About Us

Introduction

The Rail Safety and Standards Board is the independent safety, standards and research body for Great Britain’s rail network. We work across Britain’s evolving railway to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

Our purpose

To help our members keep Britain moving with safer, smarter rail.

What we do

Formed in the aftermath of the Ladbroke Grove rail crash, we have been supporting Britain’s rail sector for over 20 years.

We make sure that industry knowledge gaps are addressed, and we work collaboratively with an evolving industry to ensure that innovative and sustainable technology is operated safely, efficiently and cost-effectively. We codify and share best practice, both in Britain and abroad.

We are proudly impartial, and home to some of rail’s leading experts on technical matters. Guided by facts and analysis, we help to bridge knowledge gaps, optimise use of the latest technology and disseminate and systemise industry best practice.

Why it matters

Over the last few decades, the railway has grown considerably. But now we need to take it even further: efficiently increasing the mobility of people and goods, while reducing carbon emissions, pollution and gridlock on the roads. Unlocking the railway’s full potential is a massive technical challenge. Doing it safely, sustainably and efficiently is an even bigger one.

With so many businesses and organisations contributing to an increasingly dynamic system, our skills and experience in collaborating with operators and innovators, co-ordinating research and development, and codifying technical knowledge will be crucial for the rail network. With the help of the industry, we ensure that its users enjoy the benefits of rail for decades to come.

Helping us all work smarter, as well as safer.

What we value

Trust
Innovation
Our customers
Knowledge

Our primary objectives

We have six strategic business areas to support rail organisations with the wider challenges and changes facing the industry:

Safer Rail

We lower the risk from accidents and incidents on and around the railway for passengers, workers, and the public. Our work to analyse how human and technical risk factors combine helps the industry build safety into everything it does and every decision it makes.

Healthier Rail

We help the rail industry look after its employees and passengers. Our research and resources enable us to provide interventions that improve the health of rail staff; they also underpin our targeted advice for passengers. By creating a healthy rail environment, the network will perform at its best.

Harmonised Rail

We equip the industry with efficient and proportionate standards to ensure system interoperability. The standards we develop in close collaboration with the industry define today’s railway and enable tomorrow’s. They frame our members’ choices, lower their risks and costs, and help them plan with confidence.

Efficient Rail

We use the latest in research and development to improve the performance of the rail network. By getting to the heart of operational challenges, we help the industry make the biggest strides towards an efficient railway. And that means better value for passengers, operators and taxpayers.

Future Rail

Our research, insight and support help our members see opportunities for new ways of working to make a difference. And that helps them make smart investment decisions. Our research keeps the railway evolving and improving by signposting the best routes to modernisation.

Sustainable Rail

We bring the industry together to place rail at the heart of a green economy. Our expertise enables us to lead on an industry-wide approach to reduce harmful emissions and improve quality of life. We will always promote the crucial part rail will play in tomorrow’s sustainable transport network.

How we can help your organisation

Whether you are based in the UK or overseas we have the services and expertise to support your growth.

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