Lead Investigator

Due to a recent re-organisation GB Railfreight is proud to offer a new and exciting opportunity of Lead Investigator who will be responsible for the Accident and Investigation standard and process. At GBRf we are always looking to improve on the way that we carry out investigations and want to improve our learning and understanding when things go wrong.

You will work closely with the Head of Standards to build on the existing process and look to build a series of improvements using RIS-3119-TOM - Rail Industry Standard for Accident and Incident Investigation as a guide.

You will be self-motivated and proactive looking to create a training program that can be delivered to new and existing staff in the operations management team, and leading and participating in active investigating. You will take the lead in all Level 2 and 3 investigations.

You will analyse investigation reports and assess the effectiveness of the recommendations how we can prevent further accidents. You will ensure that our investigations are carried out in line with our fair culture policy, which encourages employees to take part. Where appropriate you will apply and share what was learned from an investigation throughout the organisation.

You will need an interest and experience in Accident Investigation and have excellent communication and report writing skills with a keen eye for the detail.

Our Standards team are based in Peterborough, but the role will require travel nationally to incidents, incident investigations and industry meetings.

Main Objectives:

• Create and oversee the continuous improvement of the investigation process including interviewing, evidence collection, analysis of incident and human factors and preventative actions.
• Identification, Creation and Delivery of accident and investigation training to all staff who require it (Ops Managers, Operations Standards Managers, Yard Managers) and First line on call (FLOC) and Second Line on call (SLOC)
• Contribute to the overall reduction in safety incidents by raising awareness, implementing change through lessons learnt and offering guidance
• Contribute towards the improvement in quality in the existing report writing process

• Take lead responsibility for Level 2 and Level 3 investigations which involves attending locations of serious incidents and taking responsibilities of Tain Operating Liaison Officer (TOLO). Also Supporting the regions with Level 1 investigations
• Own the Accident/Investigation process and associated standards
• Work with the Head of Production to investigate all irregularities involving the control function and create preventative measures 
• Ensure the GB Railfreight control process is thorough and robust in dealing with “real time” emergency situations
• Define the structure of “gold” and “silver” control arrangements
• Review the on-call matrix to ensure that all eventualities are catered for and own the on-call procedure and ensure coverage 24/7
• Be responsible for the management aftercare post serious operating incidents
• Lead table top planning exercises in conjunction with the Head of Safety
• Represent the business at the relevant industry meetings and events and share learnings that will improve our safety performance.

Essential Skills

• GCSE in Maths and English, or equivalent
• Experience of Accident Investigation
• Clear, thorough and accurate report writing skills and experience
• Preparation and delivery of reports to a variety of audiences
• Understanding of Industry safety rules
• Confident and proactive
• High attention to detail
• Excellent communication, influencing and presentation skills
• Excellent decision making and organisational skills, with good-time management
• Competent with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and Outlook)
• Strong understanding of the railway

Desirable Skills

• Personal Track Safety (PTS)
• Train the Trainer Qualification (or equivalent)
• Institute of Safety and Health (IOSH)
• Geographic knowledge
• Train Operations Liaison Officer (TOLO)
• Knowledge of various training and teaching methods
• Dangerous goods knowledge
• Driver knowledge
• Groundstaff knowledge
• Diesel and electric traction
• Critical thinking with problem solving skills
• Experience of designing, managing and delivering training programs
• Project Management skills and experience or qualification