August 6, 2024
DB Cargo’s Kate Turner appointed to head major review by the Freight Safe Programme
Kate Turner, DB Cargo UK’s Head of Operations and Service Delivery (North), has been appointed by the Freight Safe Programme (FSP) to head up its work in providing an industry wide standard for freight train preparation.
In this critical role, Kate will oversee analysis into how different freight operating companies conduct train preparation, yard management and operations, as part of the FSP’s ‘Wagon Condition Programme’ which seeks to collaboratively build on existing maintenance and train preparation practices on a programme of continuous improvement in wagon safety.
The FSP was launched in early 2024 and brings together key stakeholders to build on rail freight’s strong safety performance. It leads on key safety projects to give expertise across the industry on any potential challenges and risks. It is led by a steering group of senior and experienced professionals from across rail freight and is governed by the Rail Partners Freight Council. The programme is a collaborative rail freight industry undertaking, which is partly funded by Network Rail’s Freight Safety Improvement Portfolio (FSIP) as well as funding coming from freight operating companies and other key stakeholders.
Kate said:
“The Wagon Condition Programme aims to drive industry best practices for train preparation and planning. It is crucial in harnessing an industry-driven focus on learning and collaboration by leveraging the vast knowledge and experience that is held across the sector.
“When it comes to safety, competition takes a back seat, we can all share best safety practice for the benefit of the whole industry. Rail freight’s collective safety record is something we can take pride in, and the Wagon Condition Programme takes us even further by ensuring we continually strive for excellence.”
Kate currently serves as the Head of Operations and Service Delivery (North) at DB Cargo. In this capacity, she is responsible for the safety and delivery of all services, leading an operations team spanning Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, the Northeast, South Wales, Scotland, and Network Rail countrywide.
Her career with DB Cargo UK began 12 years ago as a planning apprentice at the age of 18. She initially worked as a planner for the industrial sector before transitioning to operations, where she gained various competencies and invaluable knowledge. She then became the Head of Planning at DB Cargo UK, overseeing the paths and diagrams nationwide for six years.
Tim Shakerley, chair of the FSP’s Wagon Condition Programme, said
“We are delighted to welcome Kate to the team. Her leadership will be instrumental in setting industry standards and ensuring the highest levels of safety and efficiency in train preparation and operations.”
