Press Releases – FREIGHT SAFE Programme

Industry-first Climate Change Risk Assessment Model launched to help rail freight sector manage growing safety risks

freightsafe_admin — Tue, 12 May 2026 16:57:50 +0000

The Freight Safe Programme (FSP) has launched a pioneering Climate Change Risk Assessment Model. It will provide the UK rail freight industry with a practical, standardised approach to understanding and mitigating the safety risks posed by climate change across multi-user rail freight sites.

Developed as part of the Freight Safe Programme’s Climate Change Project and supported by funding from the Freight Safety Improvement Programme (FSIP), the model is now available to all rail freight operating companies (FOCs) via the RSSB website. It represents the first co-ordinated, cross-industry effort to assess climate-related threats to FOC property assets.

Climate change is already having a measurable impact on rail freight operations, with increasing risks linked to extreme temperatures, flooding, high winds, drought, and sea level rise. The Climate Change Risk Assessment Model has been created to help the industry respond proactively to these challenges.

Developed in collaboration with independent sustainability experts Arcadis, the model draws on assessments of approximately 200 rail freight operator-owned multi-user sites. It allows users to select a specific site and hazard category, generating a clear risk ranking from low to very high. This enables site owners and operational teams to prioritise risks, develop mitigation plans and respond effectively to emerging threats.

By combining climate science with safety risk management for the first time at scale, the model bridges the gap between complex environmental data and day-to-day operational decision-making. It also supports the development of climate change adaptation reports, giving estate and property managers a structured way to plan for both current and future risks.

The initiative has been driven by a cross-industry working group, ensuring that the model reflects real operational needs while maintaining a consistent methodology across the sector. The result is an online tool that not only provides individual site insights but also delivers wider assurance that climate risks are being assessed in a standardised way across the rail freight industry.

Freight Safe Programme Climate Change Project Lead, Philip Hassall, said:

“The Freight Safe Programme is proud to have led the development and launch of the Climate Change Risk Assessment Model. This initiative brings together climate science and operational safety in a way that has not been done before, providing a practical, accessible tool that enables site teams to better understand, prioritise and mitigate climate-related risks. By working collaboratively across the industry, we are helping to build a more resilient, safer future for rail freight.

The model has already been piloted over a 12-month period at DB Cargo UK’s Crewe International Electric Maintenance Depot, where it has been used to assess real-world climate scenarios and identify site-specific risks.

Key impacts of climate change identified include the effects of extreme heat on track infrastructure, increased wind exposure along tree lines, and the risk of ballast washaway and track instability due to higher levels of precipitation. The model also highlighted the potential for increased rainfall to lead to flooding of inspection pits within the depot, presenting a direct safety and welfare concern.

Stacie Scullion, Sustainability Manager at DB Cargo UK, said:

“It is important that, as a rail freight operating industry, we are aware of the hazards that climate change can cause to sites not just now, but in the years to come, to enable us to have mitigation plans in place.

“Here at DB Cargo UK’s Crewe International Electric Maintenance Depot we have been working closely with the Freight Safe Programme to bring the model to life and use it for real case scenarios that could be caused through climate change. It allows us to plan, budget and address the impact of climate change on safety before issues arise, putting in place a clear plan for the future.”

To support rollout of the model and encourage adoption, a dedicated promotional training video has been developed by the Freight Safe Programme and is available together with a ‘how to’ manual on the RSSB website. The video is designed to engage the operational workforce responsible for managing multi-user rail freight sites across the UK, demonstrating how the model can be applied in practice.

By focusing on real-world scenarios and practical application, the video aims to support widespread uptake of the model and the implementation of Climate Change Adaptation Reports across the sector.

The Climate Change Risk Assessment Model provides the rail freight industry with an accessible, easy-to-use tool that delivers measurable benefits at both site and sector level. By enabling proactive risk management, it helps organisations stay ahead of climate-related challenges while improving safety outcomes across the network.

As climate pressures continue to evolve, this industry-first initiative ensures that rail freight operators are better equipped to protect their people, assets, and operations – both now and in the future.

To view the video click here, or view below: https://vimeo.com/1191503624/3301afa04a?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Strengthening collaboration and innovation in freight wagon braking and adhesion

freightsafe_admin — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 09:00:26 +0000

The Freight Safe Programme welcomed experts from across the rail industry to a Freight Braking and Adhesion Research Group (FBARG) seminar, held in Derby on 3rd December.

Established in late 2024, FBARG co-ordinates and oversees research on freight train braking and adhesion performance, and supports three major research projects delivered under the Wagon Condition Programme (WCP) and governed by the Freight Safe Programme (FSP) board.

Delivered in partnership with RSSB, the event brought together a strong attendance of representatives from across the sector, including freight operating companies, Entities in Charge of Maintenance, Original Equipment Manufacturers, infrastructure managers, the Office of Rail and Road, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch, and academia.

Co-hosted by Neil Ovenden, Chair of the Wagon Condition Programme’s FBARG group, and Tim Shakerley, the WCP Programme lead, the seminar offered a comprehensive overview of both completed and ongoing research in managing braking performance in low adhesion, understanding longitudinal compressive forces and the rate at which wheel flats can form under varying braking and adhesion conditions – all of which have the potential to cause derailments.

The morning sessions focused on completed research and featured three presentations. Robert Morley of Mott MacDonald shared findings on the above rail-related factors contributing to wheel flats in freight vehicles, supported by detailed modelling and analysis. This was followed by Julian Stow from the University of Huddersfield, who presented work modelling the underlying conditions that can lead to wheel flats in rail freight vehicles.

Mark Thompson, of Thompson Technical Services, then provided a deep analysis of causal events leading to wheel damage in rail freight wagons. Together, these insights offered a robust understanding of the causes of wheel damage and set the foundation for targeted improvements in braking performance.

In the afternoon, attention turned to ongoing work programme studies. Adam Twigg and Daniel Jones, from Serco, examined the factors impacting freight braking in low adhesion, followed by Paul Molyneux-Berry from the University of Huddersfield, who outlined work to better understand longitudinal compressive forces in rail freight. Both sessions sparked lively discussion through dedicated Q&As led by Tim Shakerley.

The seminar highlighted the importance of continued collaboration to enhance performance, build confidence, and support long-term growth in the rail freight sector. Participants acknowledged the vital role of data in understanding industry trends and were invited to identify any knowledge gaps and areas where further research by FBARG could add value.

Expert speakers offered a comprehensive overview of both completed and ongoing research undertaken by FBARG

Commenting on the future direction of the programme, Tim Shakerley said:

“I am looking forward to seeing the implementation of the outputs of FBARG’s work over the next few months and years.

“The next phase of research within the FBARG Programme includes investigative static brake testing to unlock new learning about how train lengthening impacts braking and low adhesion performance – as well as how train compressive forces may build – and brake force modelling, helping us understand the impacts of different brake system design, maintenance and their inter-train compatibility.”

Neil Ovenden, adds:

“We are very grateful for the valuable discussion, audience engagement and active participation from those that attended. We gained industry support for the direction of future research and so we are now confident that we are tackling the priorities of the industry with continued stakeholder support.

“Helping to address the challenges of operating rail freight in all conditions of adhesion and reducing the propensity of wheel flats will continue to enhance rail freight’s performance and safety credentials in pursuit of our growth agenda.

The event concluded with reflections from David Golding, Safety and Sustainability Director at GBRF and member of the FSP Board, who said:

“Today’s event demonstrated the rail freight industry’s commitment to understanding braking and adhesion dynamics, By harnessing this collective knowledge we can drive continuous improvements for the benefit of all.

“Companies and organisations working together in this way demonstrates the industry’s maturity in collaborating to further enhance the safety and performance of the entire rail freight sector, proving rail’s reliability as a preferred transport for customers across the country.”

The FBARG seminar shared findings on the underlying conditions that can lead to wheel flats in rail freight vehicles

Rail Freight industry consultation on wagon maintenance principles

freightsafe_admin — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 15:52:17 +0000

The rail freight industry is currently being consulted on a major project to set out Key Wagon Maintenance Principles, which has been drafted by industry under a joint initiative between the Freight Safe Programme (FSP) and RSSB.

The stand-alone document which, following the industry consultation, is due for publication in November 2025 and will be further presented to the industry in an RSSB webinar on 08 December. The document has been produced to support Entities in Charge of Maintenance (ECMs) in achieving excellence in maintenance practices and procedures in a cost-effective way. It will also fulfil some of the recommendations in the Railway Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) report published in 2022 into the 2020 Llangennech train derailment and fire at Carmarthenshire in Wales.

The group has focussed on:

The promotion of improved maintenance, instructions, equipment, working conditions, methods and levels of compliance
How to encourage the effective sharing of safety related information between wagon owners and maintainers
Quality and management assurance processes that encompass ECM workshops, contractors and suppliers to specialised services
How to develop the competence of those undertaking maintenance of freight wagons including the ability to spot defects that may affect the safe operation of freight wagons

Competence applies to the whole system of maintenance, and there was a need to provide existing and new ECMs with examples of good practice, also recommended by the RAIB report, which could be adopted to meet the legal requirements for all four ECM functions.

Tim Shakerley, Chair of the Wagon Condition Programme,which is one of the Freight Safe Programme’s key priority projects, said:

“It has taken a lot of hard work, diligence and research to achieve the current position where the Key Wagon Maintenance Principles document is being sent to industry for wider consultation. These principles are intended as an essential guide to those in rail freight who are responsible for the wagons and their maintenance, to plug any gaps in where guidance already exists but is not easily accessible to freight stakeholders. There is a lot of good practice in the sector, and the Key Wagon Maintenance Principles will support industry in their responsibilities under existing guidance and regulations.”

It is intended that the good practice outlined may be used to review and be adopted within the management system of freight ECMs to further improve performance. The content will also be of interest to those interacting with ECMs: wagon builders, owners, suppliers, keepers, freight operating companies, infrastructure managers, regulators and certification bodies.

Critically, the work so far has identified and prioritised where the industry could usefully produce more guidance and support to improve clarity and execution of maintenance of vehicles. A programme of work is being developed to ensure that the continuous improvement and development of guidance continue beyond the publication of the principles document.

Peter Theobald, Rolling Stock Systems Engineer at RSSB, is leading on the Key Wagon Maintenance Principles project, with significant support from James Ambrose at Network Rail.

Mark Oakley, Professional Head of Rolling Stock at RSSB, said:

“This document represents the practical experience of a number of stakeholders from the freight sector. Wagon components degrade through wear and damage, and contain materials, consumables and lubricants that degrade through time and utilisation. Degradation can create circumstances that are hazardous to operating the wagon which can be mitigated by wagon maintenance.

“Wagon maintenance, both preventative and reactive, is crucial for ensuring wagons, their equipment and systems operate safely, efficiently and reliably, extending their lifespan and minimising costly downtime and repairs.

“The Key Wagon Maintenance Principles intend to serve as a useful reminder of the guidance and regulations for all working in this sector of the industry.”

The Key Wagon Maintenance Principles document was sent to industry for consultation on 18, September with a closing date of 02 October prior to the final publication in December.

Freight Safe Programme’s ‘Horizon Scanning Service’ to be launched

freightsafe_admin — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 19:11:53 +0000

The Freight Safe Programme, which was established in 2024 to ensure forthright and continuous innovations in rail freight for the benefit of the industry and its customers, has produced a process to identify emerging and future risks to the sector.

‘Horizon Scanning’, a structured process for considering potential problems, threats, opportunities and likely future developments, such as extreme weather conditions or cyber-attacks, has been identified as a key consideration for the rail freight industry in harnessing opportunities and mitigating challenges. Over 10 months, a development project to provide tools to aid freight companies in planning for future risks was put into place, overseen by the Freight Safe Programme (FSP) and in partnership with the Foresight and Horizon Scanning Team at the Rail Safety Standards Board (RSSB).

Geoff Spencer, Chair of the Freight Safe Programme Steering Group, said:

“The Freight Safe Programme was put into place to provide opportunities to propel the rail freight sector into the future as leaders in safety for the benefit of all customers in the supply chain. Rail freight plays a vital role in the country’s economy in keeping goods moving efficiently and in an environmentally friendly way, with every freight train, on average, taking 76 lorry movements from our congested roads.

“Projects such as the Horizon Scanning Service put rail freight companies on the front foot so that they are better prepared to foresee challenges they may face in the future and to create strategies to lessen the impact on customers if they do occur.”

The ‘Horizon Scanning Service’ will deliver quarterly reports on emerging risks, alongside support for organisations to assist them in using the information.

Guy Yeomans, Principal – Horizon Scanning at RSSB, said:

“The primary motivation for the scanning service is to address a recognised gap in that the sector, previously, had no shared evidence and risk-based understanding of future risks and emerging safety hazards. This service gives the industry a quarterly ‘Horizon Scanning Brief’, which presents research and analysis on possible emerging risks, a tool to evaluate the risks and follow-on tracking and monitoring options.”

The first edition of the ‘Freight Emerging Risks Horizon Scanning Brief’ is due to be released in September 2025.

About the Freight Safe Programme

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. 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.

Freight Safe Insights Update

freightsafe_admin — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 13:40:19 +0000

We are proud to have collaborated with RSSB on its new Safe Insights platform.

The AI powered safety reporting system has been built by RSSB in partnership with the Freight Safe Programme and replaces the Safety Management Intelligence System (SMIS) on 16 March. It is more user friendly and time efficient.

The Freight Safe Programme has produced this video featuring Freightliner Group who have been instrumental in testing the new system on behalf of the rail industry.

Don’t just take our word for it – see what Anthony Willett of Freightliner Group Ltd has to say:
https://vimeo.com/1053526637/7223bc8deb?ts=0&share=copy

Dougie Hill appreciation!

freightsafe_admin — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 13:29:26 +0000

At our Freight Safe Programme Steering Group meeting we presented Dougie Hill with a token of our appreciation for all the work he has done for the Freight Safe Programme in his role as Chair of the National Freight Safety Group.

Dougie stood down as Chair of the NFSG in January after seven years in the role.

Geoff Spencer, Chair of the Freight Safe Programme Steering Group, said:

“Dougie has transformed the NFSG and put his heart and soul into it over the last seven years.

“He was also here when we set up the Freight Safe Programme and he has been a real help to me and my colleagues on the steering group. I would like to thank him very much for his support in all that we have done as a team to make rail freight even safer.“

Dougie added:

“Thank you to everyone for your help over the years. I’ve really enjoyed being part of the Freight Safe Programme and I have lots of fond memories.

“My role as Professional Head of Freight Safety at RSSB keeps me very much involved in freight activities and I look forward to supporting the new Chair of NFSG when they are appointed, freight groups and the sector as we continue with our work facilitating continuous improvement of health, safety and well-being in rail freight.”

Freightliner’s Stuart Ash to lead significant work by Freight Safe Programme

freightsafe_admin — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 18:19:33 +0000

Stuart Ash, Freightliner’s Professional Head of Operations, has been appointed by the Freight Safe Programme (FSP) to direct its work in providing an industry wide standard for freight train preparation and operations.

In this significant role, Stuart will oversee the development of consistent world class practices and procedures in freight 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 Wagon Condition Programme aims to improve the way that freight wagons are presented to the rail network through driving continuous improvement in maintenance, train preparation and the exploitation of emerging technology, and provide key learning in areas of adhesion and braking as trains get longer and heavier. It achieves this by promoting industry-driven learning and collaboration, using sector-wide knowledge and experience.
Stuart will lead ‘workstream 2’ of the programme which looks at train preparation practices with a view to establishing industry wide guidance for freight operating companies and freight partners, facilitating the delivery of consistent, high performing train preparation and a basis for industry reliance. He said:

“Ensuring robust and industry leading safety practices is in everyone’s interest. Rail freight already has an excellent safety record but that does not mean that we should ever stop striving to improve. I am looking forward to getting to grips with my new role with the Wagon Condition Programme, including speaking with our front-line rail freight employees such as ground staff who work in all weather conditions, day and night while performing critical tasks in train preparation, to gain insights from their experiences.”

Stuart takes over the role from Kate Turner, DB Cargo’s Head of Operations and Service Delivery (North), who ran the project from summer 2024. He said: “Kate has been great in getting me up to speed on how the workstream has got to the strong position it is currently in. She has given this project momentum and got it into a good place. I’m looking forward to taking the baton and continuing this good work.”

Stuart joined Freightliner in December 2024 following 23 years with Network Rail where he was latterly Route Operations Manager for West Coast (South).

Tim Shakerley, chair of the FSP’s Wagon Condition Programme, said: “I am pleased to welcome Stuart to the team. He has a wealth of experience in the rail industry which will ensure this project continues to go from strength to strength in providing industry standards and guidance in the safe and efficient preparation and operation of freight trains. I would also like to extend my thanks to Kate for getting the train preparation workstream foundations in an excellent place from which the programme can build.”

Kate Turner said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working with the Wagon Condition Programme and now the time has come to hand the reigns to Stuart, who I know will do a fantastic job. I look forward to supporting and keeping up to speed with all the developments of WCP through my role at DB Cargo.”

“Kate has been great in getting me up to speed on how the workstream has got to the strong position it is currently in. She has given this project momentum and got it into a good place. I’m looking forward to taking the baton and continuing this good work.”

Stuart joined Freightliner in December 2024 following 23 years with Network Rail where he was latterly Route Operations Manager for West Coast (South).

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

“I am pleased to welcome Stuart to the team. He has a wealth of experience in the rail industry which will ensure this project continues to go from strength to strength in providing industry standards and guidance in the safe and efficient preparation and operation of freight trains. I would also like to extend my thanks to Kate for getting the train preparation workstream foundations in an excellent place from which the programme can build.”

Kate Turner said:

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working with the Wagon Condition Programme and now the time has come to hand the reigns to Stuart, who I know will do a fantastic job. I look forward to supporting and keeping up to speed with all the developments of WCP through my role at DB Cargo.”

FSP news horizon scanning workshop

freightsafe_admin — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 13:38:20 +0000

DB Cargo UK’s Doncaster offices hosted a Horizon Scanning test workshop at the end of February. Guy Yeomans and Elliot James from RSSB’s Futures Lab facilitated the session, alongside project sponsor Neil Hutchinson, Head of Safety at DB Cargo UK. This workshop marked an important milestone in testing the emerging risks ‘Horizon Scanning Service’, a pilot initiative being developed in partnership with the RSSB through the Freight Safe Programme.

The purpose of the session was to generate discussions on a range of emerging risk information and explore their possible implications for a freight operating company. The workshop enabled feedback to be gathered from participants on the materials and process used. This input will be crucial in enabling the further development of the Horizon Scanning Service, which will be based on a quarterly report on emerging risks, alongside support for organisations to assist them in using the information.

The service aims to help the industry better anticipate risks, identify issues which may require collective response, and help individual organisations explore their own wider business risks. Representatives from a variety of departments at DB Cargo UK including safety, planning, IT, legal, and finance – came together to engage in group exercises which explored different scenarios using a simple three-step process to better understand potential risks and their impact on the industry.

Geoff Spencer, Chair of the Freight Safe Programme Steering Group, said:

“Workshops like this underscore the importance of proactive collaboration in addressing tomorrow’s challenges today. A big thank you to all involved for their valuable contributions to this innovative initiative.“

Johnny Schute OBE appointed to Freight Safe Programme Steering Group

freightsafe_admin — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 10:00:11 +0000

The Freight Safe Programme (FSP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Johnny Schute OBE, Chief Operating Officer of the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), to the Freight Safe Programme Steering Group. Johnny will serve as the RSSB representative, bringing his extensive expertise in health and safety management to the programme’s strategic efforts.

In his role as Chief Operating Officer at RSSB, Johnny is responsible for delivering high-quality, high-value products and services to RSSB’s members. He leads teams responsible for standards, safety, health and well-being, research and development, and information management, ensuring that RSSB remains an indispensable asset for rail companies.

The Freight Safe Programme is a collaborative initiative dedicated to enhancing the safety and reputation of the UK rail freight sector. By uniting key stakeholders, the programme aims to address network risks with a co-ordinated approach, supporting the growth and sustainability of rail freight operations.

Commenting on his appointment, Johnny said:

“I am pleased to join the Freight Safe Programme Steering Group as the representative from RSSB. This appointment provides an exciting opportunity to leverage my experience in health and safety management to further enhance the safety standards within the UK rail freight sector.

“Collaboration is key in addressing the complex challenges facing our industry today, and I am eager to work alongside fellow stakeholders to support the growth and sustainability of rail freight, ensuring that it remains a model of excellence in safety and efficiency.”

FSP Chairman, Geoff Spencer adds:

“I look forward to working with Johnny to help us to deliver the Freight Safe Programme. His extensive experience and strategic vision will greatly benefit the programme and its objectives.”

DB Cargo’s Kate Turner appointed to head major review by the Freight Safe Programme

freightsafe_admin — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 10:00:07 +0000

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.”