NETWORK RAIL – ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Head Office Circular NP/262/16

Our Ref: HSR/4/2
3rd November 2016

The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES
ALL REGIONAL COUNCILS

Dear Colleague

NETWORK RAIL – ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Further to Head Office Circular NP/252/16, 21st October 2016 and following our letter to the company rejecting the current arrangements in the East Midlands Area, the company have set out their proposals in this regard in writing. The contents of the letter have been consulted with our East Midlands Area Health and Safety Representatives.

The NEC have noted and adopted the following report:

Further to our decision NWW, 11th October 2016, we note the latest correspondence from the company. Whilst we note the company’s intentions are as follows:

• Produce an amendment to the current method of working (GN 908) to remove the requirement for SWL, and therefore revert to previous competences (COSS, ES etc.) with the Team Leader or equivalent acting as COSS
• Carry out consistent, simple briefings to the workforce, removing any confusion regarding what is required
• Focus attention on a locally run improvement plan, tackling issues identified in Direct Observations and in recent ORR inspections
• Provide dedicated resource to manage the improvement plan and overall activity. Manage and govern successful delivery by a group including local reps

Having considered the issue our East Midlands Reps have made their position clear that they are not prepared to take part in any more discussions until the company commit to reverting back to the 019 standard which is in line with our previous decisions on this matter. We therefore note the company’s intention but are of the view that we cannot participate in the process outlined.

Relevant Branches and Regional Councils to be advised.

I am acting in accordance with these instructions. Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of relevant members.

Yours sincerely

Mick Cash
General Secretary