. “Being honest, most of the reports we get are not a surprise to us, although they do encourage us to go back and look at what we’re doing – we may have to recommunicate something for example,” she says. “There was a recent one, with someone worried about the air filtering system at Palestra, because of Covid-19, which has prompted a bit of a campaign and a wider communication, to put people’s minds at rest. The report helped us realise that it is something that everyone is going to be thinking. Everyone thinks that Palestra has air conditioning – but it doesn’t, it’s an air filtration system which is Covid-safe.” Kevin at Great Western Railway recalls a CIRAS report about shunting sleeper services. “As a result of the concerns being raised, cross-function workshops were held and attended by Engineering, Operations, Safety and health and safety representatives from RMT, ASLEF and UNITE. “The group concluded that the method of work in use was safe and compliant with the Rule Book, but identified areas that needed to be reviewed in the Depot Operating Instruction and risk assessments – a positive outcome from the report which led to a collaborative approach, engaging with the people who carried out the work and those that write the procedures.” Kevin continues. “We know frontline staff can be reluctant to report health and safety issues, potentially as they perceive a divide between them and their management, which can be difficult to overcome. It’s a tricky balance. Staff don’t want their managers sitting with them in restrooms, getting involved in their daily conversations, but they do want to see them act when concerns are raised.” All the reps interviewed agreed that they prefer to hear about concerns directly, within the organisation, and have set up multiple reporting channels to make this as easy as possible. But they recognise that by offering an independent and confidential service, CIRAS provides choice and encourages people to speak up when they perhaps would have chosen to stay silent, and offers a way for staff to make sure their concerns are heard and understood clearly when they feel other channels have not worked for them. Ultimately, the aim is the same: making workplaces safer. Whatever it takes. You can contact CIRAS confidentially at www.ciras.org.uk/Raise-a-concern. To raise a concern by phone, call 0800 4 101 101 or text 07507 285 887. CIRAS will share your concern with the relevant company, protecting your identity, and let you know the response.

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HEALTH+SAFETY

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

WORK-RELATED

VIOLENCE

“I

was just standing there, waiting for the 12:43, when this bloke came up and started shouting his head off. I tried to calm him down but, whatever was wrong, it was my fault as far as he was concerned. When I came round the BTP had taken him, thank goodness…”

Unfortunately, this imagined scene often becomes very real on our railway. We can all get in each other’s way sometimes and, when we do, it can lead to frustration, tension, and irritation. Sadly, on the railway it can also lead to a punch on the nose or a face full of saliva something that’s particularly nasty in these Covid-tainted times. Alcohol can make angry people angrier - so too can football fixtures - while rail-specific issues like fare evasion, ticket irregularities, and delays can cause many other incidents. Station staff and traincrew are often in the firing line when something flares up. And there’s some evidence that the trend is rising. In 201920, before the effects of Covid-19 were seen, there were around double the usual number of reported assaults resulting in major injuries. In the first few months of the pandemic, passenger numbers fell to 6% of what they’d been before yet the number of assaults was still 26% of previous levels. The latest figures show that the number of incidents resulting in workforce injury have returned to pre-pandemic levels. However, as passenger numbers are still low, there are actually more assaults per passenger journey than before. To try to find out why, and as part of its wider consideration of what GB rail can do as passengers come back, RSSB ran a workshop with a range of people across the industry.

ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

First off, attendees confirmed the rise in anti-social behaviour towards staff, putting forward several reasons, such as the reinstatement of revenue protection, which had stopped during the lockdown. Passengers also felt more unnerved simply because there were more people around, and because many more people than before were not wearing face coverings. It didn’t help that they were confused about the role of rail staff in managing Covid risk. Some thought staff should be challenging passengers who were not wearing face coverings. At one station, some staff were seen wearing them, some weren’t, and some had them slung about their chins like Abraham Lincoln. This sort of thing might be within the guidelines, but only adds to passenger confusion - and anger.

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STAFF ANXIETY AND INCIDENTS Staff continue to feel anxious about interacting with passengers. The worst spots are busy stations and platforms, the worst jobs include checking tickets on busy trains. Delays and crowding make this worse for obvious reasons. Attendees, quite understandably, reiterated the increase in staff incidents and accidents, but noted too an increase in operational incidents from January 2021. Some felt that distraction caused first by the pandemic itself, and then the re-mobilisation of the network, played a part here. From the pandemic, though, we moved to the ‘pingdemic’, which saw many staff selfisolating after being contacted via the Track and Trace app on their phones. This put more pressure on those left to keep the job going. And of course, the fact that there were fewer trains running for much of last year meant that skills and knowledge fade became a problem for some too.

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

HEALTH+SAFETY

WHAT CAN HELP? Working together always helps, and the workshop highlighted collaboration with stakeholders, trades unions, other operators and third parties as a key enabler for risk control. Southeastern, for example, worked collaboratively and openly with staff on the expectation to wear face coverings, and giving voluntary ticket inspections on trains. To help combat anti-social behaviour, the company is also working to provide support in conflict situations. Meanwhile, guards on Great Western Railway are being encouraged to use dynamic risk assessment methods to determine if it’s safe to pass through trains. Network Rail provided training for a range of different people in and around the station environment, helped identify and support high-frequency presenters on the railway, improved signage, and used social media to better understand mental health in different locations. TransPennine Express also highlighted several interventions to support

vulnerable people, including the introduction of ‘chatty benches’ aimed at encouraging people to sit and talk about their feelings and issues rather than experiencing them alone. Everyone agreed that clear and consistent passenger communications are important. They also need to be accurate and timely, especially as many of our passengers will have access to incident information via their phones. Workshop attendees also felt that education was important, as there are increasing numbers of passengers less aware of railway safety. Regarding the management of passenger numbers, Transport for London discussed reviewing timetables to explore how congestion could be reduced and how passenger communications could be used to encourage people to travel at different times. All these examples align with the types of interventions recommended by RSSB following a research project on tackling work-related violence. On top of this, the work we were already

doing goes on, including increasing the use of body-worn cameras and engaging with the criminal justice system to ensure action is taken against wrongdoers. As we said at the beginning, since ‘Freedom Day’ the number of incidents resulting in workforce injury have returned to pre-pandemic levels. Clearly this is a journey that will take some time to complete. But we need to find out how well all our ideas and programmes are working. The best way to find out is from incident reports. Through them we can get a better handle on a problem that no one should ever have to face - at work, or otherwise. For more information on RSSB’s research, see project T1173 Identifying Measures to Prevent Customer-on-Staff Work-related Violence in the UK Rail Industry. For more information on the RSSB workshop, see: www.rssb.co.uk/what-we-do/the-coronavirus-pandemic-how-wecan-help-you/managing-increases-in-passenger-numbers FACEBOOK.COM/RAILSTAFF | @RAIL_STAFF | RAILSTAFF.CO.UK

RAILWAY CHILDREN

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

REPORT BY MATT ATKINS

TACKLING THE THREE PEAKS WITH RAILWAY CHILDREN

ailway Children’s Three Peaks Challenge by Rail made its comeback this year, and on Thursday 9 September, teams drawn from across the rail industry set out on to conquer Britain’s highest summits. The return of the event, which first took place in 2004, represented a huge effort by the entire rail industry to generate much needed funds in support for the charity’s work. The event sees participants attempt to scale the UK’s three highest peaks over two days. Teams are ferried between each location in a train specially chartered by the charity, which also provides food and refreshments. The event raises funds to help Railway Children provide protection and opportunities for children in the UK, India and East Africa.

LOGISTICAL CHALLENGES Forty teams took on this years’ challenge, which incorporated more than 27 miles of climbing and 3,200 metres of ascent, and while more teams had signed up to take part, a number were forced to withdraw after testing positive for Covid. Unsurprisingly, staging such an event poses a raft of challenges in these new and unusual times. “We’ve been doing this since 2004,” explained Katie Mason, Railway Children’s Event Manager, “but unfortunately a lot of companies that have supported us before didn’t make it through the pandemic. Previously, all the catering for the two days has been donated to us, but this year that couldn’t happen. Also, we didn’t have a kitchen car this year. Thankfully, VolkerRail stepped in as a food sponsor for the event and helped us with some of the costs for that.”

For starters, the charity had to factor in all the health and safety requirements that an event of this scale demands. “The train was adapted for Covid and had screens between the seats,” said Katie, “we also had a cleaner onboard the train who made sure it was kept clean. Our main sponsor, Porterbrook, provided goodie bags which included hand sanitiser, and everyone was asked to take a lateral flow test before they joined the train.”

HITTING THE HILLS By all accounts, the event was a huge success. Railway Children raised over £200,000, and participants have praised the charity for putting the challenge back on the calendar. “It was great to finally hit the hills and begin this adventure after it was postponed because of the pandemic,” said Martin Berry, Engineering Director at Mechan. Martin completed the challenge along with Service Manager, Dean Fisher and Service Engineer, Jonathon Smith. The trio embarked from Crewe station on the evening of 9 September, to complete their first climb up Snowdon overnight. From there, they travelled to Ravenglass to scale Scafell Pike and then took a night train to Fort William to tackle the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, in the Scottish Highlands. RAILSTAFF.CO.UK | @RAIL_STAFF | FACEBOOK.COM/RAILSTAFF

“It was, without doubt, the hardest physical challenge my colleagues and I have ever undertaken for charity,” said Martin. “I would like to thank our colleagues and the friends of Mechan who sponsored us and kept us going throughout the gruelling two days.” The Sheffield-based manufacturer raised £3,500.

WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE

As well as sponsoring the event, VolkerRail sent along a team of four who raised over £6,000 and were crowned the event’s Cup Winners in recognition of their fundraising efforts. Andrew Wilkins, finance director, commented: “It was a wonderful experience with an amazing team, and I would encourage

anyone to sign up in the future. The crowning glory was definitely being Cup Winners!” Unfortunately, the weather over the three days wasn’t too kind, with mist and drizzle on all three summits. “It was terrible,” said Katie. “It poured with rain and visibility was awful. When it’s dark and it’s raining, it’s pretty miserable.” However, the participant’s spirits weren’t dampened too much, and most teams completed all three climbs. “It was tougher than I remembered, perhaps due to the wet weather!” said Volker’s head of engineering and multi-discipline design, Ben Mather, who has previously completed the challenge. Other than creating additional logistical difficulties, the Covid pandemic has had major impacts for Railway Children. The charity has been forced to cancel many fundraising events in the past 18 months and the resulting funding shortfall has threatened the work it does for vulnerable children at home and abroad. “We have a big events programme of which Three Peaks is just one part, said Katie. “We hold an annual Railway ball in London but that couldn’t happen last year and our whole events programme was decimated. Also, people in the industry were unable to do the usual sort of workplace fundraising such as quiz nights, etc. The pandemic left a huge hole in our income.” To make up the shortfall the industry came together and created Rail Aid, dubbed

railway’s answer to Children in Need. Last year’s Rail Aid raised £537k and is being repeated this year with lots of activities planned between now and the end of November.

SCHEDULED TO RETURN The Three Peaks Challenge by Rail is set to return next year and, already, 60 potential teams have expressed their interest. Railway Children aims to run the event in its usual June spot when there’ll more daylight and the weather is more reliable. Porterbrook will continue its role as main sponsor of the event. “2022 was supposed to be their last year of headline sponsorship,” says Katie, but they’ve decided to renew it for another three years. So, we’ve got four more years of their support!” Before then, Railway Children has plenty more events lined up to raise money for the most vulnerable in society, including the Rail Aid British Pullman event on 21 November and its ScotRail Santa Express running on a number of dates throughout December. For those with a taste for adventure, it will stage its 10-day Himalayan Trek in May 2022.

For more information on any of these events and to help make a difference to the lives of children in some of the most desperate circumstances, please visit: www.railwaychildren.org.uk and www.railaid.co.uk. FACEBOOK.COM/RAILSTAFF | @RAIL_STAFF | RAILSTAFF.CO.UK

YOUNG RAIL PROFESSIONALS

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

S L A N IO S S E F O R P L YFUOTUURNEGINRDAUSITRY STRUCTURE E G N A H C E R U T L U C D AN

n the last edition of RailStaff I launched a series of editorials to voice the views of my peers – young professionals in rail and the future leaders of our industry. I wrote about the changes to working habits caused by the pandemic and how a sympathetic attempt to return to normal will likely yield the fairest and most sustainable operating conditions for the newer and less-experienced workforce. The company I work for, HS2 Ltd, recently published its annual Equality, Diversity and Inclusion report. The numbers are promising. With improvements across the various measures of protected characteristics and numbers far in excess of the industry average, it looks like the transformative approach to the delivery of HS2 is paying off. When government spends its money wisely, holds its arms-length bodies to account, and tracks progress against a robust benefitsbaseline, it has shown it can create exemplar organisation for the industry to follow. There is no doubt that through the industry restructuring proposals in the Williams-Shapps review, the Department for Transport intends to build on the momentum of its exemplar projects and redesign the railway system to be fit for the future. Young rail professionals I have spoken to, perhaps more comfortable with business change and career risk than their mentors and leaders, welcome this opportunity for change. But they know government cannot do it alone and are eager to contribute to the programme. Key to the industry’s future success are two things – productivity and people. Inextricably linked, both drive the industry’s cost and image and, if managed well, will secure the railways as the country’s long-term green and affordable mass transit solution. In the eyes of my peers, improving the quality of the workforce and the efficiency with which they are employed in the system,

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from engineering to operations, will make the Great British Railways’ balance sheet much more sustainable and appeal to HM Treasury and the public alike. Vertical integration – in this application the bringing ‘inhouse’ of functions and delivery agents, and transfer of risk to a single controlling mind – will enable better long-term

decision making and present a credible plan to the Exchequer for achieving greater cost and planning certainty. Much the same way as HS2 is set up to enable whole-life-benefits through its supply chain, long before the project outputs and costs arise. We believe these plans should also include a one-system approach to people. I know the industry will only attract good people and contractors if there is sufficient opportunity – and early career professionals certainly want a fair incentive to dedicate our working lives to the railways. But equally, we want the industry to be financially sustainable and it is obvious to my peers that the warnings of industry experts and past government reviews seem to have gone unheeded, and resourcing and contractor costs are still too high. Wage inflation, skills and personnel shortages, and poor investment certainty are among the causes.

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

YOUNG RAIL PROFESSIONALS

George George Chilcott. Chilcott.

Young Rail Professionals Ltd has a small part to play in attracting, retaining, and developing the next generation of railway talent, but only a coordinated approach from government will generate the intake of in-demand skills required to improve the persistent cost-to-go pressures in the future. Very few young professionals I speak to are engaged in gain-share employment contracts (those benefiting

from bonuses linked to project performance). This may be a symptom of my lower-salaried peers holding less project accountability but may also offer an insight into an industry that is insufficiently incentivised to drive performance, and within which the accountability for productivity sits too far from the value-add. Previous industry restructures have reduced management layers to tackle this issue, but I think a more

radical approach may been needed now, with far greater personal accountability for team and project performance. I, personally, am frustrated at the needless waste caused by inefficiency, incompetence, and negligence – and I know many of my peers would support a more direct approach to ensuring only those who can do the job well are retained in the industry. The industry’s approach to safety, with strict accountability, competency management, and personal consequence has improved our safety record to one that stands us among the safest railways in the world. Why not have the same approach to commercial performance and culpability for failure? Happily, YRP has been engaged by the Great British Railways’ Transition Team – the business change organisation commissioned by Andrew Haines to deliver the future GBR model – to share our

views on culture change. To me, culture is especially important to shaping the attitude of the workforce and if managed well can be a convincing vehicle for change. The tangible people and behavioural qualities that the industry wants to prioritise and promote will be key to attracting both workers and passengers to the new system. When asked for our ‘cultural priorities’, perhaps unsurprisingly we focussed the culture team on accountability, integrity, and empowerment. To those looking from inside and out, the industry needs a workforce which is totally accountable for its safety, wellbeing, and finances. It needs leaders who act with integrity to deliver the transport requirements of government, and sufficient confidence in its highquality workforce to empower the most capable, diverse future leaders to cement the industry as the country’s primary mass-transit system of the future.

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PEOPLE

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

Trainline appoints Mike Hyde as Chief Data Officer

New Managing Director for Hull Trains

Trainline, the independent rail and coach platform, has appointed Facebook’s Mike Hyde as Chief Data Officer. Joining in early October, he will be responsible for Trainline’s data teams and leading innovation strategy. Mike joins from Workplace by Facebook where he held the role of Data Science Director.

David Gibson has been appointed as the new Managing Director for Hull Trains. David joined the business on 1 October to lead Hull Trains on its continued journey to recovery after the challenges of the global pandemic.

With over 20 years’ experience in leading data teams and organisations, Mike has spent the last four years at Facebook, where he headed the data science and engineering teams for Workplace. Prior to this, he was at Microsoft and led data and insights at Skype. Jody Ford, Trainline CEO, said: “Mike and his team will be essential in making sure our innovation strategy remains rooted in data-led insights that give customers an increasingly personalised and intuitive

experience. This will empower people to make more sustainable travel choices, helping them pick train, over car and plane, time and time again.” On joining Trainline, Mike commented: “I couldn’t be more excited to join a home-grown tech company leading travel tech innovation across Europe and help it to thrive and grow as a data-driven organisation. Data is a powerful tool with vast potential to drive real impact on rail adoption, by modernising the experience, increasing accessibility and driving innovation throughout the experience.”

After leaving the Royal Air Force in 2003, David joined Hull City Council as Assistant Chief Executive where he helped lead the council’s transformation to most improved council of the year. He later moved to Capita’s Consulting and Transformation division, as a Director in the Programme and Project Management Practice, delivering solutions for several clients the UK & Ireland. David’s most recent roles include Managing Director for DB Regio Tyne and Wear and Service Delivery Director for Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries. Andy Mellors, First Rail

Managing Director, NonFranchised Businesses, said: “I am delighted to announce the appointment of David Gibson as Managing Director of Hull Trains. David, who lives in the East Riding of Yorkshire, is passionate about the region, and is excited by the opportunity to lead Hull Trains to regain its position as leading operator for rail passenger satisfaction.”

Women in Rail announces new Chair and Vice Chair Women in Rail has announced the appointment of its new Chair, Christine Fernandes (left), and Vice Chair, Shona Clive (right). Christine is Business Development Lead at CAF and has been involved in the work of the charity since 2018, both as part of the Women in Rail London Regional Group and the Women in Rail Wales Regional Group which she has been leading since February 2021. Shona Clive is project lead of the rail cluster project at Scottish Engineering and is the current Chair of the Women in Rail Scotland Regional Group, which she has been leading since May 2018. Both Christine and Shona officially took on their respective

new roles on 1 October when Adeline Ginn MBE, founder of the charity, officially stepped down. Christine Fernandes said, “Adeline has left a great legacy for me to build-on. The responsibility to guide and lead Women in Rail into the next chapter of its development is certainly a great privilege. I look forward to the challenge and opportunity to shape and influence the future, even more so in the times of change within the industry and world post-covid.” Shona Clive said, “It’s a real honour to be appointed as Vice Chair of Women in Rail, an organisation I have been part of since 2018 and whose values I share. I’m really looking forward to supporting Christine and continuing the incredible work that Adeline has led over the past

PEOPLE MOVES

eight years. With one of the aims of GB Railways being to create a more inclusive and diverse workforce, what an exciting time of big change and opportunity to help improve gender balance and diversity across the rail sector.” Adeline Ginn MBE, Founder and outgoing Chair for Women in Rail commented, “I am delighted the Trustees have appointed

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Christine and Shona as the new Chair and Vice Chair of Women in Rail. This is in line with the charity’s commitment to support the progression of female talent within the Women in Rail team and the industry. “I am confident that with the trustees’ support of Christine and Shona at the helm, Women in Rail will continue to thrive and prosper long into the future.”

WWW.RAILWAYPEOPLE.COM

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

PEOPLE

Amey welcomes new Rail Sector Director Leading infrastructure services and engineering company Amey is pleased to announce James Holmes will be joining the business to take responsibility for its rail infrastructure operations. As the new Rail Sector Director, James will be an integral part of the Transport Infrastructure Executive Team. With a clear strategic focus for the future development of the rail business, James will be focused on working with clients and supply chain to safely deliver investment in the UK’s rail infrastructure and transform services aligned to the outcomes of the WilliamsShapps Plan for Rail. He will also be focused on embedding the progressive people culture throughout the Rail team to enable people and teams to excel. For the past six years, James has been Operations Director

at Skanska, leading a portfolio of contracts across the rail and water sectors. With a strong focus on looking after people and safety, James also held board responsibility for ethics and a prominent role in the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Governance Team creating an environment where all employees had a voice to make a difference and were empowered to speak up to look after the people around them. Peter Anderson, Managing Director of Transport Infrastructure, said: “I’m delighted James is joining Amey and my Executive team, at an exciting time for the business and for the future of the UK’s rail infrastructure investment and development. We have a strong forward pipeline and an ambitious plan grounded in our unique ability to integrate our in-house consultants and expert operational teams. This combined knowledge enables

Frauscher Sensor Technology reveals new CSO Mayank Tripathi has taken over the position of Chief Sales Officer (CSO) at Frauscher Sensor Technology. Mayank is tasked with leading and further developing the company’s global sales team in order to maintain and strengthen its market position, bringing 16 years of experience in the field of railway signalling into his new role. Given his extensive experience in this sector, he is well positioned to strategically identify and address Frauscher’s future challenges. Prior to joining the company, Mayank Tripathi worked as an R&D engineer, Project Manager and most recently as Sales and Marketing Director. In 2016, Mayank was appointed as the Managing

Director of Frauscher France and will also continue in this role until further notice. In his new role as CSO, Mayank will focus on further strengthening Frauscher’s position within the rail market as well as its relationships with customers while using his experience and strategic approaches to foster and develop opportunities in new and existing markets.

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us to provide intelligent, wholelife solutions for our clients and customers.” With 20-years’ experience in infrastructure, James has worked across the energy, highways and rail sectors bringing his knowledge of each industry to benefit another. James has led teams involved in complex infrastructure construction as well as others delivering essential maintenance for clients across the UK. Additionally, work winning has been a core part of James’ career building Skanska’s portfolio of projects across the country. James said: “I’m looking forward to joining Amey and working with the 900-strong Rail team to build on our reputation of reliable performance

delivering essential infrastructure projects. I’m also keen to meet our clients, understand their needs and ensure the work we undertake leaves a positive legacy on the communities we operate in, the customers whose journeys we improve and the vital role we play in helping the economy to grow.”

Arriva Rail London appoints new Customer Experience Director Arriva Rail London, which operates the London Overground on behalf of Transport for London, is pleased to announce the appointment of Charlotte Whitfield as the company’s new Customer Experience Director. Charlotte joined Arriva Rail London in 2017 as a general manager and took on the customer experience director role on an interim basis last month. Her permanent appointment is effective immediately. Charlotte brings a wealth of leadership experience to the role, having held management positions at FirstGroup, G4S Global and Arriva Bus before joining Arriva Rail London. Arriva Rail London’s Managing Director, Paul Hutchings, said: “Charlotte has consistently demonstrated her ability and

strength as a leader and is already playing an integral role in ensuring we deliver world class services for our customers. I am delighted to have her join Arriva Rail London’s executive team permanently.” Charlotte Whitfield said: “I am so pleased to be stepping into the customer experience director role and look forward to using my existing knowledge of the London Overground operation to deliver the very best for our customers.”

SUPPORTED BY

CAREERS

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

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An exciting opportunity for a Lead Project Manager to lead the team to deliver projects of all sizes and complexities. At times you may be required to assist in the delivery of sections of a larger project.

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Full details of these career opportunities: www.sigtechrail.co.uk/careers

Why work for SigTech Rail? A challenging but very exciting future. Our teams are inventive and create new ideas whilst developing smart solutions for our aging UK rail infrastructure. SigTech Rail support flexible working arrangements and can accommodate individual requirements.

What we give you in return We offer employees various “Total Reward Packages.” Each package can be tailored to your needs. You’ll enjoy excellent renumeration, as well as leadership training, professional accreditations, and career planning. Also a car allowance, sales bonus and health cover (all of which will be dependent upon experience and qualification).

Interested? We would like to hear f rom you.

(No recruitment agencies please)

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pete.lindley@sigtechrail.co.uk

Dane Rise, Dog Kennel Lane,

Get In Touch

www.sigtechrail.co.uk

Lyminge, Kent, CT18 8ER.

01303 764 344

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way People

What is RailwayPeople.com? RailwayPeople.com is the largest dedicated rail job board in the UK. How can it help me? With the top career opportunities updated daily, your next move is a fingertip away. What should I do? Visit RailwayPeople.com to find your next role and become an essential part of the UK’s rail industry to help the nation build back better.

With roles updated daily, don’t delay – visit the website, today.

visit: www.RailwayPeople.com / email: rp@rail-media.com / telephone: 01530 816 450

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RailStaff - Issue 275 | September-October 2021

Articles inside

RAILWAY SCAFFOLDING ACCIDENTS

LINKING ELECTRIFICATION & LABOUR SUPPLY

TACKLING THE THREE PEAKS WITH RAILWAY CHILDREN

'WRECKING BALL ACT' THREATENS FUTURE OF HISTORIC BRIDGES