JUL-AUG 2022 | ISSUE 280 RAILSTAFF.CO.UK + ON THE JOB TRAININGINTERVIEWSFEATURESTRAININGNEWSPLUSPEOPLEHEALTH&SAFETYEVENTSCAREERS HS2 845 543 5953 JOIN OUR WORKFORCE McGinley is a specialist recruitment business focused on rail and construction across the UK. Long Caree Flexi TRACKINSIDETHEMUSGRAVEGREAT (PAGE 24)
Are you one of the 2000 people who have benefited from a RSSB training course? Non-technical skills require more than just common sense. They help people to anticipate, identify, and mitigate errors in task performance, all vital for a safety-critical industry like rail. TransPennine Express understand this. Read our latest case study in RailStaff and learn why TransPennine Express uses our non-technical skills training. Visit www.rssb.co.uk/training for more information, or email training@rssb.co.uk if you’d like RSSB to deliver any of our non-technical skills course as a bespoke training remotely or at a location of your choice. www.rssb.co.uk/training Scan Me
A HOME FOR GREAT BRITISH RAILWAYS | 18 Where should GBR be headquartered? As the decision draws closer, we consider the pros and cons of the contending cities. HS2: TRAINING ON THE JOB | 24 The mega-project is providing unique training opportunities for those looking to start an exciting new career or simply change direction. DRIVING TOWARDS SUCCESS | 30 RailStaff speaks to train driver Chris Jones about the training required for the role and the qualities recruiters look for. RSSB ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22 | 34 Colin Wheeler gives an overview of the RSSB’s latest annual safety report, published in early July. RAILSTAFF AWARDS 2022 A NIGHT TO REMEMBER | 44 Join host Ed Byrne at out RailStaff Awards Ski Club for a night to remember. YOUNG RAIL PROFFESSIONALS: PEOPLE ARE OUR MOST PRECIOUS RESOURCE | 52 Creating a more efficient railway will require the right people to deliver. However, the industry faces a critical skills shortage. 1824 523044 SPOTLIGHT BRINGING NON-TECHNICAL SKILLS INTO THE OPEN | 33 The RSSB is shining a spotlight on the importance of non-technical skills and making them better understood. 34 JULY - AUGUST 2022 | ISSUE 280 CONTENTS 3
Scan this // Watch // TRS CEO Paul Bateman talking about HVO at Rail Live 2021 total rail sustainable Total Rail Solutions ditches diesel and switches to a cleaner , greener fuel for a more sustainable rail network . • Alternative HVO fuel from Crown Oil to be supplied in all plant • Further improving the environmental impact on the rail network We are one of the first hirers in rail to make this change and are committed to protecting all our futures. Visit totalrailsolutions.co.uk or call 01962 711642 to find out more
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Contact us: Editor: Matt Atkins Production and design: Adam O’Connor Track safety: Colin Wheeler Advertising: Asif ChrisCraigAhmedSmithDavies Contact email addresses News: news@rail-media.com Track safety: colin@rail-media.com Pictures: pictures@rail-media.com Adverts: Subscriptions:adverts@rail-media.commanda@rail-media.com Contact details RailStaff Publications, Rail Media House, Samson Road, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 3FP. Tel: 01530 816 444 Fax: 01530 810 344 Web: ©ARailStaffRailStaffPrintedEmail:www.railstaff.co.ukhello@rail-media.combyPCPLtd.ispublishedbyPublicationsLimitedRailMediaPublicationAllrightsreserved.Nopartofthis magazine can be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of the copyright owners. Staff IF YOU CAN'T STAND THE HEAT... ® Has anyone else had enough of summer? If you’re not a fan of the heat, it’s certainly been a tough one, with two blistering heatwaves bringing the railways close to standstill. But, as weather alerts were issued and tracks buckled, the network’s staff did their utmost to keep the UK moving and make repairs once the mercury dropped. Thank you all for keeping your cool during one of the fiercest summers on record. We have a jam-packed edition for you this month, with features covering a range of the hottest topics (obvious pun intended). To kickstart the issue, we take a look at the competition to locate Great British Railways’ (GBR) headquarters. Colin Wheeler reflects on the pros and cons of each candidate conurbation and reveals his preference for GBR’s home city. It’s been over 12 months since a heritage rail bridge at Great Musgrave in Cumbria was infilled by National Highways (NH). In that time, regular contributor Graeme Bickerdike, a member of the Historical Railways Estate group, has campaigned tirelessly to have the work reversed. Graeme finally declares victory as National Highways has been ordered to return the bridge to its original glory.
Leading our issue focus on Training, Qualifications, and Career Progression, we explore the opportunities that HS2 is opening up in the Midlands and London as Phase 1 progresses. Delivery of HS2 relies on a huge programme of training for local talent, and, at a time when the entire industry is crying out for skilled workers, this can only have a positive impact going forward.
Finally, with the RailStaff Awards 2022 now just around the corner, we are pleased to reveal the theme and host of this year’s industry extravaganza. We have a festive treat in store, along with a celebrity compère, and if you haven’t booked your tickets yet, make it a priority – the Awards are certainly back with a bang!
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Continuing the emphasis on training, we speak to Chris Jones at South Western Railways, about his journey from applicant to qualified train driver. As something of a celebrity on Twitter, Chris maintains a dialogue with SWR customers, industry professionals, and anyone who has an interest in the railways. But it’s not just the traditional talents that are in demand. The Railway Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) provides a feature on non-technical skills, highlighting the importance of qualities such as communication, conscientiousness, decisionmaking, and leadership, all of which are essential attributes of employees and are crucial to maintaining a safe and efficient railway.Wealso take a look at the RSSB’s Annual Health and Safety Report, released in early July. Worryingly, the report suggests that public attitudes towards safety on the railway have slipped, and many more people are taking chances at stations and level crossings. Colin Wheeler’s regular safety feature picks up on a similar thread, examining the lapses of concentration which can lead to serious incident. Better communication, team cohesion, and stronger leadership could help to reduce such incidents, he suggests.
Other Great Westerners to have been recognised include World War II codebreaker Alan Turing OBE, Bristol civil rights pioneer Dr Paul Stephenson OBE, Covid-19 fundraising hero Captain Sir Tom Moore, and Welsh sporting legends Sir Gareth Edwards and John Charles.
Football came home on 31 July with England’s glorious 2-1 extra-time win over Germany at Wembley – and GWR has provided a lasting tribute to their triumph on Intercity Express Train 800316.
“We at GWR have a long and proud history of celebrating Great Westerners – past and present heroes from across our network – and the Lionesses are truly worthy of recognition for bringing football home in such brilliant style.”
It’s initiatives like this that will help us achieve our ambitious target of being net zero carbon as a project from 2035, helping to put HS2 at the centre of Britain’s sustainable transport network.”Excavation of the twin bore tunnel will produce around 500,000 tonnes of mudstone and soil, which is processed at an on-site slurry treatment plant and separated out before being transported by the conveyer to be used to build embankments along the route of HS2. An additional 250,000 tonnes of material will come from excavations for a railway cutting, which will also be transported by the conveyor.
In December 2021, HS2 CEO Mark Thurston launched the Tunnel Boring Machine ‘Dorothy’ – named after the first British woman to win the Nobel Prize in Chemistry – on her one mile journey underneath the Warwickshire countryside. The tunnel will preserve the Long Itchington Wood above the site, which is classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Dorothy is expected to complete her first bore later in the summer, and this will be the first tunnel breakthrough on the HS2 project. starts operations
England’s magnificent Lionesses have been given pride of place for their Euro 2022 heroics – on the side of a Great Western Railway train.
GWR pays tribute to England's Lionesses GWR©HS2© 6 NEWS RAILSTAFF JULY - AUGUST 2022 RAILSTAFF.CO.UK | @RAIL_STAFF | FACEBOOK.COM/RAILSTAFF
A new conveyor has started operating on HS2’s Long Itchington Wood Tunnel site in Warwickshire to take over 750,000 tonnes of excavated material over the Grand Union Canal where it will be reused in other locations of the route. HS2’s civils contractor for the Midlands, Balfour Beatty Vinci (BBV) has built the 254-metre-long machine to move material currently being excavated from Long Itchington Wood Tunnel and a railway cutting in the same location. It is expected that the new shortcut will remove the equivalent of around 30,000 HGVs from local roads, reducing impacts on the local community and cutting carbon. The conveyor will operate until early 2023, before it is dismantled and rebuilt at Water Orton as part of a 1,200-metre-long conveyor which will remove hundreds more lorries from the roads everyAlanday.Payne, senior project manager at HS2 Ltd said: “We’re working closely with our supply chain to reduce carbon right across the project and find construction solutions to minimise disruption around our work sites.
Substitute Chloe Kelly scored a dramatic 110th minute winner to spark delirious scenes among a record European Championship crowd of 87,192. Ella Toone had come off the bench to put England in front just after the hour, only for Germany’s Lina Magull to equalise and send the game intoGWRextra-time.Human Resources director Ruth Busby watched the big match with her family and was overjoyed by the result.
“The Lionesses have captured the hearts of the nation with their performances over the past month,” she said, “and I’m delighted we are celebrating their Euro 2022 triumph on one of our Intercity Express Trains.
HS2 conveyor
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Numbers on London’s tube are also now nudging 80%, with a weekday high of 79% recorded on Thursday 21 July (weekend and Bank Holiday highs of 85-118% have been regularly recorded since May).
Figures published by the DfT on 27 July showed that passenger numbers are now closing in on pre-pandemic levels. Between 6-17 July, passenger numbers hit 90-93% of pre-Covid levels every single day of the week. This mirrors figures from June which showed 90-93% of pre-Covid levels every single day between 10-20 June.
Commenting on the figures, Darren Caplan, Chief Executive of the Railway Industry Association,“Everyonesaid:working in rail should welcome the fact that within just a few months of Covid restrictions beginning to be lifted, we are regularly getting to around 93% of preCovid passenger levels on the national rail network. What’s more, these figures are all the more impressive given they are based on a comparison with 2019-20 levels, which were the second highest on record.
Can you handle pedalling 214km from one coast to the other? Railway Children’s cycling trips are always popular and this year they’ve introduced a brand-new event that is filling up fast. Taking place in September, the charity’s Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge asks participants to clock up 214km over two days, traversing the UK from Whitehaven to Whitley Bay. You’ll be crossing the Lake District, home to England’s highest mountains and deepest lakes, so those tricky hill climbs will be rewarded with a well-earned lunch before reaching Alston. Here you’ll have a night to rest and recover before hitting the trail again heading towards Northumberland National Park and the ancient ramparts of Hadrian’s Wall.
“All of us in the railway industry now need to accept that many of the dire predictions of rail’s demises are wide of the mark, and take a ‘can-do’ approach to ensuring the future for rail is positive. Accordingly, we urge policymakers and the Treasury not to base 30-year plans and forecasts for rail on the last two abnormal years, but to plan for much-needed increased capacity in the future, as more and more passengers return to the rail network in the months and years to come.”
The route ventures upwards passing Hadrian’s Wall and finally reaching St Mary’s Lighthouse in Whitley Bay. Railway Children will provide all the support you need on the way as well as food, accommodation, and a lift back to the start if you need one. All you need to do is raise a minimum amount of sponsorship to support the charity’s work with children around the world – and get training! Find out more about it by contactrailwaychildren.org.uk/events/visitingorRailwayChildren’sevents team directly by calling 01270 757596 or emailing events@railwaychildren.org.uk. Charity cycle challenge
“Were it not for the current industrial action and exceptional incidents like the recent heatwave, the return to rail would be even more impressive and consistent. Whilst some of the return can be attributed to higher leisure travel – which is great news in itself – it is clear that some of the increase is also down to more commuters travelling outside traditional peak work travel slots too.
Passenger numbers near pre-pandemic levels
Have you got what it takes to cycle across the country and raise money for vulnerable children?
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Michael Weston, Executive Director of Projects at Avanti West Coast, said: “The West Coast Main Line has a proud history of innovating, and we’re keen to continue that as we aim to revolutionise rail travel."
A Sheffield group has been given a confidence boost to get out and about independently on the region’s trains.
Eight people local to Darnall and living with disability, anxiety or feelings of loneliness were invited on a free day out by train to explore the beautiful city of Lincoln, by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) Community Rail in partnership with Better Journeys by Rail.
Avanti West Coast has become the first train operator to join a prestigious network of world-leading experts and facilities aiming to revolutionise rail travel, led by the University of Birmingham.
Avanti West Coast joins safe and supported environment. We offer advice on navigating the station, planning journeys, buying tickets, passes, boarding the train and accessibility, among other things, to help improve their confidence.”
“This time we went to the fantastic medieval city of Lincoln, where we explored the Cathedral and the Castle grounds. It’s just over an hour away by train from Darnall and one of the many fantastic destinations that can be easily reached on our local network. It would be a shame if people missed out on exploring new places because they don’t feel confident enough to travel by rail.”
The participants had such a positive experience that they’re already planning their next adventure.
Once in Lincoln, the participants enjoyed a gentle stroll while relaxing and admiring their surroundings.“Community Rail is about supporting social inclusion and helping local people to better connect with their stations and enjoy the rail network that serves them, whilst helping us understand any barriers to travel and what the rail industry can do to address these. It’s also about promoting this accessible and sustainable mode of transport”, said Cathrine Ashworth, from SYMCA Community Rail. “Guided trips like this are a great opportunity to experience a rail journey in a
“We’re excited to be a part of this great network of world-leading experts and look forward to collaborating with them to create a railway the UK can be proud of.”
“We’re coming out of a pandemic that kept us inside for far too long and we’d like to help people to overcome any barriers they might have to travel by train, so they can travel independently and connect with other local people”, said Lizzie Davies, from Better Journeys by Rail.
Joining the UK Rail Research and Innovation Network will help us to progress ideas, explore opportunities, enabling us to play our part in building a railway for the future, as we strive to find new ways of working and initiatives that deliver the best possible customer experience.
Led by the University of Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE), UKRRIN aims to provide a step-change in innovation in the sector. The network provides its members with access to the latest facilities and research from experts across the industry to support the development and adoption of new solutions and technologies.
Membership of UKRRIN will give Avanti West Coast access to subject specialists in digital systems, rolling stock and infrastructure to identify opportunities to develop and innovate its customer experience, as well as its day-todayTheoperation.firstcollaboration project between Avanti and the University of Birmingham will see the BCRRE analyse areas of the business to propose priorities for the future, including its behind-the-scenes operations, customer experience, accessibility, and inclusivity. Through its membership to UKRRIN, Avanti West Coast will also gain access to the skills, knowledge and expertise of the University of Huddersfield, which is the lead for the Centre of Excellence in Rolling Stock and the University of Southampton – the lead facility for the Centre of Excellence in Infrastructure.
“I really enjoyed the train trip as I’ve learnt so many things; it was really informative,” said Saada Sharif, who lives in Darnall and was among the participants. “I’ve never been on a train in Sheffield before and it was a really good experience, so it won’t be my last! We are planning on visiting Lincoln again to picnic on the Castle grounds. Cathrine and Lizzie were really friendly and supportive.”
Paul Plummer, Professor in Rail Strategy at the BCRRE said: “In these challenging times it’s more important than ever that the industry is able to innovate to improve customer experience, sustainability and affordability. We’re delighted to be working with Avanti West Coast on their priorities and for them to become the first train operating company to join UKRRIN.”
UKRRIN
The intercity operator, which serves major towns and cities on the West Coast between London and Scotland, is now part of the UK Rail Research Innovation Network (UKRRIN) –an initiative designed to create collaboration between academia and the rail industry.
The trip was supported by Northern Rail, which is a partner of Better Journeys by Rail.
SYMCA Community Rail and Better Journeys by Rail will continue to offer group and one-to-one bespoke sessions to showcase more of the amazing destinations accessible via the rail network and a trip aimed at people with disabilities or who speak English as a second language is planned for the end of July. For more information please email Cathrine orcathrine.ashworth@southyyorkshire-ca.gov.ukatLizzieatbetterjourneys@pwlcprojects.com.
Network Rail has also been told by the government to make £billions of cuts.
All this is being paid for by slashing jobs, cutting services, closing ticket offices and suppressing the wages of transport workers.
The ‘Fat Cats’ have lobbied for these changes because of the failures of franchising and they are now reassuring their investors that there will be regular dividends from their rail operations.
The entire transport system is under threat from years of profiteering, job cuts, pay freezes and attacks on terms and conditions. Rail workers have had enough!
Britain’s Largest Specialist Transport Union Protecting our members’ interests is our priority Join us today rmt.org.uk FREEPHONE 0800 376 3706 RMTunion Jointhefightback...JOINRMT
STOP STARTtheprofiteeringinvestinginrail D EFEND Rail
An RMT report has revealed that the government’s switch to management-fee based contracts guarantee around £124 million each year for train operating companies, restoring profits for the year to £600 million across the industry for 2020-21, with every owning group improving its position during the pandemic year.
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Hitachi acquires
The transaction is part of Alstom’s commitments to the European Commission in relation to Alstom’s acquisition of Bombardier Transportation.
Italy is a densely populated country and has made a long-term commitment to forge high-speed rail infrastructure across the country, investing €32 billion over 10 years.
The ETR 1000 trains are the fastest, most sustainable and quietest in Europe, and are known as the Frecciarossa 1000, operated in Italy and France by Trenitalia and, within 2022, in Spain by ILSA (partnered with Trenitalia). The acquisition will mean that Hitachi Rail is now responsible for a portion of the IP and the whole maintenance contracts for the high-speed trains.
Pride 2022 The Railway Industry Association and Women in Rail’s EDI Charter Working Group is hosting its first physical event of the year, titled ‘PRIDE 2022’, on 8 September. Held in RIA’s Westminster offices, the agenda features a range of viewpoints and speakers from across the railway. The day is recommended for any seniority level or role, especially people managers, policy makers, or network group members, and is recommended for individuals who feel intimidated by approaching LGBTQ+ issues in the workplace.
“Today’s acquisition will enable us to support our customers to continue to grow high-speed rail travel across Europe. Our mission is to enable more seamless and sustainable journeys that encourage more passengers onto the railways.”
The successful close of the acquisition will allow Hitachi Rail to fully support its customers as the iconic very high-speed train increases its reach across European high-speed rail networks. The acquisition will also reinforce the strength of the Hitachi Rail’s Service and Maintenance activities.
Oxford revamp Oxford station is set for a £161m revamp, which will deliver quicker journeys, increased freight and passenger services, and a brand new fully accessible entrance. Announced on 17 August, the upgrades will be completed by 2024 and have been specifically designed to improve passenger experience, better integrate the station into the local road networks, and boost economic Amonggrowth. the upgrades will be the creation of a brand-new track, platform, and fully accessible entrance on the west side of the station. As one of the busiest stations in the South of England, the new track and platform will significantly improve capacity at the station, which will boost connections, the economy, and job opportunities in the area.
The ETR 1000 has helped Italy to significantly decarbonise its transportation sector by driving a modal shift away from planes and cars and towards lower emissionBetweenrail.2009 and 2019, 350 million people have travelled on Trenitalia’s highspeed services.
The ETR 1000 design and manufacturing leads the way in environmental sustainability for high speed rail, by using 95% renewable materials. Since their introduction in Italy in 2015, these high-speed trains Frecciarossa 1000 have set enviable standards of performance, operating efficiency and passenger comfort.
The ETR 1000 sets are used by Trenitalia on its core high-speed service connecting cities including Salerno, Naples, Rome, Florence, Bologna, Venice, Milan and Turin.
Community spirit ‘Your Station, Your Community’, the £500,000 annual social and environmental improvement fund set up by Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), has been hugely oversubscribed, attracting more than £8.5 million in grant bids for its first year. When the four-week window for grant applications closed at the end of July, over 370 projects had been submitted by organisations across the network, from Norfolk to the south coast.
Hitachi Rail has successfully closed the acquisition from Alstom of intellectual property rights and business activities related to Bombardier Transportation’s contribution to the ETR 1000 highspeed trains operating in Italy, France, and Spain.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Software support Greater Anglia is using a new software tool which helps get trains fixed quickly if faults occur during journeys. The decision support tool is used by technicians in the company’s control centre in Romford if a driver rings in to say there is a fault on their train and describes the problem. The technicians use the intuitive software to click through to a set of questions relating to the symptoms of the problem that is being described to them. The software then identifies the actions required to get the train moving again. The software receives information from both Greater Anglia and the Stadler team who look after the company’s Intercity, Stansted Express, and regional bi-mode trains.
The trains are operable on high-speed rail networks equipped with multi-voltage technology fulfilling all TSI requirements. Each ETR 1000 train is around 200 metres long with capacity for around 460 passengers and capable of commercial speeds of up to 360 kph. State-of-theart aerodynamics and energy saving technologies give the train unmatched operating efficiency. Once onboard, passengers can enjoy WiFi, a bistro area and high levels of comfort in all classes.
Luca D’Aquila, Chief Operating Officer, Hitachi Rail said: “This is an important milestone for Hitachi Rail as we build on our global leadership in very high-speed train technology. With the successful introduction of the ETR 1000 in France and, within 2022, in Spain we are entering an exciting new phase for this market which can have a significant impact on the economic, decarbonisation and mobility strategies across the continent.
The extension of London Overground to a brand-new station at the heart of Barking Riverside opened to customers on Monday 18 July − months ahead of its scheduled autumn opening. The extension provides new quicker, easier, and sustainable journey options to this key regeneration area. The new station at Barking Riverside is fully step-free, bringing the total across the London Overground network to more than 60 stations, helping make London a more accessible city for everyone and support people’s independence
when travelling in London. The Gospel Oak route, extending out beyond Barking along the new 4.5km of track to Barking Riverside, will help dramatically reduce journey times to Barking to just seven minutes, rather than the current 25-minute bus journey. The route will operate with four trains per hour, providing Barking Riverside with connections to the District and Hammersmith & City lines into central London and C2C trains at Barking. Customers will be able to easily interchange with the recently opened Elizabeth line at Forest Gate, which is a short walk from Wanstead Park London Overground station, as well as River Bus services from Barking Riverside pier.
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Seb Dance, Deputy Mayor for Transport, said: “Hot on the heels of the opening of the Elizabeth Line, this is more excellent news for east“ThisLondon.newstation will help to pave the way for up to 10,000 new homes in Barking Riverside, thousands of which will be genuinely affordable and will ensure residents have the high-quality transport links they need. I am particularly pleased that this station is fully step-free and is opening much earlier than planned.”
“A massive thank you to our railway neighbours who have had to put up with noise from our work over the past few years.”
Twelve roller bearings, which support the viaduct’s weight and allow the bridge to expand in the heat of summer and contract in the cold of winter, have been replaced. This element of the work involved lifting the viaduct’s supporting columns, each weighing up to 175 tonnes, before sliding the bearings into place.
TfL has been able to open Barking Riverside station ahead of the previously scheduled autumn completion date as a result of good progress in driver training, support from Network Rail and in applying the finishing touches to the station.
Repairs have been made to the brickwork on the supporting columns and arches. Steelwork has been cleaned back to the bare metal, treated, and then repainted using 12,000 litres of protective paint. The old timber bridge deck was also replaced with new easier to maintain materials. Oxted Viaduct was built in 1881 and the bridge carries two railway lines over the A25 road and the River Eden on the line running from South Croydon to Uckfield.
Katie Frost, Network Rail’s Sussex route director, which also covers Surrey and South London, said: “The Oxted Viaduct is one of the most iconic railway structures in the south of England. Working on it and protecting such an important part of railway heritage has been a real honour. “It also remains a vital piece of the operational railway today, so while it was great to protect our heritage, it was also essential to keep lines open and trains running safely and reliably.
Passengers travelling on the line from South Croydon to Uckfield can look forward to travelling safely over the Oxted Viaduct for decades to come after a £10.5m upgrade. Engineers have been working around the clock to repair and strengthen the Victorian structure since summer 2020.
After 50 years of service across the railway, Network Rail Kent controller Stephen Eaves retired on 8 July and over 50 friends, colleagues and family gathered at Blackfriars station to pay tribute and see a GB Railfreight class 73 locomotive named in his honour.
WMR celebrates Games
West Midlands Railway (WMR) has thanked passengers after confirming record-breaking travel numbers during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
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Stephen said: “It feels unreal, when I found out about it I thought ‘have I heard right’ – it’s a dream turned into reality. “These 50 years have passed in a flash, I can remember my first day at Liverpool Street in room 128, and my colleagues, and it doesn’t seem like 50 years. I will certainly miss it. But I think my family ought to have a little bit more of my time now, less of me getting up at four in the morning. My wife has been a rock to me and I couldn’t have done this without her.”
“We wish you all the very best for the future and the cherished time you will have going forward with your family in retirement and with the knowledge your name will still be running around somewhere on the network in the form of this Johnlocomotive.”Smith,chief executive officer of GBRf, said: “As a company we’re heavily involved in the Kent area so when I was approached about naming a train after Stephen after 50 years in the industry, and someone who’s always been an ally of freight, it seemed the obvious thing to do and celebrate someone special.”Inhiscareer, Stephen worked in many areas of the railway, including time as a Locomotive Controller at Liverpool Street and Swindon, and deputy chief controller of Network South East’s operations, based at Waterloo. Loco 73212 Stephen Eaves was built in 1965 and is based on Network Rail’s Southern region, where it works test trains, rail head treatment trains and other freight services for GBRf.
Train named after Kent controller©WMR
In total, the operator estimates approximately two million journeys were made on rail in the West Midlands during the Games, with records broken at a number of individual stations close to venues. In addition to its usual staff, more than 170 volunteers from WMR were deployed on stations during the Games, putting in more than 2,500 additional hours on platforms across the West Midlands. Those supporting the efforts on the front line included train drivers, senior conductors, fleet technicians, cleaning staff and more from across the business. WMR volunteers also assisted passengers, handing out 40,000 free water bottles and 70,000 bags of sweets to Games-goers – even joining in with singalongs of unofficial sporting anthem ‘Sweet Caroline’ on many platforms. Day tickets to Commonwealth Games events included free travel on public transport in the West Midlands. Rail transport during the Games was provided through collaborative working between WMR, Network Rail, other train companies, Transport for West Midlands and the West Midlands Rail Executive.
In a speech marking the occasion, Network Rail’s Kent route director Fiona Taylor said: “Steve, the service, commitment, and friendship you have given to the railway, our freight and passenger customers and your colleagues has been and will always be greatly valued and appreciated by us all. We wholeheartedly thank you for your service.
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Greater Anglia, its team of volunteer station adopters, and the community rail partnership are working to improve biodiversity at rail stations to offer local wildlife a safe refuge, including working with the Bee Friendly Trust on projects at 12 stations in Essex, including Alresford, Althorne, Bures, Clacton-on-Sea, Colchester, Great Bentley, Kirby Cross, Mistley, South Woodham Ferrers and Witham.
Harrison said: “Thanks to our £96 billion Integrated Rail Plan, the biggest single investment in the UK’s rail network ever, we’re now delivering faster, cleaner and more frequent travel for passengers across the North.
Rail©Network
This monumental scheme – initially working its way from York to Church Fenton – is set to re-energise train travel for passengers across the north of England. It’s the first step towards a cleaner, greener, fully electrified railway between York, Leeds, Huddersfield, and Manchester. When complete, across the full 76-mile route, rail passengers will be helping to save up to 87,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year – equivalent to 5.9 million car journeys along the same route. For people living near the railway, it will also mean better air quality and quieter trains. It’s the first of 10 miles of electric wiring set to be installed between Church Fenton and Colton Junction – where trains from Leeds join the East Coast Main Line towards York – by the end of the year. It’s one of the busiest stretches of railway in the north, with over 100 trains passing through each day.
Costain wins Piccadilly
A large sculpture highlighting the importance of bees has been installed at Clacton rail station.
The Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership worked with the Bee Friendly Trust and Greater Anglia to host the sculpture which was previously on display at London King’s Cross. Made from recycled materials, it features a bee-shaped sand timer and the slogan ‘Time is running out’ to raise awareness of the importance of bees and other pollinators to human survival and the threats they face due to climate change and habitat loss.
To maintain an equally eco-friendly construction, the new equipment was built nearby at the brand-new Joseph Lynn Logistics Hub in Sherburn-in-Elmet, before being transported to site by train.
In total, there are now 61 rail station gardens on Greater Anglia’s network. The total amount of railway land converted into garden on the Greater Anglia network is over 6,800 square metres. If each square metre of garden was put end-to-end they would stretch from London to Aberdeen.
The first few miles of the first electric overhead wires on a mainline in Yorkshire for over 25 years are now up, marking a step-change in progress for the Transpenninemulti-billion-poundRouteUpgrade.
Work began on the York to Church Fenton electrification scheme in October 2019, and to date has delivered: 17 kilometres of new, more reliable track, ready to run faster trains; an innovative 65-metrewide under-track crossing; and 270 new steel masts, which carry the overhead electric wires. When the new wires are energised, they will allow more environmentally friendly hybrid trains to run along this section at speeds of up to 125mph – that’s 30mph faster than they currently run.
As design partner, the firm will work collaboratively with TfL’s design team to ensure that the signalling system in West London between Heathrow Airport and Baron’s Court is compatible with both the existing London Underground trains and the new fleet of 24TS passenger trains, which will enter service in 2025.
Costain will also provide technical assurance services during the delivery phase of the project, collaborating with the client and construction partner to ensure the effective delivery of the signalling upgrades.
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Rob McIntosh, managing director for Network Rail’s Eastern Region said: “This is a huge moment for the Transpennine Route Upgrade and really represents the forward shift we’ve seen in recent months.“Thisfirst major milestone in York promises a cleaner, greener future where passengers in the north of England can confidently rely on the railway to get them to where they need to be in good time.”Transport Minister Trudy Highlighting plight of bees
Costain has been appointed by Transport for London (TfL) to design critical upgrades to the signalling infrastructure on the Piccadilly line to improve passenger journeys across the capital.
As part of the commission, which came through TfL’s Professional Services Framework, Costain will conduct a series of surveys to inform the design process for around 200 existing signals. This will ensure that train drivers of both the current and new trains know when they can safely proceed. The surveys will include ecological, environmental, ground condition and contamination, structural integrity, buried services (utilities), line level and track clearance assessments. During the design phase, the team will use automated tools and standardised processes to enhance accuracy, effectiveness and productivity.
AngliaGreater©
“As we level up the country, it’s critical that people across the UK have access to rail networks they can rely on. Yorkshire’s new electric railway is a key step in delivering just that.”
Andy Clarke, director for integrated transport at Costain, said: “The customer is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to playing our part in modernising operations to enable more reliable, more frequent and faster journeys for passengers.”
Yorkshire electrified by TransPennine progress
All about people people working in public transport... ...people like you! In times of need, hardship and distress TBF is here to support its members by helping them to keep the wheels of the public transport industry turning. TBF offers financial and medical benefits, a wide range of complementary and alternative therapies, bereavement grants and welfare advice. £1.25 a week covers you, your live-in partner and dependent children. 0300 333 www.tbf.org.ukhelp@tbf.org.uk2000 Transport Benevolent Fund CIO, known as TBF, is a registered charity in England and Wales, 1160901, and Scotland, SC047016. less20pthanaday
GIVING BACK Since the company was established in 2011, advancing less fortunate people has always been a central motivator for founder Andy Ridout and the Advance TRS team. To date, its staff have raised over £65,000 for charities, completing an incredible array of personal challenges to raise money and awareness for those less fortunate.
The trip itself will see Sam spend between six and eight hours in the saddle each day, travelling across waterways and plantations on unpaved and dusty roads, slightly different surfaces to the hills he will be training on, but all part of the challenge for a true bike novice.
RIDING VIETNAM THIS OCTOBER,
RAILWAY
CHALLENGE FOR RAILWAY CHILDREN
As a novice cyclist, Sam will be confronting a challenging 450km cycle across seven days in 30-degree heat, on his barely used bike.
& RAIL SIGNALLING,
RAILWAY CHILDREN Advance TRS has been a long-term supporter and partner of Railway Children and the Rail Aid campaign. Railway Children is an international children’s charity that funds rescue workers and street teams that seek out and help vulnerable children living on the streets. Advance TRS staff have completed a number of challenges to raise money and awareness for the charity including Three Peaks By Rail, three Ironman’s, a trek up Kilimanjaro, and one to Everest Base Camp. ADVANCE TRS'S DIRECTOR OF CLIENT SERVICES SAM JENNINGS WILL BE TAKING PART IN CHILDREN'S RIDE VIETNAM
“Having never previously ridden a bike without balancing a child on the back, it seemed like a great opportunity to take on a huge personal challenge and raise money that will go to support some of the most vulnerable children in the world,” said Sam. So far, Sam has completed over 500 miles training in the saddle, with 340 miles travelled through a very hot July. With lots of water, sun cream, and only one puncture to date, Sam has hit the halfway mark on his donations target with only two months to go. In the next few weeks, he faces a step up in training with 100 miles a week to complete.
Sam has previously completed the London Marathon raising over £2,500 for Action for Children, but is a complete newbie to the world of cycling and hoping to make the challenge worthwhile by beating his previous total.
Please support Sam to raise money for this excellent cause by donating via his JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/atfundraising/sam-jennings4
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How do I write my free will?
Partners in rail, RBF and Railway Mission, continue their FREE will writing service after over 1,000 people used this service during Will Month in March.
www.railwaybenefitfund.org.uk/events/make-a-will-month www.railwaymission.org/make-a-free-will-month
We have teamed up with will writing service, Bequeathed, to give people working in rail and their families the chance to write or update a will for FREE. You have the option to write your will online or over the phone. Both services provide a consultation with a solicitor to finalise your will.
If you would like to support RBF or Railway Mission you can leave a gift in your will or make a donation on completion of your will - there is no obligation to do either. We are so very grateful for any gift, large or small. Your generous support means that we are able to be there for the Railway Family when they need us.
Supporting your railway charities
The two railway charities have come together to provide this joint initiative, kindly supported by the Retired Rail Officers Society (RROS).
Find out more and write you free will via either charity website
MAKE YOUR WILL FOR FREE
Charity No 206312, SCO39550 Charity No 1128024, SC045897
Why is making a will so important?
Writing a will is the only way to ensure your final wishes for your estate are fulfilled. It is a chance to remember people and causes you care about in life. A clearly written will also avoids unnecessary confusion and stress for loved ones at an already difficult time.
Crewe, Derby, and Doncaster All are well known as railway towns/cities with expertise and experience in railway manufacturing, design, and research in both rolling stock and infrastructure. However, they perhaps have less history in strategic railway planning and organisation and their links to the whole rail network are limited.
T he media frenzy following the resignation of Boris Johnson temporarily overshadowed progress in answering the arguably more important question of where Great British Railways (GBR) should be headquartered. However, in mid-July a shortlist of just six cities was announced. These were (in alphabetical order): Birmingham, Crewe, Derby, Doncaster, Newcastle upon Tyne, and York.
Levelling-up principles clearly should have a part to play in the decision making. The Department of Transport has also made it clear that the chosen city needs to be well connected, offer value for money, have a railway heritage, good links to the rail network, and should enjoy the support of the public. Being aware of the Government’s announced plans to relocate an estimated 1,500 Treasury civil servants to Darlington, another factor must be considered. Effective liaison between the relevant staff of these two organisations should ensure a rapid establishment of Great British Railways as the acknowledged best in the world. Having worked for decades on British Railways, my opinions are as follows.
Birmingham Following the completion of HS2 this city will be even more easily reached than it now is, but it has a limited railway heritage. It is the centre for the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board which has recently confirmed its remit and been awarded an initial £3.3 million of funding for the next three years.The city also boasts an established light rail network at its centre and in the latter days of British Railways prior to the setting up of Railtrack, Birmingham was the headquarters of the London Midland Region. Its commercial success as second city is reflected in its prices, it has two thriving universities and supports many local rail services; but the same is also true of many of the final six.
Crewe relates easily to the North West of England and the West Coast mainline. Derby is on a main route from the Midlands to London and is well placed for the Midlands and Cross-Country routes.
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Doncaster would benefit most economically. It has space and a history of rolling stock and other railway work, and increased railway work would be welcome. However, it is less well connected than other short-listed cities. It is also close to York which is better connected and has a more impressive railway history. Newcastle upon Tyne and York Both are easy to get to and have long railway histories. The former headquarters of the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) in York is now a luxury hotel but still boasts LNER signage and both cities have stations which are listed as being of historic railway interest.Yorkwas the headquarters of the Eastern Region of British Railways which was formed by the merger of the former Eastern and North Eastern regions. Tourism and the splendour of the National Railway Museum in former railway buildings support visitors all year round and post-privatisation it continued as headquarters for both a Railtrack Zone and latterly part of Network Rail’s organisation.
Summing up Locating the GBR headquarters in Newcastle would go some way towards meeting the needs of the local economy of the North East. Politically, claiming it as a levelling up initiative would be difficult to challenge. So far as railway heritage is concerned, Newcastle’s history is unparalleled. Next year will mark the bicentenary of the founding in 1823 of Robert Stephenson and Company Ltd, in Forth Street. That company produced the Rocket locomotive and manufactured and exported steam locomotives world-wide.
Newcastle’s Metro system is efficiently run, has new rolling stock, is well patronised, and would surely be valued by Great British Railway staff. Property prices for a new headquarters and its staff would be very competitive and the needs of the local economy are well publicised. The city would welcome the employment opportunities − initially estimated at around 500 − and housing is reasonably priced with city, coast, and country options.
From Darlington, Newcastle is but minutes away. The proximity of Darlington would surely be of benefit to the Treasury civil servants who will be located there.
WHICH CITY SHOULD BE THE HOME OF GREAT BRITISH RAILWAYS? COLIN WHEELER GIVES HIS EXPERT OPINION.
FEATURE 19
As part of its development of the Stephenson Quarter, the city recently granted planning permission for the development of the former Boiler House estimated to cost £8.7 million, part of the site of the original works. The Newcastle/ Gateshead initiative will welcome arms. This is an ideal site in the city centre and close to both rail and Metro stations. To suggest that the city and its residents − and indeed the whole of the North East − would welcome GBR’s Head Office being located in Newcastle is a gross understatement.
Newcastle upon Tyne is the largest city in the North East of England but struggles with higher than average unemployment and deprivation. It is well connected to both London and Edinburgh as well as cross country routes, including Darlington (to where the Treasury will be transferred).
THE INSIDE
TRACK OPINION PIECE BY GRAEME BICKERDIKE
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In 1998, Cumbria County Council commissioned an assessment of structure EDE/25, known as Great Musgrave bridge. It showed a few modest defects, but the values assigned to mortar loss and profile were overly conservative, resulting in an assessed capacity of just 17 tonnes. More appropriate values would have lifted the modified axle load from 7.5 tonnes to 15 tonnes, well in excess of the 11.5 tonnes for a 44-tonne vehicle. Repairs were undertaken in 2012 and a detailed examination followed in 2017. The latter recorded some mortar loss and displacement of individual stone blocks in the arch by up to 4mm, but the structure’s condition was described as “fair” whilst National Highways’ scoring matrix found “No significant risk”. The 2020 visual inspection suggested the maximum deflection of soffit stones was now 15mm (or 3% of their depth), but stated that “all accessible long-standing defects show no evidence of change”. Again, the bridge’s condition was “fair” and “No significant risk” was presented. A year later, the examiner made clear that “the bridge appears to be in fair condition” and notes “Changes to Existing Defects since Last Examination – None”; however the scoring matrix indicated “High” risk to the public with “Medium” likelihood of occurrence. This sudden and significant change to the perceived risk level was recorded after infilling and had no foundation.
© Cumbrian Railways Association (Below) An archive photo of Great Musgrave station with the bridge in the distance.
In 2022, National Highways’ retrospective planning application for retention of the Great Musgrave bridge infill − an obligation imposed by Eden District Council (EDC), the local planning authority − claimed that, since 2017, “the joints between the masonry in the arch had again opened up (to 170mm) and that the crown of the arch had dropped (by 15mm)”. These statements were misleading: the 170mm referred to one isolated perpend joint of no structural consequence, whilst the asserted movement of the arch actually related to a small number of individual stone blocks.
The inconsistent method and location of the measurements taken by National Highways’ examiners meant there was no evidence of any worsening of their displacement, an observation supported by the lack of any visible clean stone around their edges. It’s likely some of them had only moved 160 years ago when the timber centring was removed following construction.
Then, one day, National Highways (NH) turned up and started to bury it in 1,600 tonnes of aggregate and concrete. Not a prior word to the Parish Council or the local highways authority, and no consultation either with the two heritage railways whose longstanding ambition to reunite involved relaying a track beneath the arch. This was an inexplicable act, unjustified from every conceivable perspective except the narrow one of opportunistic liability reduction. But as the state-owned roads company found itself embroiled in a storm, it constructed an alternative reality which only made matters worse.
A QUESTION OF STRENGTH
Fundamentally, Great Musgrave bridge was fine and contacts within Network Rail suggest they would not have looked twice at it, based on the available engineering reports.
GREAT MUSGRAVE
T here are hundreds of old railway bridges much like the one at Great Musgrave in Cumbria’s Eden Valley. The structure emerged from the ground in 1861 through the courage of a few men and perhaps a horse or two, toiling in conditions we can’t begin to imagine. Over 160 years, it became woven into the fabric of the village − a valued part of its history and landscape.
GroupHREThe©photosColour
(2)(1) FEATURE 2121
emergency event or situation “which threatens serious damage to human welfare”, the environment or UK national security. None was applicable at Great Musgrave. In an email on 24 June, National Highways told EDC that there was “a measured loss of 38% of the mortar in the joints”, but this figure was also misleading, relating specifically to the isolated perpend joint. The company went on to state that the structure “was being overloaded and that works were required to prevent the failure of the bridge and avert a collapse.” This notion was beyond ridiculous.
HEAVY EMAIL TRAFFIC Infilling works began on 24 May 2021. According to an email exchange between National Highways and Eden District Council, contractor AmcoGiffen had set up a compound and cleared “some soft ground” by the morning of 28 May. Later that day EDC made clear that it was making an assessment “as to whether these works constitute Permitted Development” and asked that “you do not commence with the works until such time as we have made this assessment”. But NH was having none of it: the scheme “will prevent a future collapse and preserve public safety (under class Q). On this basis I am not going to ask the contractor to stop works”, their engineer confirmed. Class Q powers facilitate temporary works − lasting less than 12 months − in an
Bill Harvey Associates - masonry arch bridge specialists - subsequently published a review of the engineering reports, forensically dismantling the case for infilling. It found no evidence to indicate “a current or developing risk of collapse”, whilst all inspections recorded the bridge to be “in fair condition”, as stated by NH’s own examiners. There was nothing to indicate any overloading; indeed exploration using Archie-M, bridge analysis software, suggested the bridge would pass for all AWR vehicles − in other words, it had a capacity of more than 44 tonnes and did not need strengthening.NationalHighways used a 24-year-old assessment to inform decision-making despite it being flawed from the outset and then out of date due to subsequent repairs and changes in the codes. It should have been consigned to the archives long since. This failure raises concerns around the company’s asset management regime, whilst claims that a masonry arch bridge might collapse - despite no significant defects - raises uncomfortable questions.
(Main) A photo of concrete spewing from the arch of Great Musgrave bridge which changed the campaign to save legacy (1)structures.Theattractive masonry bridge prior to (2)infilling.National Highways claimed the bridge was not visible to members of the public, but a clear view was available from its south-east (Below)corner. The Stainmore and Eden Valley railways were not consulted about the infilling despite having plans to reunite by relaying the track under the bridge.
BEHIND THE FURORE
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WHAT A PICTURE
The campaign against National Highways’ assault on legacy railway structures is led by The HRE Group − an alliance of engineers, sustainable transport advocates and greenway developers. I act as its spokesperson and shoulder most of its workload. When the issue emerged into the public domain in January 2021, 134 bridges and tunnels were threatened with infill or demolition, with dozens more meeting the same spurious criteria of lacking weight restrictions despite failing their BD21 (CS 454) assessments. No meaningful evaluation had been made as to these structures’ heritage value or potential usefulness as future transport assets. Ecology reports were produced, but their scope was not sufficiently broad: in 59 pages, the one for Great Musgrave made only a single site-specific reference to “wildlife corridor” in which it argued that badgers would cross the road rather than passing beneath the bridge. Despite a wealth of evidence confirming the importance of dismantled railways for wildlife migration and foraging, National Highways has shown reluctance to recognise it. For the record, it should be noted that a Stakeholder Advisory Forum has since been established to offer guidance to National Highways on matters relating to its management of the Historical Railways Estate (HRE) − the DfT-owned collection of 3,100 legacy structures − and a new process should ensure that structures requiring major works will, in future, be subject to a more holistic appraisal of relevant issues − ecology, environment, heritage, repurposing, value for money and engineering. At the time of writing, it remains to be seen whether this regime will result in better outcomes as no structures of note have yet been presented for consideration. We can hope though.
On 16 June 2021, I headed off to meet contacts at three threatened bridges in Staward (Northumberland), Lochanhead (Dumfries & Galloway) and Kirtlebridge (also D&G). The route home, via the trans-Pennine A66, took me within two miles of Great Musgrave bridge so I disengaged the satnav and turned right. By pure chance, I arrived on the day AmcoGiffen had pumped foamed concrete under the arch and, at precisely 17:59, I took a photograph that changed the campaign’s course. It was as though the bridge was sick from its fate. Concrete spewed down an ugly bank of aggregate, a squirrel’s footprints embedded within it. Where formerly there had been a delightful masonry arch − fashioned by skilled craftsmen − there was now a blot; an eyesore, imposed without scrutiny by those who could see no value in it. It became the defining image of National Highways’ custodianship of our country’s railway heritage, but they still had the temerity to declare that “through our work we have preserved the structure”. At times, the company has shown regrettable judgement and, despite steps in a better direction of late, rebuilding trust and repairing reputational damage will require it to address thatAsshortcoming.thephotoappeared on TV, newspapers, specialist magazines, and online, civil engineers lined up to bemoan the shame and embarrassment inflicted on their profession. Then, in July, came the news that the Government had intervened, calling a halt to National Highways’ infilling and demolition programme pending the establishment of “a formalised framework and engagement process for these structures to understand, in each case, whether there is a realistic prospect of it being used for active travel or other Great Musgrave bridge was buried in 1,600 tonnes of stone and concrete. The infilling prompted civil engineers to express shame andembarrassment.Arepresentative from the Eden Valley Railway voices their objection to members of Eden District Council's planning committee.
FEATURE 23
NOW WHAT? In a statement, Ms Rossiter said that “We will also no longer consider the infilling of any structures as part of our future plans, unless there is absolutely no alternative.” This commitment leaves no wiggle room and might be one the company comes to regret when its full implications hit home. But it’s been made publicly and, at face value, represents a very substantial change. So, has a line been drawn? National Highways has proved nothing but unpredictable. A new process − however comprehensive − will make little difference unless it is positively embraced. Despite undoubted efforts over the past few months, there’s been no contrition: the company still seems not to understand why the criticism has been so Makingvigorous.bestuse of existing assets is already being recognised as a must in tackling our emerging economic crisis. Legacy structures have a role to play, but can only do so if their custodian’s stewardship is sensitive and sympathetic.
DECISION DAY Eden District Council’s planning committee convened to determine National Highways’ retrospective planning application on 16 June 2022. In the days leading up to it, I was made aware that NH was offering £450,000 − the supposed cost of excavating the bridge and unnecessarily strengthening it − to refurbish other local structures needed for a proposed heritage railway extension, but only if the infill was allowed to stay. These structures are owned by Railway Paths Ltd (RPL) and I was told at the committee meeting that its director had lobbied at least two members to approve the application.Duringthe consultation process, RPL lodged one of two supporting submissions; 911 people expressed their objection. I subsequently asked National Highways for evidence − in the form of an economic benefit study − that such a large investment in assets owned by Railway Paths would represent value for the taxpayer’s money, but the company refused to answer. £450,000 is equivalent to 9.3% of its annual HRE works budget. At the meeting, I spoke on behalf of those against the application whilst Hélène Rossiter, head of the HRE Programme, represented National Highways. She asserted that “the infill is seen as a small and discreet change”, reiterated the corporate line that “the bridge was weak…deteriorating and significant works were required” and explained that “the process to assess the structure was robust, followed established industry guidelines and was undertaken by experienced and highlyqualified engineers.” But the Committee was not swayed, rejecting the application unanimously for breaching heritage, environmental and development policies. It was a cause of much surprise that National Highways chose not to appeal against the decision; the infill will go but potentially not until next summer.
transport purposes in future; and to ensure that the views of local stakeholders…are fully taken intoTheaccount.”pause remained in place for about 10 months.
The stone banks either side of the bridge were covered in top soil and seeded.
Through delivery of Phase 1, HS2 aims to build a solid base of rail professionals, ready to drive the plan to completion and then go on to tackle the challenges of the future. Along with its project partners, it is engaging with communities to attract local talent by providing new training and career paths.
To help more local people benefit and progress into employment on HS2, BBV joined forces with Warwickshire College Group, Birmingham Metropolitan College, Walsall College, Solihull College and University Centre, and City of Wolverhampton College. With the aim of training at least 600 new recruits who will then progress onto a paid work trial.
A s one of the largest UK rail projects ever undertaken, HS2 is reliant on a deep reservoir of people power, and the mega-project is creating thousands of training opportunities for industry newcomers, as well with those already working in rail with a change of direction in mind.
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2022 has seen a number of new programs and milestones as HS2 forges onward, largely focused on the Midlands and London, where the most intensive work is currently going ahead.
Education partnerships HS2’s construction partner for the West Midlands and Warwickshire, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), announced in May that it had teamed up with five Further Education colleges to expand access to its free job-ready training programmes. The development followed in the footsteps of BBV’s successful partnership with South and City College Birmingham, which led to the creation of BBV’s dedicated Skills Academy in Bordesley Green, focusing on upskilling those out of work or looking for a new career.
HS2
Kingsbury Training centre. ON THE JOB
TRAINING
Each college will deliver bespoke training programmes in line with the skills that BBV needs to support its construction of the HS2 network from Warwickshire to the centre of Birmingham and on to Staffordshire. In total, BBV expects to support around 7,000 jobs through its programme of work on HS2. The training programmes will cover a broad range of specialist skills needed to support BBV’s construction works from steel fixing to formwork and concrete placing. Shilpi Akbar, head of stakeholders and communities at BBV said: “These new partnerships will allow us to expand the training programme we already offer and build on the success of our Skills Academy at South and City College which we launched last year.“By working together with these colleges, we hope this move will encourage even more local people from across the region − particularly those who are currently unemployed – to pursue a career in the construction and infrastructure industry, as we help to deliver Britain’s new high-speed railway.”
In total, 2,742 segments will be produced from materials mixed at the on-site batching plant and at peak production, the pre-cast yard is expected to turn out up to eight segments per day, weighing between 60 and 80 tonnes. During the manufacturing cycle, each segment will be lifted by a 54 metre-long gantry crane ahead of onward transport to nearby Water Orton and Coleshill ready for on-site assembly.
Apprenticeship milestone Close to 1000 individuals have now benefitted from career investment from investment by HS2 into their career development. Also in May, HS2 celebrated the start of its 900th apprentice, a major milestone towards its aim of employing 2000 apprentices.
“It’s amazing to be part of the team building HS2 and transforming Euston into a new destination,” said Leon. “Civil engineering allows you to embrace advances in technology and address the changing needs of the population. It’s a fantastic career and I can’t wait to get started on the digital engineering and design aspect of the job next year.”
Each component part of the build requires a highly skilled workforce and BBV opted to locate its latest Skills Academy at the site to ensure its workforce is expertly trained for the programme of work ahead.
Kingsbury Training centre June saw BBV open the doors to its giant construction compound in Kingsbury, Warwickshire and revealed the scale of works underway ready to build one of the most complex sections of the HS2 route – the DeltaTheJunction.siteatKingsbury
is responsible for the production of almost 3,000 precision designed concrete segments, ready to create the network of nine viaducts that will form part of the Delta Junction, a triangular section of line where the new railway curves west towards Birmingham and runs north towards Crewe.
RAILSTAFF JULY - AUGUST 2022 TRAINING 25
“Amongst the hive of construction activity, this site is also home to our new Kingsbury Skills Academy, which is already playing a key role in developing our people and making sure they have the right skills to help build HS2,” said Vicki Lovatt, BBV’s head of learning and development.“It’sagreat asset not only for the project, but for the region too, helping to upskill local communities and launch careers in construction andTheengineering.”KingsburySkills Academy opened its doors in February 2022 and over 9,000 hours of training and over 1,000 courses have already been delivered from its indoor and outdoor facilities, which include an off-road 4x4 driver safety range. This is in addition to BBV’s first academy, based in Bordesley Green, Birmingham, which focuses on upskilling people who are out of work or looking for a new career and getting them ‘job-ready’ in just 4-6 weeks. From there, they transition to the Kingsbury Academy which focuses on delivering job-specific training, covering everything from working at height and in confined spaces to first aid and mental health awareness.
Twenty-four-year-old Leon joined HS2’s London-based construction partner, Mace Dragados JV, after being made redundant from his job as an electrical engineering apprentice during the covid pandemic. In his bid to find work, Leon sought support from HS2’s job brokerage partner Camden Council and a fast-track referral from the King’s Cross Construction Skills Centre saw him job matched to an apprenticeship opportunity working on HS2. The King’s Cross Construction Skills Centre supported Leon with his application and helped him to prepare for his interview, enabling him to secure a two-year Level Three Civil Engineering apprenticeship with Mace Dragados. Leon is now part of the team preparing the ground ready for construction of HS2’s new terminus station at Euston, and he combines the hands-on element of his apprenticeship with study towards a Civil Engineering degree at the University of London.
The paid work trial is open to candidates aged 18 or over. During the placement, trainees will develop an understanding of all aspects of delivering complex tunnelling programmes, from the work that takes place in the pit top, the slurry treatment plant, and the mechanical and electrical works required.
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Sam’s dedication to the ‘Back to Better’ project didn’t detract from his day to day role in project management, so much so that he completed his two-year apprenticeship six months early and achieved the highest pass rate – 89% - amongst his fellow 2020 cohort.
Divine was the overall winner in the Apprentice of the Year Level 3 and under category, but was one of two apprentices hailed for their outstanding contribution. 21-year-old Sam Arrowsmith from Stratford upon Avon took the award for Apprentice of the Year Level 4.
On receiving his award from the HS2 Minister, Andrew Stephenson, Sam said: “It's a real honour to be recognised today and I'm so proud to have won this award. The last two years have flown by and now that I've finished my apprenticeship, I can't wait to get started in my new role as assistant project manager. HS2 has really opened doors for me and I'm so proud to be part of the team that is building HS2 in my home county of Warwickshire."
Award winning efforts
With over 27,000 people now part of the team delivering this revolutionary rail project, HS2 and its partners are striving to leave a lasting skills legacy, creating a talent pool that will drive forward major infrastructure projects of the future. HS2 is providing unique training opportunities for those looking to start an exciting new career or change their current trajectory, and will continue to do so as work begins on future phases of the project to Crewe, Manchester, and the East Midlands.
“This work trial is the latest in a long line of opportunities we’re creating for people across the region, who want to expand their skills and experiences,” said Shilpi Akbar. “It’s not every day that you get the chance to work on such an exciting and complex tunnelling project, so I’d encourage people who are interested to get in touch straight away.”
As we enter the second half of 2022, the provision of training continues apace. BBV, is currently offering exciting opportunities to trial a new career working on the giant tunnelling machines that will bore beneath the ground in Warwickshire and Birmingham.
The 20-day trial, delivered in conjunction with Tunnelcraft, is the latest development in HS2’s drive to ensure that local people benefit from upskilling and employment openings.
Ongoing opportunities
The positive impact of the opportunities on offer was plain to see at HS2’s Inspiration Awards, held at the Houses of Parliament on 4 July. 25-year-old Divine Makondele from Islington was crowned HS2 Apprentice of the Year Level 3 at the event which also recognised the efforts of contractors and their senior staff. In September 2021, Divine secured a Level 2 Tunnelling Operative apprenticeship with TG Tunnelling, a tier two contractor working on behalf of Align JV. Just ten months later, she is part of the team working around the clock to operate the giant tunnel boring machines, Florence and Cecilia, that are excavating ten miles of tunnels beneath the ChilternDivinehills.has been hailed as an “inspiration” by her colleague, Darren Beard, a Segment Crane Operator at TG Tunnelling. “Of all the apprentices I have been helping to train,” he said, “Divine really stands out. The tunnelling industry is historically male dominated, but that doesn’t faze her in the slightest. “I'm so thankful to everyone that has believed in me and supported me,” said Divine. “For me, infrastructure is everything, it's what builds society, and it doesn't get any bigger than HS2. This is such an amazing project and I want to see it right through to the end - to when those first trains run. I want to look back and tell my family and friends, and hopefully my kids, I was part of the team that built this. And I hope that more young women will be joining me too".
Sam began his Level 4 Associate Project Management apprenticeship at the height of the Covid pandemic in September 2020. With major construction projects given the green light to continue during lockdown restrictions, he seized the opportunity to play a leading role in HS2’s ‘Back to Better’ group, which implemented measures to ensure the thousands of people supporting HS2’s construction remained safe.
Courses can be delivered face to face or online for more information or to
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The skills course will take the candidate through the many techniques
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SMALL INTEGRITYTUBINGBORECOURSE
availability please visit: www.bfpa.co.uk/training Please call 01608 647900 or email enquiries@bfpa.co.uk 17923 TA_Half_Page_Ads_AW.qxp_Layout 1 04/01/2021 13:25 Page 1 www.railuk.com Latest rail video. Daily email update. UK rail news as it happens. Over 15,000 rail articles. RAILSTAFF JULY - AUGUST 2022 TRAINING 27
The course will help give the delegate a greater understanding of the dangers associated with pressure testing. During the one day course the delegate will learn how to safely test hose and connector assemblies by taking into account a safe system of work best practice procedure (HSE GS4 document) along with relevant pressure test standards commonly used within industry. check
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The BFPA have for many years been passionate about raising standards within the fluid power market and industry as a whole, with this objective in mind we have created a suite of valuable training courses now available.
This course has been developed to provide an introduction into hose, connectors and the safe assembly of these components for industry use. During the day the attendee will gain a knowledge understandingandof safe hose assembly and if applied will only enhance the safety within the hydraulic industry and the attendee.
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Currently, Intertrain is running Wave 2 Extension Skills Bootcamps which include new entrant track operative; new entrant assistant welder; rail welder; assistant welder; controller of site safety (COSS); engineering supervisor (ES); on-track-plant operative (OTP); overhead linesman (OLEC); and safe system of work planner (SSOWP). The rail courses we provide, all give the necessary rail competencies to work in the rail industry and new employment opportunities.Intertrainalso runs eight-week construction and rail training courses. This gives any new entrants two avenues to investigate when first enquiring about opportunities. With the construction course, the learners will come
he rail industry is estimated to require thousands of additional workers each year over the next decade in order to complete planned projects and maintain current services. If you’re looking to boost your career, this could work to your advantage. But what skills is the industry calling out for and how can you join a training programme? Intertrain – City & Guilds gave us their expert analysis.
28 TRAINING RAILSTAFF JULY - AUGUST 2022 RAILSTAFF.CO.UK | @RAIL_STAFF | FACEBOOK.COM/RAILSTAFF
The rail industry is expected to require thousands of additional workers over the next five to 10 years. What is behind this demand for workers and how likely is it that these roles will be adequately filled?
Can you give some examples of the training courses / schemes you provide? How are they taught, and what qualifications do they provide? Intertrain predominantly provide rail training courses. An example of this are the Government-funded Skills Bootcamps.
Thanks to a number of huge Governmentfunded rail projects including HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail, the rail industry is on the cusp of leading a once-in-a-generation infrastructure revolution in the UK. These largescale projects have the potential to create as many as 120,000 new quality jobs over the next five to 10 years which could drive up social mobility, support the ambition to level up the country and help to get the UK’s economy firing on all cylinders again.
A variety of skills and experience will be needed in the rail sector to fill these skills gaps. Some of the positions that are most in demand by the industry include customer service assistant, driver, maintenance operative, and engineer.Forseveral years, the rail industry has been suffering from a number of labour force issues including skills shortages, an ageing workforce leading to a retirement cliff edge, a lack of diversity, reputational issues, and broken career paths. In addition, for decades the industry has relied on Europe for a steady stream of talent to fill roles such as engineers, construction workers, and others, which now may be stymied by the end of freedom of movement brought about by Brexit. Now, at a time when overseas talent and skills are increasingly harder to access, and the UK faces unprecedented economic difficulties, it’s clear that the rail industry still has a great deal of work to do to truly address these issues, meet the demand for workers, and adequately fill these rolls.
According to the National Skills Academy for Rail’s (NSAR) analysis, on average, between 7,000 - 12,000 additional people will be required every year over the next five to seven years. With current modelling showing peak demand around 2025 - in three years’ time – with the biggest skills gaps due to open at levels 3 and 5, people must be recruited now to equip them with the relevant skills and experience to meet demand at the time it is needed.There are already significant skills shortages in rail and the sector has an aging workforce, so without a concerted effort to address the ongoing skills challenges (i.e., attracting young workers and a more diverse workforce) it’s highly likely that we could struggle to fill these roles.
What roles tend to be the most popular among new entrants to the industry and those within the industry switching career path? With most new entrants to the industry having little prior experience or qualifications, the most popular role to begin with would be a track operative. In this role, the operative will understand the rail industry, along with the health and safety implications it brings. Any new entrant to the industry would start off as a ‘blue hat’ and must work towards their ‘white hat’. Once the ‘white hat’ has been achieved, the industry is fully open, and they are able to start upskilling to different competencies and different job roles.
COMMENTARYEXPERTT
Which positions are most in demand by the industry, and what difficulties do companies face in filling these roles?
Do you expect that the incoming changes to the industry will have any impact on training provision or demand going forward?
COMMENTARY RAILSTAFF JULY - AUGUST 2022 TRAINING 29
As well as these courses for adults, we also run Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4 apprenticeships. These develop individuals’ skills and knowledge to give them what they need to work in the industry. The leaners complete the apprenticeship and leave as an advanced track operative or a rail engineer. Intertrain learners work with leading employers, not limited to the rail industry, to look at other employment opportunities in order to keep individuals in sustained employment.
With new rail infrastructure projects expected to create new job openings, employers should look for ways to help people enter the industry mid-career. Employers and training providers could work together to create a series of short, sharp, but high-quality training courses, that help people with existing transferrable skills top up their skillsets and prepare for careers in rail. Individuals should also consider Government training grants and other bursary opportunities, such as the City & Guilds Foundation and Intertrain track employment programme.
away with a CSCS card allowing them to work in the construction industry in roles such as a civil rail engineer.
Do you have any advice for those already working in rail and looking to change their career pathway?
How straightforward is it for individuals to apply for courses / schemes? What is the process and what costs are involved?
Intertrain is currently providing employers with high-skilled individuals to strengthen their workforce and capabilities of working in the industry. The demand for training is expected to rise as the rail industry continues to grow and be an integral part of the country’s transport infrastructure. More recently we have begun to see an increase of women entering the industry, and this is something we hope will continue with an industry focus on recruiting underrepresented groups. Intertrain is also innovating training provision by introducing more e-learning to better support individuals training needs and will continue developing training to support the needs of the industry.
Firstly, all funded courses at Intertrain are 100% free to the learner. This is because Intertrain receives funding from the Government, bursaries, and other internal funding and the standard commercial courses are paid for by the sponsor (employer). As for the process of booking courses or enquiring, this is very simple.
The applicant can complete an online form at https://railway-training-courses.com, which automatically goes through to the Intertrain funding/recruitment team who will then get in touch. Applicants can also email funding@intertrain.biz with their enquiry, or alternatively call the funding/recruitment team and speak to a member of Intertrain staff direct.
RAILSTAFF SPOKE TO CHRIS JONES FROM SOUTH WESTERN RAILWAY ABOUT WHAT IT TAKES TO MAKE THE GRADE AS A TRAIN DRIVER.
FIRST STEPS Making an application is your first step towards becoming a driver. You can apply directly to a train operating company to become a trainee driver and employers usually require GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths, or equivalent qualifications. Signing up for job alerts from operating companies is a good way to find out about vacancies. Some companies also allow you to register your interest online and will contact you if positions become available. Should your application be accepted, you’ll be invited to an assessment day where you’ll face a barrage of tests on qualities including spatial awareness, concentration, and hand/eye coordination. Should you fail any of these assessments, your day at the test centre will be over and you’ll have one more chance to apply for the role. If you’re successful, however, you’ll be invited to a driver manager interview. This is the first of two interviews, and the driver manager will be looking to see if you’re a good fit for the role and company. Questions will concentrate on your experience, personality, and skills. The next stage is the more arduous multi-modal interview (MMI), a more structured assessment which measures the behavioural characteristics required for the role. Here you’ll be asked to identify and talk through examples of six different types of experiences you’ve had in your life, as well as a battery of psychometric questions. Should you succeed, you’ll finally be eligible forAlltraining.TOCs have different procedures, but you’ll likely be entered into a talent bank and be allocated a course from there. Once you have been allocated a course, you’ll be sent a contract and will be booked in for a train driver medical. All offers are subject to passing this examination.
“You've got to be someone who’s switched on, someone who’s proactive and will do something about a problem if they see it,” says Chris.
Chris Jones has been a driver with South Western Railway for three years. He maintains a popular Twitter feed as @Chris_TheDriver, where he provides an insight into the life in the role.
“You have to have a good level of numeracy and literacy, as we have to have clear, unambiguous conversations when we're out on the line. If we perform an action that someone may not be expecting, then accidents can happen. The most important word on the railway is safety.”
SUCCESS DRIVING TOWARDS 30 TRAINING RAILSTAFF JULY - AUGUST 2022 RAILSTAFF.CO.UK | @RAIL_STAFF | FACEBOOK.COM/RAILSTAFF
T he competition for train driving roles is incredibly high with hundreds, if not thousands, chasing each vacancy. The selection process is rigorous and aimed at whittling down the number of candidates so that only those most suited to the role make it through to training. It can cost around £100,000 to train a new driver, so companies want to be sure their investment is a wise one.
Applicants must be dedicated to the role and possess a strong safety awareness. They must be disciplined and customer focused, have a healthy respect for rules, and be extremely reliable and punctual. The position carries with it a weight of responsibility and applicants must be calm and focused at all times, particularly during times of stress. Applicants must also pass a medical examination that involves eyesight, hearing, and colour vision tests.
IN THE CAB
“The railway has a rule book. It contains instructions to all concerned with running the railway about what to do in any given situation. We say that it is ‘written in blood’ because changes to the rule book come when, unfortunately, someone is injured or dies on the railway. During driver training, over half of your time will be devoted to the rule book.
“At some point during this driving, you will be taken away to a yard to complete traction training on each type of stock that you will drive. You will spend a week or so learning every major part of the train, what it does, how it can go wrong and how to fix it yourself, and what to do if it can’t be fixed. You will learn how to couple the units together, how to uncouple them, how to shut them down and how to start them up.”
“The rules contain instructions on what to do in any given situation. You can’t have a situation arise where it becomes impossible to move a train at all. So, no matter how broken a train is, there will be a rule to cover how it can be moved and you must know them all.”
CONTINUAL LEARNING
INTENSIVE TRAINING When you join a company, you’ll go straight onto an intensive training programme giving you all the skills you need to be a train driver. The training is made up of classroom-based learning, practical experience in the driving cab, as well as independent learning. It is intensive and demanding.“Youwillbe taught everything from what the signs are out on the railway to what lights mean, what a signal is, how the roster system works, and how to look after yourself when working shifts,” says Chris. “You will be taught how to walk on the tracks and, crucially, when you are allowed to do so.”
As you rack up hours in the driving seat you’ll have interim assessments by the driving instructor to ensure you’re on track to complete the course. As you approach the date of your final examination – the initial competency assessment (ICA) − your instructor will start regularly testing your knowledge of the rules and everything you learned in the classroom.
“When your final examinations come around, you will be required to demonstrate to an assessor that you understand the rule book, know how the trains operate, how to prep them, and how to do all the things you learned in traction,” says Chris.
RAILSTAFF JULY - AUGUST 2022 TRAINING 31
“You’ll need to drive the trains to an acceptable standard, stopping at the correct marks on the platform, safely and gently. You will need to demonstrate that you can conduct a driver over a route for which he is unfamiliar as you may be called upon to do that. The final exam used to take a week, but it has now been split up into four or five days over a period of several weeks.”
“The instructors for the practical training are normal drivers who’ve decided to help new drivers achieve their goal,” says Chris. “They are all very experienced drivers who spend their time putting the new recruits through their paces. A trainee has to achieve a minimum of 225 hours of driving time on the open railway, a proportion of which must be in the dark.”
There’s a lot to learn and you’ll have regular assessments and reviews, as well as workbook and logbooks to keep on top of, so you need to be prepared to put in the hours.
“You will learn about different roles on the railway,” says Chris, “who they are, what they do, how they interact with you, what to expect from them and what they expect from you. And then there’s the rules.
Once you’ve passed your final exam, you can call yourself a driver. However, your training isn’t quite complete. You won’t be allowed to drive alone until you complete your route knowledge. Route knowledge is made up of various elements that
The classroom-based course usually lasts for around 16 weeks and once you’ve got a handle of the theory, you then start the practical side of learning how to drive a train. You’ll be placed with an instructor and join them on their regular route. They’ll talk you through the process of moving the train and, as you gain experience, they trust you to do things on your own.
ALL EXPERIENCE WELCOMED
The role of train driver attracts a wide range of candidates and operating companies are equally welcoming whether you’re new to the industry or have been a rail family member for some time. Chris was 51 when he applied for driver training while working as a guard. Prior to joining South Western Railway he’d had a career at Sony and had spent six years working for a tech-startup. Often, the role appeals to those from an emergency service or armed service background, mainly due to the shift patterns involved, the importance of self-reliance, and the logical thinking and concentration levels required.
“To pass your routes you need to spend time on trains going along your route as a route learner,” says Chris. “The best way to learn is by driving the train yourself, but you must wait to be offered the opportunity. While you are driving someone else’s train, they are in effect conducting you, and any mistake you make goes on their licence.
So, what advice does Chris have for those interested in applying? “There are a few things you can do to prepare yourself, first and most important is to research the role,” he says. “Think about why you want to be a trainee driver and the qualities you have that make you suited to the role.
32 TRAINING RAILSTAFF JULY - AUGUST 2022 RAILSTAFF.CO.UK | @RAIL_STAFF | FACEBOOK.COM/RAILSTAFF
“Take some time to consider how you would manage the shift patterns and working by yourself for long periods of time, as well as how you’d handle the study requirements. Getting your head around the practicalities of the role is really important and will stand you in good stead with the process.
“Eventually, you’ll be ready for an assessment and an instructor will go out with you while you drive the route without notes, all the while being quizzed on things like SPAD (Signal Passed at Danger) signals, possible distractions, and so on. You must demonstrate that you know the route so well that you could drive it blindfolded.”
“You’re never too old to apply, so don’t let that put you off. Equally, if you’re younger, don’t worry too much about not having a lot of experience – the driver training programme is open to anyone above the age of 21. If you’re below 21, consider another role within the railway before applying – if you have some knowledge about the railway, it will certainly help. Just go for it – you’re only here once, so you should make the absolute best of it!”
Once you’ve completed your route knowledge and passed your assessment, you’re finally a fully qualified driver. However, the learning never really ends. Drivers are expected to commit to continual learning opportunities and the rule book receives regular updates which drivers must stay abreast of.
drivers need to be aware of, such as when the train needs to have its power increased or decreased to control the train at the correct speed and knowing when the brakes need to be applied in a safe manner to bring the train to a stop at a station or a red signal.
If you’re interested in RSSB's Non-Technical Skills Awareness and Integration training, contact the Training team on 020 3142 5418 or at training@rssb.co.uk. NON-TECHNICAL SKILLS INTO THE OPEN
This is the basis for training that discusses what non-technical skills are and looks at factors that can affect them. Paul explains: “By naming, formalising, and describing the skills, we make them easier to think about and discuss. So, skills that people often think of as common sense and second nature become something they’re much more conscious of. That ultimately helps them perform better in situations where these skills could come under pressure.“Atrain driver needs technical skills to be able to do their job by operating equipment in their cab. But they’re also using situational awareness to assess what’s going on around the train. And they’re using decision-making and action to respond to signals, alerts and alarms, and communication to understand and respond to instructions. Organisations may not always train these skills in the same way as they train technical skills. Yet, when we see errors on the railway, non-technical skills are often a contributor. So they really do matter.”
The training goes on to look at how to promote non-technical skills and make them part of training, development, and performance management.“We’remaking it easier for line managers, trainers, instructors and those who measure people’s competence, to have conversations with people about these skills,” says Paul. “This means everyone can work together to develop and improve the skills because they’re all talking about the same thing in the same way.”
‘Safety-criticalmanagement.industrieslike healthcare, oil and gas, and aviation have long recognised non-technical skills and created frameworks to focus attention on them. Now rail has done the same,’ says RSSB’s head of Human Factors, Paul Leach.
TransPennine Express recently used the training to help managers who work with drivers and guards. The course gave managers a deeper understanding of non-technical skills, as well as more confidence to talk about them, along with ideas for building awareness of, enhancing and measuring them. One delegate said: “It was great to get an independent view of non-technical skills from experts in the field, but still focused on rail.”
S afety incidents on the UK’s railway often have complex causes. They could be influenced by gaps in technical skills, like repairing track or operating signals. But they could also be influenced by people not communicating well or not spotting risks in their working environment. These are types of non-technical skills, and while they’re crucial to a safe and efficient railway, many people don’t realise how much they matter.
Paul adds: “The training ultimately helps anyone in an operational frontline role that affects the safety and performance of the railway, or the experience of passengers or staff. That includes everyone from staff in control rooms and signal boxes, to maintenance and track workers, and cleaners.”
Paul says: “They might want to focus on specific groups of people, like drivers and guards, and we’ll tailor our case studies and materials accordingly. Or they might want to spend more time on developing training or post-incident development plans, or integrating non-technical skills into competency management.”
The training also helps build non-technical skills into training and development, and performance
In 2012, RSSB classified non-technical skills, listing 26 in all, and grouped them in seven categories: situational awareness; conscientiousness; communication; decisionmaking and action; co-operation and working with others; workload management; and selfmanagement.
Training from the Rail Safety & Standards Board (RSSB) aims to change that by bringing non-technical skills into the open and making them better understood. It helps organisations boost awareness of these skills so their people become more conscious of how they use them and how they can improve their performance.
The training comes as a three-day course open to anyone in rail, or in a two-day form that organisations can adapt to their own needs.
BRINGING
RAILSTAFF JULY - AUGUST 2022 TRAINING 33
Recognising non-technical skills
Tailoring the training
• Fatigue
• Work
COVID PANDEMIC EFFECTS
• Train operations •
REPORT BY COLIN WHEELER 2021-22 34 HEALTH+SAFETY RAILSTAFF JULY - AUGUST 2022 RAILSTAFF.CO.UK | @RAIL_STAFF | FACEBOOK.COM/RAILSTAFF
The Board continues to provide monthly updated reports on SPADs, and safety performance and risk using the fatalities and weighted injuries (FWI) statistics as a measure. focussed, listed reports are available online covering the following priority risk areas: health and wellbeing road risk management crossings risk management safety integrity (both infrastructure and rolling stock) related violence and assaults
WHEELER GIVES AN OVERVIEW OF THE RSSB'S
COLIN LATEST ANNUAL
• Workforce
RSSB REPORTANNUAL
• Asset
Eleven
ThereFreightis reference to the quarterly progress reports issued by the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board (LRSSB) and use of the precursor indicator model that provides a weighted measure of failures that can result in accidents. Detailed data on SPAD’s and how to use FWI details as a measure of injuries is also included.
• Workforce
The full report can be viewed at Railway Safety and Standards Board’s (RSSB) annual report was issued in early July by Ali Chegini who is the RSSB’s director for systems safety and health. Ali is one of the speakers who will contribute to this year’s Rail Safety Summit at the Holywell Park Conference Centre at Loughborough University on 13 September.
SAFETY REPORT.
risk-and-safety-intelligence/annual-health-and-safety-reportwww.rssb.co.uk/safety-and-health/ T he
SAVINGS OF £15.7 MILLION
The report says that the year started quietly but that, latterly, public attitudes have changed, particularly at level crossings and the train/ platform interface. It suggests that more people are taking chances at crossings and on stations, and this has coincided with the dog ownership increase and with many more people taking country walks.
• Public behaviour • Station operation • Occupational
• Level
The report illustrates how well the UK compares with other countries and provides statistics on health and safety performance, operational learning, and risk reduction. It concludes that “Britain’s railways remain safe”.
Key areas it highlights are asset integrity, workforce trackside safety, the prevention of freight train derailment, signals passed at danger (SPADs) and health and wellbeing. These are identified as areas where new insights and resources have become available from RSSB.
The report claims that over the last five years the industry’s performance in health and safety through operational learning and risk reductions (backed by their standard setting) has saved the industry some £15.7 million. The report includes five new/revised standards on topics including platform tactile surfaces, electrical risk management, multimode rolling stock, freight train operation, and the handling and carriage of dangerous goods. Its headlines include references to two workforce fatalities, six passenger or public fatalities in stations, 23 public fatalities at other locations, and 261 suicides or suspected suicides, as well as a surprising 160% increase in passenger journeys.
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People make mistakes all the time but fortunately most are easily corrected. Within any organisational group, mutual respect, interaction, and understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses contribute to safer and more productive working.
REPORT BY COLIN WHEELER
LEADERSHIPGOOD Colin Wheeler.
MOTIVATES SAFER WORKING 36 TRACK SAFETY RAILSTAFF JULY - AUGUST 2022 RAILSTAFF.CO.UK | @RAIL_STAFF | FACEBOOK.COM/RAILSTAFF
Surbiton track worker fatality report published RAIB’s report 05/2022 was recently published and concerns the accident that happened at 11:35 on the morning of 9 February 2021. Thirty-year-old Tyler Byrne was the controller of site safety (COSS) leading a track inspection with three others. He was walking in a crossover near Surbiton Station in South West London when he was struck and fatally injured by a passenger train travelling at 76mph. The report summary says that he was unaware of his position relative to the train, either by being distracted, teaching his assistant, or undertaking an actual inspection. The accident happened 365 metres on the country side of Surbiton Station where there are five lines interconnected by crossovers. The lines are busy with frequent trains both suburban and long distance and many different stopping patterns. The regular inspection was planned using unassisted lookouts, the least safe system of working. This had not been challenged before the accident. Network Rail is eliminating unassisted lookout working but this had
Bulletins and reports emphasise the details of work planning and site modified working practices that have contributed to or even resulted in accidents and injury. Building and constantly working to improve team motivation needs to be led by individuals that are respected by those doing the work. This is not easy to achieve on today’s railways. Safety professionals who may misinterpret accident statistics can even contribute to the problems. Fitness for work and the will to do a good job safely are all important.
Drugs and alcohol test failures Following the Surbiton accident, neither the patrol assistant, site lookout, or train driver were tested for drugs or alcohol.
On 5 July 2022, Network Rail’s Health and Wellbeing team issued bulletin NRB22-05 on Safety Central which gave information of concern about a significant rise in drugs and alcohol testing failures. Over three periods (presumably each of four weeks) testing had found sixteen individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol who should not have been at work.Network Rail’s zero tolerance policy leads to a cancellation of the individual’s Sentinel cards and a five-year ban from working. The number of test failures (16) is described as being “far worse than last year”. Seven were due to alcohol, four for cannabis, and five for cocaine. This raises questions. Is enough testing being done and should more unannounced random checking nationwide be undertaken?
RAILSTAFF JULY - AUGUST 2022 TRACK SAFETY 37 FACEBOOK.COM/RAILSTAFF | @RAIL_STAFF | RAILSTAFF.CO.UK
Improvement notices issued On 8 July 2019, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) issued two improvement notices on Network Rail having “concluded that Network Rail had reached the limits of protection that could be provided by improving safe systems of work” and that it needed to “significantly reduce the amount of working with unassisted lookouts”. Also, Network Rail was “to identify track access under existing possessions and line blockages as well as using technological means of providing warning when blockages are not possible”. This report is especially detailed and thorough, and so it should be. RAIB’s recommendations relate first to work groups on or near the line within designated safe limits when some or all lines remain open for traffic; and second to “understanding the nature and reasons behind rule and behaviour non compliances observed by RAIB during its investigation”. The Rail Delivery Group is instructed to “work to improve the judgement of train drivers on whether track workers are in a dangerous position and to reinforce the use of the train horn to deliver urgent warnings.”
not resulted in changes where the COSS worked. Clause 46 of the RAIB report says it all: “Wessex Route began its trackworker programme in April 2020 after it had recruited the staff necessary to oversee its delivery and set a target date of April 2022 to eliminate unassisted lookout working (ULW). Prior to 2020 there were no specific initiatives on the Wessex Route focussed on reducing ULW.” The COSS was also the Person in Charge (PIC), familiar with the location and the work. Based in Woking, he was assisted by a patroller’s assistant and a distant, as well as site lookout. The inspections were carried out every Tuesday. The day of the incident was the COSS’s first day back after three weeks sickness absence. Having completed an inspection at Berrylands, the team had returned to Surbiton. They inspected the crossover at the country end of Surbiton Station and then walked to the Up Fast/Down Fast crossover. The train driver was 416 metres away (12 seconds running time) when he saw the group and sounded a warning horn whilst travelling at 78mph. The COSS walked in the crossover between the Up and Down Fast lines. CCTV from the driver’s cab shows the group walking along the track and not looking back towards the approaching train.
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This incident occurred at 14:51 on 21 April this year on the Lady Howard crossing at Ashtead in Surrey. The crossing is used for access to Ashtead Common and has gates and signage instructing users to “stop, look and listen” before crossing. The train involved was travelling at 62mph at the time of the accident. RAIB is investigating. Level crossing near misses On 23 May at 08:22, the 07:02 Great Western service from Gatwick Airport to Reading approached Farnborough North footpath crossing at 70mph. The driver saw a large number of people using the crossing as the train approached, sounded his horn and made an emergency brake application. The crossing became clear of users just five seconds before he reached it. RAIB is investigating. The train would normally have stopped at Farnborough North, but due to earlier disruption had been made a nonstopping service. Consequently, its arrival was not indicated on the station platform information boards. Near miss at Sileby Junction
This occurred between Leicester and Loughborough on 5 May 2021, but the report 06/2022 was published by RAIB on 11 July this year. The trains involved were an empty passenger train and a rail grinding/ reprofiling train travelling on the same line but in the opposite direction! The rail grinding/ reprofiling train passed a signal at danger (SPAD) and reached Sileby Junction a mere 10 seconds after the passenger train had cleared the junction whilst travelling in the opposite direction. There were no injuries or damage but the incident resulted in trains being delayed. The cause was the driver not controlling the train speed, causing the train to pass the signal at red. The emergency braking system worked but did not stop the train before it reached the point where it could collide with another train.
The RAIB report says that “a probable underlying factor was associated with the fatigue risk management processes used by the train operator”. It adds that, “there was no system wide risk assessment to control overruns arising from the operation of non-standard vehicles on the national network”. Also, the train operator did not obtain safety critical information about the train driver before he joined the company. Further observations relate to “processes for managing the operational and technical responses to incidents”. Freight trains collide at Doncaster
On 5 July 2022, a GB Railfreight train travelling at 28mph passed signal D197 at danger showing a red aspect and then crashed into the back of a stationary freight train that was approximately 230 metres beyond the red signal. Significant damage was caused to both trains’ freight vehicles and the infrastructure. RAIB is investigating.
Footpath crossing fatality
Three more trapped and dragged RAIB are currently investigating these incidents which all occurred in the London area. Around 09:00-11:00 on 23 June2022, at Seven Sisters Station, an intended traveller placed a hand between the closing train doors and was then dragged along as the train moved off. Fortunately, it stopped before any injury was caused. Just four days later at 06:26 on 27 July at Wembley Central Station, a traveller pushed a walking pole between the closing doors of a departing train which was stopped after travelling a short distance. The third incident was at Crouch Hill at 13:46 on 29 June. On that occasion the intended traveller put an umbrella between the closing doors but fortunately, yet again, the train came to a stand after moving a short distance. RAIB has advised that it will issue a Safety Digest covering all three of these incidents. It could be claimed that each report of a near miss or accident written about this month has the same underlying cause; the fallibility of individuals, inadequate commitment to always being aware of safety, and break downs in communication.
A number of wagons were derailed on both trains. The collision at 06:23, took place to the south of Doncaster between Loversall Carr and Flyover West Junction on the Down Slow/Up West Slow line. 4E11 was travelling between Felixstowe and Masborough and consisted of 35 container wagons being hauled by a locomotive. Shudehill tram stop, Manchester At 11:16 on 27 May, a woman suffered face and hand injuries after being trapped in and dragged by the closing doors of a departing tram. Her bag had become trapped, and she was dragged for 13 metres before falling onto the tram stop platform. Following a preliminary examination RAIB have decided to publish a safety digest.
INCLUSIVITY SUSTAINABILITY LEOWORKWEAR.COM @LEOWORKWEAR @LEO-WORKWEAR 85 RAIL COMPLIANT GARMENTS
Showcasing the future of EXPLORE THE INDUSTRY Modern Railways EXPO will be laid out in dedicated zones based on industry areas, giving you an overall perspective of the latest developments and technologies on show as companies look to the future of Britain’s railways. • Freight • Industry and Regulatory Bodies • Infrastructure and On Track Plant Suppliers • Professional Advice, Consultancy and Services • Rail Recruitment • Rail Vehicle Enhancements • Rolling Stock Manufacture, Supply & Delivery • Signalling and Telecommunications Want to join them? Then get in touch today by e-mailing david.lane@keypublishing.com or call 07795 031051 include:Zones To nd out more please visit us at... www.modernrailways Celebrating 60 years Modern Railways EXPO marks the culmination of Modern Railways magazine’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. For six decades the magazine has been charting key developments in the industry and looking to the future of Britain’s railways. We’ve marked this throughout the year with a Parliamentary reception and a railtour and our show continues this celebration, including opportunities to meet key members of the team behind Modern Railways.
325/22 NOWREGISTERfor our excitingnew show!
networking reception
DISCUSS THE KEY ISSUES Modern Railways EXPO is the place to discuss the future of Britain’s railways. Conference sessions across both days of the show cover key relevantthemestothe decarbonisation.topicsreformrecovery,post-pandemicrail’srailandkeysuchas
ENGAGE WITH KEY ORGANISATIONS
Modern Railways EXPO brings the industry together to help shape the future of Britain’s railways. The show provides unrivalled networking opportunities, culminating in an networkingexclusivereception at the close of the show on Tuesday 22 November, giving exhibitors and visitors a chance to relax and catch up with industry colleagues.
Britain’s railway .com/expoMEETWITHCOLLEAGUES
Modern Railways EXPO is supported by key industry players including Network Rail and the Rail Forum. Engage with these organisations at the show to discover how your organisation can contribute towards the future of Britain’s railways:Engage with representatives from a range of Network Rail departments, including seminars, panel discussions and the chance to explore some of the new technology being introduced onto the network. Engage with Rail Forum members and join the trade body for a seminar programme aimed at supporting companies in the supply chain.
EVENTS SEPTEMBER 2022 CM 2022 Contact Mechanics and Wear of Rail/Wheel Systems 4th-7th Melbourne,SeptemberAustralia www.cm2022.org EDI CHARTER FOR RAIL: PRIDE 2022 8th LondonSeptember https://www.riagb.org.uk/ EventDetail?EventKey=PRIDE22 ACHIEVING DECARBONISATIONRAIL 14th LondonSeptember https://waterfront.eventscase.com/EN/ decarbonisation22 SIMULATION AND MODELLING 2022 20th-21st September The Manufacturing Technology Centre, Coventry events.imeche.org/ViewEvent?e=7511 INNOTRANS 2022 20th-23rd September Berlin, Germany www.innotrans.de/en/ OCTOBER 2022 INTERNATIONAL RAIL FORUM 5th-7th Prague,OctoberCzechRepublic irfc.eu/en THE MOBILITYINTERNATIONALSUMMIT 12th-13th October Bella Center, Copenhagen, Denmark electronomous.com/the-internationalmobility-summit-2022 RAILCON 13th-14th October Niš, Serbia railcon.rs RAILWAYTECH INDONESIA 19th-21st October Jakarta, Indonesia www.railwaytech-indonesia.com NOVEMBER 2022 MODERN RAILWAYS EXPO 2022 22nd-23rd November Milton Keynes www.modernrailways.com/expo RAILSTAFF AWARDS 2022 | 24 NOVEMBER 2022, NEC, BIRMINGHAM | WWW.RAILSTAFFAWARDS.COM NOVEMBER 2022 RAILSTAFF AWARDS 2022 24th November NEC, Birmingham www.railstaffawards.com IMechE 175th CELEBRATIONANNIVERSARYDINNER 24th LibraryNovemberofBirmingham events.imeche.org/ViewEvent?e=7528 RAIL LIVE! 29th November - 1st December FYCMA, Malaga, Spain terrapinn.com/conference/rail-live DECEMBER 2022 ROLLING STOCK FIRE SAFETY & INNOVATIONINTERIORS 5th-9th Brisbane,DecemberAustralia www.we-rail.com/rolling-stock-firesafety-innovation/ AUSRAIL 2022 5th-7th Brisbane,DecemberAustralia www.ara.net.au/events INTERMODAL ASIA 14th-16th Shanghai,DecemberChina www.intermodal-asia.com A GUIDE TO UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE RAIL INDUSTRY THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, AT A GLANCE 42 EVENTS RAILSTAFF JULY - AUGUST 2022 RAILSTAFF.CO.UK | @RAIL_STAFF | FACEBOOK.COM/RAILSTAFF
www.railsta awards.com THE RAILSTAFF AWARDS 2022 MORE THAN AN AWARD NOMINATE TODAY! Apprentice of the Year Award for Charity Covid HeroDigitalCovidIndividualOutstandingAwardHeroes-OutstandingTeamAwardCustomerServiceAwardDepotStaAwardRailway(S&T)PersonorTeamAwardGraduateorNewcomerAward Health & Wellbeing Award HR, Diversity & Inclusion Person or Team Award Learning & RailCommunicationsLifetimeAwardDevelopmentAchievementAwardMarketing&TeamAwardCivils/InfrastructureTeamAward Rail Engineer of the Year Rail Manager of the Year Rail Person of the Year Rail ProjectAwardManager Rail Team of the Year Safety Person or Team SamaritansAwardLifesaverAwardStationStaAward THE NEC, BIRMINGHAM // 24TH NOVEMBER 2022 Let’s recognise those who are outstanding, those that go above and beyond, those who are special. They need to know just how much they are appreciated.
Preparations are well underway for the 2022 RailStaff Awards, which are now just around the corner. The popular and prestigious event takes place on 24 November at Birmingham’s NEC and, as always, attendees can expect to be bowled over by the experience. Our event planners have made sure the night will be one to remember, full of fun, surprises, and glamour, and they’ve pulled out all the stops to ensure guests are wowed by the scale of the spectacle.
INTRODUCING YOUR HOST Comedy fans will be delighted to learn that the host of this years’ awards is none other than comedian and actor Ed Byrne, a regular face on the satirical panel game Mock the Week. More than this, Ed has had a long career in comedy, enjoying huge critical and popular success in the UK and Ireland.Aswell as appearing on television, radio, and the big screen, Ed has performed on hit tours, and countless sold-out stints at the Edinburgh Fringe, being nominated for the Perrier Award in 1998. He has also achieved the comedian’s dream and developed a huge international following, performing to sold-out venues in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Bermuda, Norway, Switzerland and more. In North America, Ed has made has several appearances at the prestigious Just for Laughs festival in Montreal, appeared at top comedy clubs in New York and LA, and performed at the US Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen. Speaking of which…
The shimmering mountains and log cabins of our bustling alpine party village will provide the inspiration for this year’s Awards.Onthe night, guests will make an entrance through a forest of snow-dusted fir trees, lit in the cool tones of a winter’s evening. Once inside they can choose to meet friends for cocktails in the venue’s double-storey ski lodge, sample the delicious canapé reception, or make their way straight to the main bar to mingle. When everyone has taken their seats for dinner, the evening’s entertainment will begin, and world-class circus entertainers will perform impossible feats to a backdrop of fire, flames, and a dazzling light display. After this epic stage show has come to a climatic end, the awards ceremony will begin and Ed will work his magic on the room, running through the various categories.
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A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
WELCOME TO OUR SKI RESORT!
Make your nominations at https://www.railstaffawards.com/ event/2022/nominate
TheRailStaffAwardsrail-media@railstaffawards
Once every category winner has been named and welcomed on stage to thunderous applause, the real party begins, as a raft of afterdinner entertainment appears to take your experience into the early hours.With casino tables open, indoor fairground rides will burst into life and – while some may choose to take coffee and chocolates with friends – the dance floor will open for those with more energy. After all, the night is still young! Gemma King, event organiser at Rail Media, said: “Where has the time gone? It only seems like yesterday that we welcomed 900 colleagues to the enchanted kingdom to crown 2019’s rail industry heroes.“With all of the smiles, laughter and good times that it brings, the RailStaff Awards is one of my favourite nights of the year. I’ve no doubt this year’s will be yet another special occasion.”
NIGHT
The RailStaff Awards are always a spectacular event but, more than that, they’re a celebration of what makes our industry great – its people. Winners and finalists come from all levels of the industry and mix and mingle and have a fantastic time. The clock is now ticking until nominations close for the RailStaff Awards – so don’t miss your chance to put a colleague forward before the deadline on 2 October. The awards are open to everyone in the industry and recognise the achievements of both the most experienced professionals and those at the very start of their careers, including engineers, recruiters, drivers and project managers.
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45 REMEMBER NOMINATE NOW! AND WIN A PAIR OF AWARDS YOUR
But whether you’re nominating or being nominated, make sure to grab your ticket to the rail industry’s greatest night of the year. Tickets can be booked at www.railstaffawards.com/event/2022/tickets We can’t wait to see you - it’s going to be another magnificent occasion!
A TO REMEMBER
THE NEC // THURSDAY // 24TH NOVEMBER 2022
From temporary assignments to permanent hiring, the company’s services are designed to meet the needs of its clients who benefit from bespoke packages, access to a network of high-value candidates, and a team of professional advisers with wide industry experience. Client firms are supported in identifying, engaging, and selecting the strongest candidates for a given role, and treated as valuable advisors throughout the recruitment process.
“Ontrak Recruitment and Training have been providing Customer Service Staff to the Railway Industry for over 15 years,” says Ashley. “We are fortunate enough to be in a position to sponsor this worthy award, as all too often Customer Service Staff are overlooked, yet bare the brunt of passenger frustration.”
E
Built on a commitment to customer service, the company sticks to three core principles: first - honesty, commitment, and respect for customers and colleagues; second - regular engagement and communication with all stakeholders; and third - continuous monitoring and improvement of performance. Staying true to these values allows the firm to offer customers and clients the best experience and helps the company build collaborative partnerships and pair talented individuals with top-flight employers.
RESPECT PROFESSIONALISMAND
CUSTOMER SERVICE
BESPOKE SOLUTIONS
ABOVE AND BEYOND With outstanding customer service at the core of its operations, Ontrak Recruitment is perfectly placed to sponsor RailStaff’s Customer Services Award, the winner of which will have demonstrated an ability to exceed company requirements in delivering a stellar experience for their clientele.
Customer service is at the heart of our company’s values and the core of everything we do,” says Ashley, “and we are therefore thrilled to recognise the hard work of all of the nominees. Passion, proactivity, and perseverance are all traits we would expect to see in the recipient of this award”.
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xcellent customer service is at the heart of any successful company. Clients return to companies which surpass their expectations and deliver an excellent experience. Furthermore, they go on to spread the good word and generate more business in return. The RailStaff Awards recognise those teams and individuals who’ve gone above and beyond in meeting their clientele’s needs with the Customer Service Award, sponsored this year by Ontrak Recruitment Ltd.
Matching a candidate to a client’s requirements isn’t a simple box-ticking exercise. A candidate with the correct skills won’t necessarily match the culture of a company and getting the right fit is essential. Ontrak Recruitment aims to do much more than slot potential staff into job roles, and ensures it places candidates with the right attitude and personal qualities − as well as correct qualifications − to ensure successful partnerships. This allows the company to deliver the best recruitment experience to all involved.Thecompany sets out to provide all candidates with the best service possible, treating everyone with the respect and professionalism they deserve. Building longterm, mutually beneficial relationships with each of its candidates, whether they’re permanent, temporary, or contract workers, is more important than simply filling a vacancy.
On the client side, successful recruitment is dependent on a number of elements: one - understanding their requirements; two - offering specialist insight into the market; and three - making the right connections to provide a competitive edge. Ontrak Recruitment delivers all three.
Established by Company Director Ashley Spence in 2007, Ontrak Recruitment is excellently positioned to support the award, melding traditional recruitment practices with modern methods to deliver a professional and personal service to its clients and candidates.
After receiving an extraordinary 31 nominations at the last RailStaff Awards, Southeastern’s Margaret Capps was awarded the top prize for customer service. Margaret runs a station in leafy Etchingham, Sussex, and has very much become part of the fabric. She has brought colour to the village station with floral displays, keeps a box of confectionary at the counter for customers and has even created a fairy garden to entertain children. Such are the efforts Margaret goes to that one customer, who nominated her for a RailStaff Award, said they can get to London quicker via other stations but they choose Etchingham because of Margaret.Usingher expert knowledge, in times of disruption she ensures everyone is safe, understands what’s going on and knows how best to get to their destination and she even helps customers to organise lifts with each other if necessary. Calm, professional and equipped with a ‘can do’ attitude, she copes well under pressure.
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One nomination perfectly summarised what an asset Margaret is to Southeastern and the rail industry as a whole: “I never thought buying a ticket at the start of the day to commute to London could be so enjoyable!”Margaret, whose trophy will take pride of place at Etchingham station, said: “I would expect the same treatment that I give to customers from anyone else. I know people say it’s your job, but if you don’t enjoy your job, don’t do it, walk away. I do actually love my job – but don’t tell the managers! But I actually do, my station is really, really good. My customers are going to be really pleased because they adore me and I really adore my customers.”
PREVIOUSLY AWARDED
The points were cleared at approximately 01:00 and the train was finally able to transport most of the customers back towards home but it again became stuck at frozen points. A few customers were still on board and Pete again did his best to keep them up-beat and they eventually arrived back at around 03:30. Pete had by this time been on shift for 14 hours, all of that time taking care of his customers with a smile, reassuring them with his fantastic customer service and looking after them at risk to himself.
“I just come from a slightly different background, that’s all, and made a success of it.
For going above and beyond, Pete was awarded the ‘Rail Person of the Year’ trophy at the RailStaff Awards. He said: “We all do a tough job on the railway – anyone in my position would have done the same thing.
As part of the same group of specialist staffing companies, Matchtech and Resourcing Solutions joined forces in 2017 to become one of the largest rail recruiters in the UK. Its complementary offering ensures excellent coverage across both design and site works, with Matchtech focusing on professional services experts and Resourcing Solutions specialising in site-based project delivery talent.Asa combined force, Matchtech & Resourcing Solutions is highly embedded into the Rail industry, offering both clients and candidates an excellent service and expert understanding of projects, skills demands, and talent trends. The company has supplied talent to all of the UK’s major projects, including HS2, Crossrail, Transpennine Upgrade, East West Rail, Core Valley Lines, and many Network Rail frameworks. It is proud to have connected candidates with clients in this industry for over 25 years.
In 2019, Great Western Railway’s (GWR) Pete White is always going the extra mile for customers or taking time out to support youngsters coming through the Prince’s Trust programme but it was for his actions when a train he was working on became stranded that he was nominated for a RailStaff Award. With heavy snow falling across the network, Pete was on duty one evening when his train came to a halt with around 20 customers on board, including children. Concerned about morale, he spoke to each of the customers several times to build up their spirits, keeping them calm and reassured.Asthetrain was still stranded come 22:00, and with customers having been onboard for nearly five hours, Pete took it on himself to make the situation more bearable for customers. After struggling through snow, Pete returned from a local shop with food and drink for customers and fellow staff members. Later on that night he was contacted by his line manager at 23:30 who informed him that Network Rail and the local police would be unable to help for several more hours.
A COMBINED FORCE
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OF THE YEAR
The Rail Person of the Year Award is designed to recognise those within the industry who excel at what they do and, as a business that is dedicated to connecting talent with leading companies in the rail industry, we understand the value of exceptional people.
Pete spoke to every customer informing them of the current situation, despite facing some challenging conversations. He also took the name and numbers of all passengers so GWR could contact them at a later date.
Matchtech & Resourcing Solutions is thrilled to sponsor the Rail Person of the Year Award at the 2022 RailStaff Awards, for the second consecutive awards.
“I went from being long-term unemployed to having a lifelong career ahead of me - from being jobless for as long as I was, that’s not all that common.”
This year, Matchtech & Resourcing Solutions will be looking for similarly inspiring people, who go above and beyond to deliver excellence in the rail industry.
specialist consultants prides itself on its industry expertise, building and retaining large networks of experienced and highly skilled professionals. It builds close relationships with candidates and fosters a deep understanding of their individual capabilities, going further than just their documented Sentinel and/or industry-related competencies, so it can provide an excellent service to both our candidates and its clients.
2019’s winner of the Rail Person of the Year Award was proof of this. Pete’s CV did not boast the most impressive qualifications or projects, but his story spoke for itself – he was the person most deserving of recognition for being inspirational in his attitude to others.There’s nothing better than seeing people fulfil their potential, and that is what the RailStaff Awards is all about. Matchtech & Resourcing can’t wait to get another opportunity to sit down with industry peers to celebrate the inspirational stories of the nominees and looks forward to seeing you there! sponsor Person of the Year
If there’s anything that covid has taught the company, it’s that people have immense capacity to inspire us; they can help us be better by leading through example.
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LEAD BY EXAMPLE
proud to
Rail
In 2019, the last time the awards were run, 133 people were nominated for this category − the only one reaching triple figures. Entries included many inspirational stories of selfless acts of humanity from everyday heroes. People who made lifesaving interventions using their instincts and the power of small talk to help vulnerable people on the railways to safety, potentially saving a life.
SAMARITANS LIFESAVER It's true that all RailStaff Awards nominees are workplace justificationwinnersAwardSamaritansheroes.Lifesavernomineesandhaveevenmoreforthetitle.
All nominees deserve recognition for their extraordinary efforts in playing their part in suicide prevention, but the judges have to decide and, in 2019, Land Sheriffs’ John Dawson and Rob Shannon were jointly awarded the Samaritans Lifesaver Award for their compassion, sensitivity, and confidence to engage in small talk and make an intervention.
While on patrol as one of the company’s ‘safer station teams’, the pair noticed a woman wandering around a station who appeared upset but was not looking to board a train. They approached her but she was initially reluctant to talk so John and Rob gave her some space. However, she soon reengaged with them and said she intended to end her life. John and Rob spoke with her to keep her calm and away from platforms and crowds, as this seemed to be making her agitated. They took her to the station coffee shop for a hot drink to warm her up and chatted away to keep her calm. In all they sat with her for over two hours while waiting for the emergency services, who were extremely stretched on the night, to arrive. The police were the first to arrive on the scene but their presence caused the woman to become agitated, so withdrew and left her with John and Rob. A short while later an ambulance arrived. The Land Sheriffs walked the woman to the ambulance, however, as soon as she stepped into the vehicle, she became extremely agitated. She was let out but, with the assistance of John and Rob, she was convinced to get back in. As the female was still slightly agitated, the duo offered to go with her to the hospital which both she and the paramedics were grateful of. Chris Gough (pictured left), operations manager, Land Sheriffs, accepted the award on behalf of John and Rob. He said: “Every day is different for John and Rob. They receive Samaritans training and use this to approach vulnerable persons and, on this occasion, they saw a vulnerable person, they approached her and, by doing so, prevented the unthinkable and gave her the help that she needed.”TylerLeMay, Land Sheriffs’ managing director, said: “At Land Sheriffs we have been proud of the work our teams do to support the rail industry in suicide prevention. By recognising internally when our staff make interventions, we have instilled a culture of intervention making, so we’re thrilled John and Rob have been recognised by RailStaff for their contribution to this important and life-saving work.”
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Steve Tollerton, Samaritans Network Rail training officer at the time, added: “We’re very proud of these guys. The training is so important, but it’s not the training itself, it’s the guys stepping out of their comfort zone and approaching a suicidal person and saving someone’s life. Ultimately, its takes courage and confidence to do that, which is a credit to them.”Training rail staff to give them
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“Samaritans is so proud to sponsor the RailStaff Awards again this year,” says Olivia Cayley, head of rail programme at Samaritans. “Given the last few challenging years for all, it’s even more important that we recognise those who have used their instincts and taken the lead in talking to somebody needing help and saved a life. We’re thankful to the rail industry for their endless support and we will continue to provide staff with skills and confidence to make a difference. The Lifesaver Award is a chance to thank and celebrate these heroes and hopefully inspire others, showing them anyone could help save a life.”
Samaritans is proud to sponsor the Lifesaver Award
So, come November, more people and stories like John and Rob’s and their heroic efforts will be acknowledged at the RailStaff Awards.
Samaritans works closely with the UK rail industry to reduce suicides and support those affected, including award-winning awareness campaigns such as Small Talk Saves Lives. Delivered in partnership with Network Rail and BTP, and supported by the wider rail industry, the campaign reminds people that they already have the skills, and to simply trust their instincts and start a conversation with a question such as ‘hello, what’s the time?’. This can be all it takes to interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts and start them on their path to recovery.
For more information on Samaritans rail suicide prevention programme, or if you’re interested in training, please email railcompanies@samaritans.org.
the confidence and skills to help someone at risk of suicide is a key part of Samaritans’ work across the rail industry, as part of its suicide prevention programme and Network Rail partnership, which began in 2010. Since then, Samaritans has trained more than 25,000 rail staff, as well as British Transport Police (BTP), in suicide prevention.
Samaritans is proud to sponsor the Lifesaver Award and looks forward to welcoming entries for Rail Staff Awards this year. To nominate any of your heroes for a Lifesaver Award, please visit www.railstaffawards.com.
Fiona Westcough.
THE HEART OF THE PROBLEM Far too often I seem to have conversations with my engineering peers who are considering leaving the rail industry. From my experience, their reasons why often tend to fall into three key themes: a lack of appeal, a slow-paced industry, and/or a lack of awareness about the widespread opportunities available within the sector. As an ambassador for early careers professionals within the industry, and someone who goes out of my way to inspire and develop our future leaders, even I find myself questioning if rail is for me. As it turns out, as a woman in engineering, I’m not alone. In November 2021, my employer, Atkins, commissioned a report which explored diversity, progression, and retention in engineering. It uncovers the barriers to progress within a career in engineering and explains the factors which can help us unlock the necessary diversity of talent to meet the challenges of tomorrow. The three themes I had experienced were prevalent across the report and highlighted a particular focus amongst the more diverse talent pool, such as women, young adults, and those from ethnic minority backgrounds.
REFLECTING ON MY JOURNEY INTO RAIL
YOUNG RAIL PROFESSIONALS PEOPLE ARE OUR MOST PRECIOUS RESOURCE
52 YOUNG RAIL PROFESSIONALS RAILSTAFF JULY - AUGUST 2022 RAILSTAFF.CO.UK | @RAIL_STAFF | FACEBOOK.COM/RAILSTAFF
Iam without a doubt that “Creating a simpler, better railway for everyone in Britain” will require the right people to deliver. However, the rail industry currently faces a critical skills shortage. There are a significant proportion of unfilled vacancies across some 250,000 jobs in the UK rail sector, many calling out for engineering professionals, and the demand for skilled workers is only predicted to increase, due to an aging workforce. The multitude of challenges to our skills and talent pipeline will hold us back from delivering wide-reaching future social, economic, and individual benefits in the years to come. It’s clear the industry needs to act quickly to recruit, train and retain new talent – but why has this been such a challenge to date?
Reflecting on my journey into the rail industry, the company I work for and my involvement in the YRP have been the two key pillars to providing fantastic training, qualifications, and opportunities for me. Firstly, I undertook a summer placement which highlighted the opportunities available within the industry and led me to join Atkins’ graduate scheme. The scheme helped me gain exposure to a variety of engineering projects throughout my first years, as well as undertake development courses to expand my knowledge. Furthermore, I have been provided with fantastic mentors, from whom I regularly receive guidance which helps build my confidence in my abilities. YRP has provided a network of individuals across the industry, and my Monitored Professional Development Scheme with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers has provided a great framework of competencies for me to aim towards as I progress towards Chartership. Without these opportunities, I likely wouldn’t be chair and director of YRP today. I often think of those early careers professionals who were not given such opportunities and can’t help but think of the talent our industry is missing out on.
THE VALUE OF A DIVERSE TALENT POOL
Attracting new talent from a more diverse talent pool would not only help to plug the growing gaps in our skills workforce, but it would also bring greater innovation and the positive workforce culture required to tackle these significant challenges and major projects that lie ahead. As a group, early careers professionals often possess fresh perspectives, are motivated to make a difference in their communities, and are often the cause of inclusive cultural shifts in their workplaces. The upcoming generation is largely focused on self-improvement, an increasingly valuable trait in today’s increasingly visible, socially fractured world as we are more likely to identify our biases, self-evaluate our impact, and lead with curiosity and inclusivity. However, if the industry is to attract new talent, how can we engage and appeal to a more diverse audience?
Get involved in Rail Week
Keep an eye on our website youngrailpro.com or railweek.com for upcoming Nowevents!isthe time to commit to getting involved! If you’re interested in supporting Rail Week 2022 please contact fiona.westcough@youngrailpro.com
Now is the time to commit to getting involved! We need you to:
Rail Week can be whatever you want it to be. If you have a about www.railweek.comit! @railweek
Rail Week aims to inspire young people to choose rail careers, through a week of events, visits and talks. By working together we can bridge the skills gap and attract talented and ambitious young people into the sector that we all Thelove.week is a great way we can showcase the diverse range of people and roles in the industry which keep passengers moving and allows us to deliver some of the most ambitious infrastructure projects around.
We need you to:
www.railweek.com @railweek Rail Week aims to inspire young people to choose rail careers, of events, visits and talks. By working together we can bridge and attract talented and ambitious young people into the
Get involved in Rail Week
• Volunteer your staff to promote rail in schools as Rail Week
• Host tours of your depots, factories, control centres, stations,
• Volunteer your staff to promote rail in schools as Rail Week Ambassadors
Between 3-9 October, YRP welcomes you to support Rail Week, our headline week of dedicated activity which aims to address the skills shortage and inspire a generation of young people through a series of events, visits, and talks. We’re focused on inspiring the skills needed for the future and educating our people on the challenges ahead so that we, as an industry, can be fit for the future.
Thelove.week is a great way we can showcase the diverse range roles in the industry which keep passengers moving and allows some of the most ambitious infrastructure projects around.
• Give public lectures and seminars about your incredible
• Give public lectures and seminars about your incredible projects
Rail Week can be whatever you want it to be. If you have a great idea shout about it!
53RAILSTAFF JULY - AUGUST 2022 YOUNG RAIL PROFESSIONALS FACEBOOK.COM/RAILSTAFF | @RAIL_STAFF | RAILSTAFF.CO.UK
• Host tours of your depots, factories, control centres, stations, etc…
TRAINING, QUALIFICATION, AND CAREERS
Changes to the diversity and age profile of the rail industry will be difficult unless there is a top-down approach led by the Government and key industry organisations. However, as organisations or individuals, we can all play our part. At an industry level, we should be educating the public about what a career in rail really looks like and showcasing the spectrum of opportunities. Happily, YRP has been engaged by the Great British Railways Transition Team to share our views on the cultural change required to inspire early careers professionals. To me, culture is especially important to shaping the attitude of the workforce. At an organisational level, we should implement and modernise diversity policies, training, and development. This could include normalising alternative working patterns, ensuring transparency in progression and promotion procedures, or ensuring equal access to development opportunities. Even at an individual level, we can make a difference. For example, you can become a mentor, or support YRP by speaking at one of our events. YRP highlights the opportunities in rail by delivering networking and development events around the UK as well as initiatives such as Rail Week, Young Rail Tours, Heritage Engagement, and Into Rail.
D2 Rail welcomes Ashley Williams
Ashley Williams has joined D2 Rail as digital engineering lead. He will be based between the firm's King Street and TRU site offices, to drive data analytics on projects and provide consultancy to engineering teams on the use of digital tools. He will report to David Harwood.
Commenting on his appointment, Neil added: “It’s impressive to see what Ian and the rest of the team have achieved in such a short period of time. The company has made a positive impact on the rail industry through supporting third party projects and I’m excited to be working with them as they continue to make a difference to communities up and down the country.”
Ashley can be contacted ashley.williams@d2rail.co.ukat:
FirstClass adds two new team members
“Gaining access to his vast business development and commercial experience will be invaluable to SLC Rail as we continue to grow the business. We look forward to working with him.”
PEOPLE MOVES WITH THOUSANDS OF JOB OPPORTUNITIES UPDATED DAILY, YOUR NEXT CAREER IS A FINGERTIP AWAY. #OURKINDOFRAILWAYPEOPLE WWW.RAILWAYPEOPLE.COM
54 PEOPLE RAILSTAFF JULY - AUGUST 2022
UK based Rail Depot Safety specialist, FirstClass Safety & Control, has added two new members to its team as project orders come in thick and fast.
Tony Blacker and Kirsty Light have joined FirstClass at an exciting time, with new project orders coming in from both the UK and overseas, including New Zealand and the MiddleControlEast.Systems Design Engineer, Tony Blacker, will oversee the design of FirstClass’s flagship Rail Depot Protection and Control Systems. Tony graduated from Wolverton Technical College in technical and design engineering and has worked in multiple industries for over 30 years. He brings to FirstClass experience in whole life design and execution of projects, covering hardware and software, with extensive experience as a programmer.Finance& Administration Executive, Kirsty Light, will oversee the day-to-day finance and admin with a focus on overall cost efficiency together with the provision of quality management information – such as spearheading the paper-free initiative. Kirsty brings 15 years’ experience across several engineering and customer focussed industries, wearing different hats in a variety of roles. With a broad breadth of skills, from executive assistant to IT support, financial and data analyst to account manager, Kirsty is the ‘go-to’ for anything office-based.
Ashley re-joins D2 Rail from Atkins Middle East where he was the BIM manager on two rail enhancements projects for the Dubai Metro, along with moving into the digital asset management space providing data analytics and data visualisation for condition assessments within the Kingdom of Saudi AshleyArabia.has15 years’ experience in the engineering industry, predominately within Rail but also spanning water treatment and highways. He has been responsible for delivering data analytics and data visualisation for both internal management and external projects, BIM for UK and Middle Eastern Rail enhancement projects, signal sighting for Crossrail, visualisations spanning multiple sectors, and CAD for rail and water treatment.
Mark Meyrick, Director of FirstClass Safety & Control said: “Tony & Kirsty have joined us at a pivotal time in the growth of FirstClass as we continue to win project orders from both home and overseas markets. They both stood out as excellent candidates and I am really looking forward to working with them as part of ‘Team FirstClass’. The only issue we have now is one of space, a nice problem to have and one that will be resolved over the next month or so”.
SLC Rail has appointed Neil Micklethwaite as its new non-executive director. Neil, who is chief operating officer for CMAC Group, will join SLC Rail’s board this month. Neil has held several senior positions in the transport sector, both within operating businesses and at group level. This has included being the commercial director of Chiltern Railways, commercial director at First Great Western, customer experience & commercial director at East Midlands Trains, and more recently group business development director of HeStagecoach.alsoserves as vice president of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), which aims to promote professional development and sharing of knowledge and best practice. Ian Walters, managing director of SLC Rail said: “We are pleased to welcome Neil to the Board.
SLC non-executiveappoints director
Dave’s
Dario added: “GHD has an ambitious vision for the future to be the leading advisor and technical authority on the movement of people and goods, as well as projects that improve connectivity. We see sustainability and resiliency as being integral to future communities and clients’ transport needs.”
GHD, one of the world’s leading professional services companies, has made two new appointments to further strengthen its market-leading UK transport solutions offering and grow its client base in the region. Dario Feliciangeli has been appointed as UK transport market leader, while David Hurren has been named business group leader –transport solutions.
Keltbray Rail is pleased to announce the appointment of Dave Speakman as engineering director with managing director responsibilities for the Wentworth House Rail Systems Limited (WHRSL) OLE design office based in Preston Brook. WHRSL was established in 2012 to provide consultancy, design, and development for Overhead Line Electrification (OLE) in rail infrastructure. Since then, WHRSL has developed exceptional OLE design experience, having worked on major projects both within the UK and Australia such as Crossrail, West Coast Mainline Power Upgrade, GWRM, Great Eastern, Norwich Victoria Sidings, TRU, and MTMS2 (Australia).Daveis a civil engineer by profession with design/construction and engineering management experience spanning a 33-year career within the rail electrification industry. During this time, he has worked overseas in Hong Kong and throughout the UK on several high profile multi-disciplinary electrification projects for a range of clients, most recently working for the TRU Alliance.
Dario is a highly skilled engineer with a dual degree in Engineering & Architecture, and extensive experience delivering civil engineering projects across the US, Middle East and UK. David said: “GHD is an exciting and rapidly growing player in the transport market and I am very much looking forward to leading the excellent transport solutions group. The transport market is facing exceptional challenges that need clear, effective and data-led advice.”
Since 2020 Mike has been chair of the Delivery Authority for the restoration and renewal of the Houses of Parliament. He is a former chair of the National Skills Academy for Rail, and the Strategic Transport Apprenticeship Taskforce. Mike has been recognised with a CBE for his services to public transport and was appointed as Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO) by the Queen in 2002. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport. He has an honorary Doctorate from the Queen’s University of Belfast.
potential.toandtechnicians,theprovidingbusinesstheframeworkcompetencyestablishprioritiesimmediatearetoaconsistentwithinrailengineeringwhilstsupportfordevelopmentofgraduatesengineersalikehelpfulfiltheirCommentingonhisappointment,
XRail Group Ltd has welcomed Kelly Pepper on board as the company’s business development director. Kelly, who joins businessexperiencedRail,fromcompanytheUnipartisanmanager with a long history of working in the logistics and supply chain industry. She has over 20 years’ major rail infrastructure experience delivering andprovidetheirabilityappointmentcollaborativewideestablishingmulti-disciplinarycustomer-focusedservicesandstrategicindustry-relationships.Renownedforherapproach,Kelly’sstrengthensXRail’stosupportandexceedclients’expectationsandthebestsolutionssafelyefficiently.
Keltbray Rail welcomes new engineering director
Kelly Pepper joins GroupXRailLtd
David Hurren previously held the position of director at GHD, having joined the company in July 2021. David will be responsible for managing the operations and project delivery of the GHD’s UK transport solutions team. He has over 25 years’ experience working and consulting in the strategic transport and wider civil engineering sectors.
When TfL took over direct responsibility for Crossrail, Mike set the project on the path to deliver the new railway, now open as the Elizabeth line. He also led TfL’s early response to the Covid pandemic.
SUPPORTED BY
GHD strengthens UK offeringtransportwith two new appointmentssenior
In his new role,
Dave said: “This is an exciting time for Keltbray with a significant potential future workload and plans for company growth. I will be prioritising consistency and competency within the rail business and intend to enhance the WHRSL brand through investment in the workforce, recruitment and development including a plan to modernise the office and the implementation of agile working in readiness for the planned transition to a tier one rail industry supplier.”
The Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) has appointed Mike Brown CBE MVO as the new chair of the board. The appointment took effect from 23 June 2022. The former commissioner of Transport for London, Mike led the capital’s transport network to dramatic improvements in safety, service reliability, and financial efficiency. While at TfL, he was responsible for the successful delivery of Tube and mainline rail for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012. He also delivered a multi-billion-pound investment programme on London’s roads, rail, Underground and cycling network, including the world’s first Ultra Low Emission Zone. Under his leadership, London saw major station upgrades and line extensions, including on the Northern Line, as well as the introduction of digital signalling and new fleets on large parts of the Tube and TfL rail network.
RAILSTAFF JULY - AUGUST 2022 PEOPLE 55
Mike Brown CBE MVO appointed RSSB chair
DON'TMISSOUT!
Dario Feliciangeli joins from Meinhardt, where he spent five years, latterly as an associate and infrastructures unit leader, and has previously also worked at Mott MacDonald and HNTB.
ORR subsequently adopted his ‘12 Tablets for Good Governance’ and the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) are set to roll this out to the wider rail Announcingindustry.theappointment
Lee Hewitt has joined the international infrastructure group Balfour Beatty as UK health, safety and environment director.
Robin has over 30 years’ experience working with both the railways and in heritage tourism, latterly as the company secretary for the Vintage Trains Group. He has also worked in construction, in marketing and advised successive governments on regional development.Hesaid:“In joining K&ESR, I’m fulfilling a true childhood ambition to one day become a railway general manager, having first found a passion for trains watching tank engines from the platform of Cardiff General station. “I’ve worked in many different fields and tackled many challenges in my career, but nothing has given me as much pleasure as being handed the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of one of the railway giants – Colonel Stephens. This is both a privilege and a responsibility which I am taking very seriously.”
Kent & East Sussex Railway appoints new general manager
Leo Quinn, Balfour Beatty Group chief executive, said: “Health and Safety is our License to Operate and it is imperative that our teams are empowered and supported to deliver our Zero Harm vision. With his extensive deep domain knowledge and understanding of the industry from leadership and project-based roles, I know that Lee will continue to drive this agenda forward across Balfour Beatty, and I am pleased to welcome him to the Group.
The Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE) has announced the appointment of Lee Paxton as director of rail operations. Lee began his career with Network Rail in 2005 before going on to hold a number of positions with Arriva Trains Wales, East Midlands Trains (EMT), and CrossCountry Trains. He joins GCRE from CrossCountry Trains where his most recent role was industry projects director. He was previously network services director and customer service director.Simon Jones, chief executive of GCRE, said: “Lee is an experienced and highly motivated railway industry professional with a strong track record of leading operational teams and managing the development and delivery of significant infrastructure change. He is a great asset and a very welcome member of the senior team as we continue to attract some of the best talent in the rail industry.”LeePaxton said: “I am passionate about putting the customer first and transforming the passenger experience on Britain’s railways. As a major infrastructure project, GCRE will provide muchneeded state-of-the-art rolling stock testing, infrastructure testing and storage and maintenance for the UK and international railway industry. It’s a really exciting project that has got the potential to transform our rail industry hence my enthusiasm to get involved and help make it happen.”
The Kent & East Sussex Railway (K&ESR) has appointed Robin Coombes as its new full time general manager, taking over from Shaun Dewey who retired in July.
PEOPLE MOVES SUPPORTED BY WITH THOUSANDS OF JOB OPPORTUNITIES UPDATED DAILY, YOUR NEXT CAREER IS A FINGERTIP AWAY. #OURKINDOFRAILWAYPEOPLE WWW.RAILWAYPEOPLE.COM 56 PEOPLE RAILSTAFF JULY - AUGUST 2022
Lee Paxton joins GCRE
Lee will take up his new role on 5 September, following Heather Bryant retiring on 18 November, having spent eight years at Balfour Beatty. Lee will be responsible for driving the company’s Zero Harm, Health, Safety and Wellbeing strategy across the Group, working closely with Balfour Beatty’s leadership teams and the Board Safety and Sustainability Committee.Anexperienced construction and infrastructure leader, Lee has undertaken several strategic roles, most recently as programme director for Site Wide Delivery and Logistics for Balfour Beatty VINCI’s HS2 Area North contract. Having joined Balfour Beatty to work on the HS2 project in 2020, Lee is further testament to the Group’s ongoing commitment to developing broad leadership careers through a strong commitment to internal mobility.
Robin started his career at British Rail as an architect and project manager in the 1980s, moving into marketing for several BR networks and then transferring his skills to the National Welsh Omnibus Company. His next move took him to renowned international heritage tourism and sustainability consultancy Eres where he led landmark transformational projects both in the UK and abroad, including the 50-year masterplan for the Welsh History Museum. However, a role as the independent review chairman of the West Somerset Railway Association in 2014-15 reconnected him with his passion for rail. A full time PhD into governance and sustainability from 2016-2021 saw him assisting the Rail Regulator (ORR) to develop the heritage section of new industry standards.
“I would like to thank Heather for her steadfast commitment to making the construction and infrastructure industry a safer and healthier environment for everyone.”
K&ESR Chair Simon Marsh said: “We are delighted that Robin has agreed to join us and are excited for what this means for the future of the railway. He comes with a wealth of experience in the heritage railway sector and more widely. I am confident that he will successfully lead the K&ESR through all the challenges that we face as a heritage operator and take us to the next level in our development.”
GCRE was established by the Welsh Government as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) in 2021 with an initial commitment of £50 million. The UK Government is expected to confirm a further £10 million for research and development along with capital funding of £20 million. An investment prospectus to attract private funding for the project is also in development ready for launch in the autumn of 2022.
Balfour welcomesBeattyLee Hewitt
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We are looking for professional, committed, and passionate NSAR Approved Trainers / Assessors with solid occupational experience to join our team.
NSAR AssessorsTrainersApproved/ Nationwide OpportunitiesCareer Due to exciting growth and further expansion, Intertrain, part of
Intertrain, part of City & Guilds was established in 1997 and is the UK’s largest commercial railway infrastructure training provider, with training centres across the country. As part of your role, you will assess the learner’s progress and maintain accurate records of the assessments of learning carried out, the learner’s journey, achievements, and feedback.
We offer full-time, permanent contracts. You will receive a competitive salary, life assurance cover, company car, and corporate bonus. You will also benefit from the additional leave during Christmas shutdown.
Trainers / Assessors. We hiring!are
If you are interested in joining our expanding professional team, please apply by email with your CV: careers@cityandguilds.com or to apply online please visit: www.intertrain-careers.co.uk
Some of our industry leading training centres are based in Doncaster, Warrington, Portsmouth, Bristol, Birmingham, Crayford and London. City & Guilds Approved
currently have several permanent vacancies for qualified NSAR
We are opening new training centres nationally and we are keen to hear from you!
www.colasrail.co.uk Joining Colas Rail UK provides the opportunity to not only establish yourself within one of the biggest contractors in the rail industry, but also the springboard to take your career to new heights. We’re always looking for passionate people to join our business and with several bases across the UK, there are plenty of opportunities to join our Railway family. We offer an attractive salary and benefits with a culture of can do, empowerment and flexibility, to allow you to make a real difference. We would like to hear from people who would like to work in the rail industry. Please register your interest by sending your CV to recruitment@colasrail.com and we will provide you with further information. Training will be provided to successful candidates. » FITTER OPERATORS UK MOBILE » MAINTAINER / OPERATOR UK MOBILE » MULTI SKILLED DRIVER CONDUCTOR UK MOBILE » TECHNICAL SUPPORT ENGINEER UK MOBILE » HEALTH & SAFETY ADVISOR RUGBY » SAFE WORK PACK ADMINISTRATOR RUGBY » STORES OPERATIVE RUGBY » STORES BUYER RUGBY We are constantly looking for new talent to strengthen the Colas Rail UK team. Our people are our strength, and everyone working for Colas Rail UK plays a vital part in the company’s success. DRIVEN CHANGEBY Join Our Rail Grinding Team Career Opportunities Include: CARE | SHARE | DARE
People for Infrastructure Call now 0845 543 5953 info@mcginley.co.uk Scan tme o lview ive roles. McGinley hires workers or finds permanent employees for companies in the infrastructure sector of the construction industry, building and managing workforces all over the UK Whether you are looking for a job or a supply chain partner, we have the knowledge and expertise to help you succeed As true infrastructure experts we have over 40 years ' experience and an unparalleled network. This combined with a large number of accreditations, memberships and awards give you the confidence you need to engage with us. • PTS & safety critical contingent labour • Signalling & telecoms • Overhead line electrification • Track welding • Minor works packages • Flexi-jobs apprenticeships WE ARE RECRUITING
