Progress update for Wagon Condition Programme – Driving improvements in safe train preparation

Members of the Wagon Condition Programme (WCP) project team came together at Freightliner’s Basford Hall depot in Crewe in September for an update on their work to produce industry-wide guidance and best practice advice on freight train preparation.

The WCP is a priority project of the Freight Safe Programme and aims to improve the way freight wagons are prepared for the rail network by driving continuous improvement in maintenance, train preparation, and the use of emerging technology. At its core, the programme promotes industry-led learning and collaboration, using sector-wide knowledge and experience to deliver practical, scalable improvements.

Part of the work being spearheaded by this programme is a specific focus on train preparation practices. The goal is to establish clear, industry-wide guidance for Freight Operating Companies and freight partners, helping to deliver consistent, high-performing train preparation and a basis for long-term industry resilience.

The meeting brought together updates from the Freight Operating Company Working Group, RSSB, Basford Hall’s Centre of Excellence team, rail industry operational and standard experts, and competency specialists. Discussions centred on the Train Preparation Standard pilots, the Train Preparation Maturity Model, and the development of new guidance on the competence and training of train preparers.

Significant progress has already been achieved. A draft Train Preparation Standard has been developed, with pilot studies successfully completed at both Basford Hall and Margam Centres of Excellence, along with Dove Holes in Derbyshire. These pilots highlighted the professionalism and collaboration of all involved – particularly ground staff, who played a central role in table-top exercises and practical trials. The pilots confirmed the strength of the standard and identified opportunities for refinement, which are now being incorporated into the documentation process.

In parallel, the Train Preparation Maturity Model and Toolkit are progressing well, with work underway to collate mitigating measures to ensure train preparation remains safe and efficient across the network. A review of the draft Train Preparation Standard’s requirements is ongoing, assessing its application under all operational conditions.

In addition, updates from the Rail Industry Standards (RIS) Working Group and RSSB highlighted ongoing reviews of standards covering key topics such as vehicle condition checks, brake tests, and handbrake status. The Competence Working Group has agreed high-level tasks for train preparers, including safety-critical communications, personal safety, and workload management. Discussions with industry groups continue to shape guidance and ensure emerging standards align with operational needs.

Looking ahead, the next phase of the workstream will see the draft standard tested further across varied environments with an additional Centre of Excellence programme being rolled out before the end of the year, and five new sites identified to trial the maturity model, toolkit, and grading system. The trials will test mitigating measures and provide valuable insights to support consistent, high-quality train preparation across the industry. A key priority will be demonstrating the value of the changes and to reach agreement and promote adoption of the train preparation standard consistently across all freight operating companies by Q2 of 2026.

Reflecting on the meeting, Stuart Ash, who sits on the WCP Board and is Chair of the National Freight Safety Group (NFSG), said:

Tim Shakerley, chair of the FSP’s Wagon Condition Programme Board, said:

The project manager, David Ethell, added:

• A draft Train Preparation Standard has been developed for all operational conditions
• Pilot studies completed at Basford Hall and Margam Centres of Excellence, and Dove Holes in Derbyshire, demonstrating collaboration and professionalism, with ground staff central to table-top exercises and on-train pilots
• Refinement opportunities identified during pilots and incorporated into the documentation process
• The Train Preparation Maturity Model and Toolkit moves forward at pace, helping to identify and implement mitigating measures to ensure train preparation remains safe and efficient across the network
• Updates from the RIS Working Group and RSSB on vehicle condition checks, brake tests, and handbrake status used in the project work
• Competence Working Group achievements captured, including high-level tasks for train preparers covering safety-critical communications, personal safety, and workload management

• Continue reviewing draft standard requirements to confirm applicability across all operational conditions
• Expand the Centre of Excellence programme, with five new sites testing the Train Preparation Maturity Model, toolkit, and grading system
• Share learnings before the end of the year to support consistent adoption across sites
• Encourage all Freight Operating Companies to sign up to the Train Preparation Standard for industry-wide consistency
• Maintain engagement with the RIS Working Group, RSSB, and Competence Working Group to refine requirements and embed high standards for train preparers