Our ref: HSR
Head Office Circular: NP/116/25
22nd July 2025
To: The Secretary
All branches and Regional Councils
Dear Colleague
NETWORK RAIL – TRIAL OF POSSESSION SUPPORT ASSISTANCE AT BLETCHLEY DEPOT
I have received a report from the Lead Officer regarding a proposal from Network Rail’s Northwest and Central Region to launch a trial at Bletchley Depot which will evaluate how dedicated support roles can help Engineering Supervisors meet the requirement of Handbook 12 more effectively. The Lead Officer is supportive of the trial and is seeking formal approval from this NEC in this matter.t
At its meeting on 15 July 2025, your National Executive Committee noted and adopted the following report from its Health and Safety subcommittee from when it met to consider the NWR proposal:
We instruct the General Secretary to adopt the actions in line with the Lead Officers report.
When the trial is concluded we instruct the General Secretary to ensure that issues over competency and pay rate of Engineering Supervisor Assistants are addressed.
Branches and Regional Councils to be informed accordingly.
I am acting in line with these instructions. Please bring this circular to the attention of all relevant members.
Yours sincerely,
Eddie Dempsey
General Secretary
Unity House
Tel: 020 7387 4771
Email: