TfW RL: PSYCHOMETRIC TESTING FOR SHUNTER/ DRIVER GRADE

Our ref: HSR

Head Office Circular: NP/140/25

2^nd September 2025

To: The Secretary

All branches and Regional Councils

 

Dear Colleague

 

TfW RL: PSYCHOMETRIC TESTING FOR SHUNTER/ DRIVER GRADE

 

Further to Head Office Circular NP/233/24, dated 2^nd October 2024, I write in connection with a report I received from the Lead Officer explaining the outcome of a meeting between TfW (Transport for Wales) and TfW Fleet Company Council. Which is that the company intends to review the existing assessments for Shunter Drivers across its Fleet Maintenance Depots.

 

At its meeting on 19^th August 2025 your National Executive Committee noted and adopted the following report from its health and safety sub-committee:

 

         “We note the report on file from the lead officer.

 

            We further note that selection for depot drivers (shunters drivers) has traditionally been in line with RIS03751-TOM (Psychometric Assessment in Train Driver Selection) which is which is the rail industry standard for train driver selection.  

 

            For the role of technician driver, however, the proposal of the company whilst continuing to use psychometrics as part of the selection process this will apply to the non-technical skills identified, the rationale being that depot driving roles only operate within a depot environment with no responsibility for movements of any units on to the mainline.  

 

            Given the safety critical nature of the role, assessment tools will include safety orientated tests to help assess the specific aptitude to perform the driving role.   Understandably this is a concern for our shunter grade members employed within TfW and the future implications in this regard.

 

            We further note that there is no formal agreement in place between TfW and the RMT.

 

            The General Secretary is instructed to inform Transport for Wales that it is the view of this union that the selection for depot drivers (shunters drivers) remain in line with RIS03751-TOM which is the rail industry standard for train driver selection – as it is important that safety standards are upheld. 

 

            We note however that this should not be used to discriminate against our members and that we will keep this decision under review. 

 

            Relevant members to be notified by email and text; relevant branches and regional councils to be advised. 

 

            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