UK mainline railway framework

Summary

The UK railway is a complex arrangement of organisations and engineering systems, all of which need to fulfil their respective objectives whilst integrating into the overall system to provide a network that is efficient, reliable and safe. This course provides an overview of these complexities and an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the key industry parties.

The UK rail industry is a complex arrangement of numerous stakeholders and companies, all of which need to work in collaboration to provide efficient, reliable and safe services to the public (for passenger operations) and companies (for freight movements). The purpose of this course is to provide delegates with a complete overview and understanding of the organisational framework and regulatory structure of the industry. This is delivered through an exploration of the development and creation of the UK’s railway to the current industry structure, recognising those legacy aspects that perpetuate to the modern day in conjunction with the most recent developments, and examination of the functions, roles and responsibilities of its constituent organisations. 

By explaining the various roles, relationships, legislation and regulations, the course will enable you to understand how/where your company fits within the framework, to recognise its obligations and what it needs to do to discharge those obligations, and therefore to reflect on the contribution that your own role makes. 

Who should attend?

This course is suitable for those who are new to the industry and who would therefore benefit from an appreciation of the respective roles and responsibilities of the myriad organisations involved, or whose role requires a wider knowledge of the framework and structure of the UK rail industry to be sure that their organisation, or their part of the organisation, is able to manage its obligations appropriately. Typical attendees would include graduates, engineers, operators and managers. 

How will I benefit?

After the course you will be able to: 

• Appreciate the significance of the current industry structure from an historical context
• Understand the role, function and responsibilities of Network Rail
• Understand the role, function and responsibilities of train and freight operating companies
• Appreciate how revenue is generated, distributed and invested
• Understand the role and function of rolling stock leasing companies
• Appreciate the role of Government through national, regulatory and independent organisations
• Appreciate the management of rules, regulations and standards that contribute to the reliability and safety of the system.