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Safety body consults with industry on their future role

Following the publication of the White Paper by Alistair Darling on the Rail Review, Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) announced its intention to engage its Members in a consultation to ensure the portfolio of services and the company’s constitutional arrangements meet the needs of a changing industry.

The decision by the industry’s safety body to formally consult follows initial discussions held with Network Rail and some freight and passenger train operating companies. It also builds on the approach adopted by RSSB and the rail industry in the area of standards which is already well advanced and delivering benefits.

Len Porter, chief executive, said: ‘RSSB is ready to make the changes required to play its part in improving the industry’s business performance at reduced cost. We believe this spirit of continuous improvement must embrace the reduction of safety risk in order to assist the delivery of a safe and effective operational railway.’

Notes to editors:
1. Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) was established in April 2003 as an independent, not for profit organisation tasked with improving safety performance across the national rail network. The company is owned by the railway industry, is limited by guarantee and has a Board and an advisory committee. It is independent of any single railway company and their commercial interests.

2. All comments and views will be posted on the RSSB website.