SPAD Risk Subgroup
The SPAD Risk Subgroup (SPAD RSG) is a collective of industry stakeholders whose goal is to reduce SPADs and minimise the risk of subsequent train accidents. Although there has been a significant decline in SPAD risk since 2000, SPADs still account for approximately 30% of the total train accident risk—meaning there is still work to be done.
“Our role is to support RSSB’s SPAD strategy and bring the industry together to reduce the risk through collaboration, innovation, and shared learning.”
Scope
The SPAD RSG has one key objective: to lead collaborative activity on SPAD risk management. And the group does this by:
- defining a SPAD reduction roadmap and monitoring their overall progress against this
- working with the Train Accident Risk Group (TARG) to escalate SPAD-related issues and implement recommendations
- improving the collection and interpretation of SPAD-related data around the network
- providing guidance to help rail leaders and frontline staff understand and mitigate SPAD risk.
The progress we're making
New Guidance: Empty coaching stock SPADs analysis
The ECS guidance document showcases a deep dive into the data behind ECS SPADs, which aims to improve consistency in industry’s understanding of SPADs involving ECS. Ultimately, the guidance document provides numerous strategies and recommendations for drivers to reduce the risk of SPADs. Read the guidance here.
SPAD Self-Evaluation Tool
Our SPAD self-evaluation tool, is based on the SPAD Good Practice Guide, to improve SPAD management and minimise associated risks. This dedicated page has a step-by-step video on how to access the updated tool. It supports managers in building an overview of their SPAD-related performance and effectively monitoring year-on-year progress. Log in to use the tool.
SPAD notices, guidance, and templates
This guide shows you how to complete the SPAD Alert Notice and the SPAD Initial Learning Notice. Log in to use the template.
SPADs and post-qualified drivers
This report looks into the SPAD RSG’s concern around a potential rise in SPADs involving post qualified drivers (PQ drivers). It uses insights from a PQ driver survey, SMIS and a literature review to identify immediate and underlying causes. The report aims to provide best practices that could support PQ drivers.
Last updated: 22/05/2024.
Membership
The SPAD RSG has members in these industry categories:
- passenger train operators
- freight and other non-passenger train operators
- infrastructure managers and owners
- RSSB
- Office of Rail and Road (ORR) (observer).
Chair: Jimmy Pettitt, Head of Operational Safety at Freightliner
RSSB main representative: Joe Wilson
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Group members
Name Company Representing Status Abigail Patterson Network Rail Infrastructure Limited Infrastructure Managers Member Andrew Skitt Colas Rail Non Passenger Train Operators Member Cassandra Tunbridge DB Cargo (UK) Limited Non Passenger Train Operators Member Claire MacMillan RSSB RSSB Member Clifton Masdea
RSSB RSSB Member Colin Hayton ScotRail Passenger Train Operators Member Darren Armstrong Tyne & Wear Passenger Transport Executive Light Rail Member David Whitehouse Avanti West Coast Passenger Train Operators Member Giancarlo Saccomani Elizabeth Line Passenger Train Operators Member James Taylor Balfour Beatty Rail UK Plant Engineering Non Passenger Train Operators Member Jason Halstead Transpennine Express Limited Passenger Train Operators Member Jimmy Pettitt Freightliner Infrastructure Managers Chair Joe Wilson RSSB RSSB Member John Arthur Network Rail Infrastructure Limited Infrastructure Managers Member John Doughty Chiltern Railways Passenger Train Operators Member John Kear East Coast Trains Limited Passenger Train Operators Member John Metcalfe Aslef Trustee Company Limited Trade Union Member Lisa Benson Mersey Rail Passenger Train Operators Member Marianna White
RSSB RSSB Member Matt Collins Great Western Railway Passenger Train Operators Member Matthew Brady Network Rail Infrastructure Limited Infrastructure Managers Member Paul Atherfold Abellio East Anglia Limited Passenger Train Operators Member Peter Brockett GB Railfreight Limited Non Passenger Train Operators Member Peter Williams Network Rail Infrastructure Limited Infrastructure Managers Member Philip Brann Chiltern Railways Passenger Train Operators Member Philippa Murphy RSSB RSSB Member Rich Farish London North Eastern Railway Passenger Train Operators Member Sam Watkins Network Rail Infrastructure Limited Infrastructure Managers Member Sian Trow Transport for Wales Passenger Train Operators Member Simon Martin Network Rail Infrastructure Limited Infrastructure Managers Member Steven Hollis
Govia Thameslink Railway Ltd Passenger Train Operators Member Tom Waghorn
RSSB RSSB Member Tommy Edmead First MTR South Western Trains Ltd Passenger Train Operators Member Tony James
West Midlands Trains Ltd Passenger Train Operators Member
