Rail Investigation Group
'A strong commitment to learning from safety incidents is vital in all organisations, but especially crucial in the rail industry. Meaningful improvements come only from thorough and effective safety investigations.
Through the Rail Investigations Group (RIG), my goal is to help organisations establish robust investigation processes. This involves equipping rail safety investigators with the necessary skills, knowledge, and support, all within a culture that prioritises a fair culture. Such a culture encourages colleagues to report accidents and near misses, confident that their input will be viewed in the broader system context.
RIG’s expanding membership highlights a clear industry desire to fully realise the benefits of effective investigations. I look forward to collaborating with the group to embed best investigative practices across the rail sector.'
Scope
Investigations are a key tool in driving continuous improvement. How they are done matters because process impacts culture and reputation. Results of investigations also matter, because without good evidence that is analysed well, lessons will not be learned. Who carries out the investigations matters, because appropriately skilled investigators will deliver effective, efficient investigations that drive meaningful improvement and insight.
The scope of the RIG includes but is not limited to accident and incident investigation. It will explore:
- guidance on mobilising a level of investigation that is proportionate to the nature of the incident
- applicable standards and how they can be improved
- a competency framework for investigators and investigation managers
- communication and learning effectively.
Membership
The group’s membership is made up of the following industry categories:
- infrastructure managers
- passenger train operators
- non-passenger train operators
- Rail Partners
- Rail Safety and Standards Board
- Office of Rail and Road (observer)
- Rail Accident Investigation Branch (observer).
Chair: Jonathan Fundament, West Midlands Trains
RSSB main representative: Barbara Smith
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Group members
Name Company Representing Status Ashley Hamilton C2C Rail Passenger Train Operators Member Barbara Smith
RSSB RSSB Member Becky Charles RAIB RAIB Observer Becky Vaudry
DB Cargo Freight Operators Observer Charlotte Sweet
RSSB RSSB Member Claire Repeti
Rail Partners Industry Association Member Garry Stimpson
Office Of Rail & Road
Regulators Member Greg Morse
RSSB RSSB Member Ian Capewell RAIB RAIB Observer James Pettitt Freightliner Limited
Freight Operators Member Jason Murphy Churhill Services Suppliers Member Jonathan Fundament West Midlands Trains Passenger Train Operators Member Jyoti Palit Transport for London Infrastructure Managers Member Lee Collins Office of Rail and Road Regulators Observer Mark Grey Transport for London Infrastructure Managers Member Paul Emmington Govia Thameslink Rail Passenger Train Operators Member Roger Long
Network Rail Infrastructure Limited Infrastructure Managers Member Stuart Spriggs Volker Rail Infrastructure Managers Member Suzanne Anderson
RSSB RSSB Member Tom Hyatt RSSB RSSB Member Zoe Gayton
Network Rail Infrastructure Limited Infrastructure Managers Member
