Safety Assurance (ECDP)

£60,000 - £80,000

Who Are We?

First Rail is one of the most experienced rail operators in the UK, with more than 770,000 passenger journeys daily last year across our Department for Transport contracted operations and open access routes.

We operate three major UK train operating companies - Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway (GWR), South Western Railway (SWR) and two open access passenger rail services, Hull Trains and Lumo. We are also 'shadow operator' on the HS2 programme and operate the London Trams service on behalf of Transport for London.

Our First Rail head office is home to specialist teams that provide expert support across the Engineering, Finance, Property, Operations, Procurement, IT, and Human Resources functions of the rail division.

First Rail is part of FirstGroup, the largest rail operator in the UK and second largest bus operator in the UK outside London.  FirstGroup operates services throughout the UK and Ireland, with over 30,000 employees providing services that make travel smoother and life easier.  FirstGroup works hard to reduce its impact on the environment, introducing cleaner and more environmentally responsible methods of transport.

About The Role

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Safety Assurance Manager to support operating companies in the development of their Strategic Safety Plans for ERTMS and other Operations or engineering based project workstreams.

The successful candidate will provide support in the development of company Safety Management Systems so they remain compliant with applicable legal and other requirements, supporting operating companies with the change management associated with projects and their safety validation process application. You will have specific responsibility for ensuring the consequences of Business Readiness Impact Notices (BRINS) are addressed by operators and ensuring that the safety risks associated with change projects are identified, understood, and mitigated prior to implementation, with a focus on overseeing APIS & assurance activities are completed. You will develop effect relationships to engender collaborative working with stakeholders to ensure the successful and smooth implementation of ERTMS. These key relationships are Network Rail and the Office of Road and Rail. You will provide operational and occupational safety related Project Management support to Operating Companies in the development any ETCS related schemes. Training can be provided for candidates with railway Safety Validation experience but no ETCS experience.

There will be a requirement to travel in this role.

Main Responsibilities

• Work with Operating Companies to develop project specific Safety Assurance & Validation Plans.
• Develop proactive Risk Management processes using analysis tools and risk profiling to support safety approvals.
• Ensure that project related accidents or incidents are reported, recorded and investigate to conclusion.
• Where required ensure that Safety Assurance (Audits) activities are conducted.
• Provide Human factors expertise to Project activities on proposed changes.
• Support Operating Companies with operational and occupational projects and general ETCS related project issues.
• Support engagement with key external and internal stakeholders on project outputs.
• Ensure that company SMS accommodate project related changes and remain compliant with relevant legislation and industry standards.
• Support Operating Companies with project related Safety Certificate change applications.
• Ensure project related assurance is completed with consideration of the Risk Management Maturity Model (RM3).
• Support Operating Companies with the preparation of safety validation proposals for any change to ensure that all project related risks are managed and mitigated.
• Maintain theoretical and practical competence in the field of safety management, including the application of relevant legislation and industry requirements.

Person Specification

Education

• A formal safety management qualification (equivalent to NEBOSH diploma or working towards) or three years rail industry risk management experience.  (Membership of IOSH is desirable but not essential).
• Formal Project Management qualification.  (Membership of APM is advantageous)

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Sound understanding and experience of change control and safety assurance processes within the railway environment.
• Experience of introducing a new system or rolling stock into railway operations.
• Previous experience of validating training material and staff competence management systems would be advantageous.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to influence decision makers and the behaviour of front-line employees.
• Ability to work on own initiative, self-motivated and able to set and achieve demanding targets and objectives, and report upon them.

Decision Making

• The post holder is expected to provide strategic guidance and support on the application of SMS arrangements and implement improvements where appropriate.
• The post holder will be responsible for preparing safety activities.
• Review and update project Safety Plans and Risk Management activities to ensure their efficacy and implement changes or additions to address shortcomings.

Benefits

• Minimum of 10% (5% employer and 5% employee) contribution to your Pension
• 25 days Holiday plus National Bank Holidays
• Travel Offers for Bus and Rail*
• Shopping Discounts including discounts and cashback on electrical goods, your weekly shop, holidays, cinema trips, car insurance, upgrading your mobile and lots more
• Buy as You Earn – allows you to buy shares each month. You can vary the amount you save or stop it at any time*
• Save as You Earn – allows you to use your savings after three years, to buy shares at a discounted price, or take your savings back as cash*
• Employee Assistance Helpline – free, confidential employee support service provided by an independent provider
• Payroll Giving – donate directly from your pay to a Charity of your Choice

*After 6 months of employment