Staying up to date where it matters
RSSB CEO, Mark Phillips, said: “The railway is a complex system with many interdependent moving parts, and organisations might need authoritative guidance on any or all of them. It could be operational safety, mental wellbeing or performance. Or it could be staff fatigue and alertness, digital infrastructure or carbon reduction. That’s what we offer our affiliates. They can draw on our expertise in various ways, including training, consultancy, research and data.”
The affiliate programme started in 2018, and many types of organisation – some from outside RSSB’s immediate industry circle – have joined. They include those who work alongside rail, like ports and emergency services, as well as others which serve the rail industry, like financial services businesses, who benefit from knowing more about it.
Working with the experts
Among the organisations to take advantage is Eurotunnel. The business employs 2,700 people and manages the rail link connecting the UK with Europe for passengers and freight. Daniel Hughes, Eurotunnel’s Director, Infrastructure, said: “We have much in common with other railway operators and the RSSB has helped facilitate the sharing of knowledge, from drivers and engineers to platforms, maintenance trains and passengers.”
RSSB’s team ran a high-level peer review of the company’s operations and processes, covering areas like risk management, safety and workforce development. This helped build a positive relationship between RSSB and Eurotunnel, said Daniel. “They showed insight and good knowledge, and engaged honestly, pragmatically and positively with our leaders and people at all levels.” Daniel added that RSSB ran the review in a constructive way without undermining the experience, perspectives or expertise of Eurotunnel. “RSSB’s team help everyone to continuously improve,” he said.
Since the peer review, Eurotunnel has been tackling important issues, said Daniel: “It’s helped us clarify and focus on our priorities. It’s also given us the confidence to deal with them at pace. For instance, we wanted to benchmark our guidance on fatigue against the industry, and that gave us the reassurance that we were going the right way about creating a new roster for our drivers. Also, the review is helping us to limit our supply chain risk at a time when we’re investing heavily in infrastructure and equipment. And we’re emphasising learning and development so we share our experienced staff’s knowledge and skills around the organisation.
“We look forward to working with RSSB again, so we can share lessons and knowledge that contribute to the safety and success of the railway.”
For more information about becoming an RSSB affiliate, and the benefits it could bring, visit www.rssb.co.uk/join-rssb and view the insightful video below:
