Recent Projects & Testimonials
A summary of some of our recent projects and the services provided
Signaller Competence Management on the Island Line
South Western Railway
AARC Professional Services Associate and Principal Consultant Richard Horobin returned to his signalling roots when supporting South Western Railway (SWR) and its Island Line team with workplace competence assessments for signallers on the Isle of Wight.
Having maintained signalling competence throughout his career, including when he was Operations Director for Network Rail’s North West route with responsibility for 120 signalboxes and 1,100 staff, the Island Line assignment provided the ideal opportunity for Richard to put his ‘frontline’ experience back into practice.
The project itself focused on the signal box at Ryde St Johns Road, which signals trains on the Island Line, as well as connecting the Wightlink Ferry at Pier Head through to Shanklin – a critical transport artery for residents and tourists. As such and to support the assessment element of the assignment, Richard trained and passed as competent to work the Ryde St Johns Road signalbox, which in turn helped him gain a deeper understanding of SWR competency standards and management systems. With the project running across most of 2025, Richard helped:
- Develop a timebound delivery plan to manage outstanding workplace competence assessments
- Develop and deliver Rule Book briefings to all signalling staff in time for the December 2025 changes
- Produce a suite of documents to support the assessment process
- Develop and implement a forward delivery plan to ensure compliance against Island Line Competence Management standards
Most importantly during the assignment, Richard has become a trusted and valued member of the Island Line team.
We recently found ourselves in need of additional signalling competency support at Ryde Signal Box and reached out to AARC Professional Services. Since then, AARC Associate Richard Horobin has been supporting our team and we could not be more pleased with the quality of his contribution. He is organised, dependable and brings a wealth of knowledge to every task. His friendly approach has also put Island Line colleagues at ease, helping create a positive and confident working environment. Richard has quickly become a valued asset to our team at Ryde.
Emma Brown, Operations Manager, South Western Railway
AARCPS Services Provided
Rail Operations
Western Route – Control Operations Leadership Academy
Network Rail
When seeking expert support for the creation of a Control Operational Leadership Academy (COLA) to train its current and future Senior Network Delivery Managers, Network Rail Western Route turned to AARC Professional Services. The assignment, which ran from April 2024 to May 2025, required support to Western’s project team to help define and agree the competency and training objectives needed in setting up the academy. This included control room operations, operational training design and delivery, quality assurance, communications/stakeholder engagement and change management, as well as overall project coordination. Everything relating to the project also had to be agreed by the Central Training Team (Network Rail System Operator), with a view to national rollout.
Taking the lead for AARCPS was Operations Specialist Laurie Ball, a career railwayman with over 40-years experience, including spells as an Operations Controller and Current Operations Manager. This proved to be invaluable for the COLA project, particularly in relation to the work around railway operational control room activities and competency requirements.
Initially, Laurie helped with the development of the content for the eight-week training programme, including working alongside the client’s Training and Competency Manager to produce the necessary risk-based training analysis for the role of Senior Network Delivery Manager.
On completion of the training programme phase, Laurie’s focus then moved to the production of course content, including a range of exercises covering everything from fatalities on the railway and short notice planning of engineering work through to dangerous goods and weather related incidents and emergency scenarios such as level crossing incidents.
In addition to the above, Laurie provided support to the programme’s ‘guest’ speakers, as well as delivering some of the initial sessions once COLA went live. He also assisted with the final week of each of the three courses which make up COLA, with delegates assessed across a number of tabletop exercises.
Laurie’s expertise in rail operations has been instrumental to the success of the COLA programme. His deep understanding of operational intricacies and commitment to excellence have significantly enhanced the outcomes of COLA.
Laurie has produced some outstanding work, in particular with regards to the exercise scenarios which were both realistic and challenging, replicating issues delegates could potentially face whilst acting in the capacity of Rail Incident Commander.
Laurie’s strategic insights and collaborative approach make him an invaluable asset to any rail initiative. As a trusted operator and supportive colleague throughout his time with us on the Western route, I have no hesitation in recommending Laurie in respect of future support.
Mark McGregor, Training and Competence Manager, Network Rail Western Route
AARCPS Services Provided
Rail Operations
Asset Maintenance Data Management Processes
Rail for London Infrastructure (RfLI)
In its role as Infrastructure Manager for the Elizabeth line, Transport for London subsidiary Rail for London Infrastructure Ltd (RfLI) identified the need to update its Asset Maintenance Data Management processes. This was set against the backdrop of current ways of working, improvements made and lessons learnt since the Elizabeth line came into passenger service in May 2022. Due to its previous work for RfLI in its role as maintainer for the Elizabeth line, AARC Professional Services was approached to help deliver:
- Formatted and updated data management documentation, reviewed through RfLI processes, approved and ready for issue/use
- An agreed process for data exception management supported by a data exception submission template
- Terms of Reference for the cross-business group responsible for the triage of exceptions
- A delivery plan identifying the tasking and resources necessary for implementation within the RfLI business
- Support for the existing IME systems with stakeholder management and document review responses
AARC delivered the project scope to time, cost and quality, with its consultants approachable and professional throughout, rigorously focusing their railway expertise on the needs of the business. As a result, outcomes met requirements, fitting well into our existing structures and ways of working. Behaviours were strong and the team instinctively knew how to engage effectively with railway colleagues in operations and maintenance. I would have absolutely no hesitation in working with AARC again in the future.
Bob Hardy, Infrastructure Maintenance Engineer [Systems], Rail for London Infrastructure (RfLI)
AARCPS Services Provided
Safety & Assurance
Rail Infrastructure
Taffs Well Depot Operations Controller Training
Transport for Wales/Trafnidiaeth Cymru
As part of Transport for Wales/Trafnidiaeth Cymru’s Core Valley Lines (CVL) Transformation Project, AARCPS was approached to assist with the training and development of the newly defined role of Depot Operations Controllers (DOC) – responsible for the safe movement of all trains at Taff’s Well Depot. Through the provision of operations, signalling and training specialists, AARCPS helped to design and deliver a bespoke training package that would cater for all tasks to be performed by the DOCs.
The work, forming part of a two-year project which is still ‘live’, was preceded by risk-based training needs analysis, used to identify and prioritise the relevant training requirements and resulting in the development of a full set of training plans, modules and training materials.
I have been impressed with the professionalism and support that both Greg Edwards and Tony Essam from AARCPS have brought to the project at Taff’s Well Depot and in particular, the way that they have presented facts to other stakeholders, helping to ensure that clear and safe processes are in place. Greg and Tony have always found a solution to any problems encountered and their unique skill set and perspective has been invaluable. Their effective communications has also helped us to achieve our training requirements, all delivered to a very high standard.
Debbie Evans, Operational Competence and Business Development Manager, Transport for Wales
AARCPS Services Provided
Rail Operations
Rail Operations Training
System Operator - Health and Safety Guide
Network Rail
Network Rail’s *System Operator (SO) function turned to AARC Safety and Assurance specialist Liz Parkes and Change Consultant Emma Somers when it needed support with the production of a new Health and Safety Guide.
With the objective of successfully communicating health and safety processes, standards and interfaces, production of the guide involved liaison with over 25 members of the System Operator team, including individual interviews, working groups and consultations, with the resulting document including:
- ‘One-stop-shop’ for readily accessible information
- Practical tips and resources based around those activities that carry a health and safety risk
- Organisation based information plus details of how the different teams within the System Operator impact on the railway, workforce and customer safety
- Use of real-life scenarios, challenging people’s knowledge and behaviours, encouraging discussion and action
From the outset, AARCPS has been extremely professional, giving advice throughout, whilst playing an integral part in managing and developing what has been a challenging project through to its conclusion.
Richard Weatherstone, Operations Safety Manager for the System Operator
*Responsible for making sure the network operates as ‘one seamless and high performing organisation,’ the role of Network Rail’s System Operator function includes strategic planning for the future, provision of high-quality analysis and advice, production of the timetable and managing industry wide relationships including freight.
AARCPS Services Provided
Rail Operations
Business Change & Projects
Safety & Assurance
Eastern Region - Track Asset Strategy
Network Rail
AARCPS worked with Network Rail’s Eastern Region in support of the development of its Track Asset Strategy for Control Period 7, helping to establish the objectives and methods of meeting the regulatory requirements. The resulting output document included a focus on the control of critical risks, precursor events and potential interventions, supported by the presentation of outputs and follow-up reviews with the asset owners.
AARCPS Services Provided
Rail Infrastructure
Contractor’s Engineering Manager
United Living Property Services
AARCPS’s experience of third-party interfaces with the railway proved invaluable when property developer United Living looked to carry out work adjacent to the running lines. Providing a Contractor’s Engineering Manager (CEM) to act as intermediary between the client and Network Rail/Transport for London, helped manage and mitigate potential risk to railway assets and operations, as well as securing the necessary agreements and assurances for work to proceed. Based on our performance the client continues to seek our support on other sites around London
AARCPS Services Provided
Rail Infrastructure
Integrated Train Service Recovery (ITSR)
Network Rail
Network Rail turned to AARCPS to support 21st Century Operations on the development of the Integrated Train Service Recovery (ITSR) project. A project approach that can be adopted by Network Rail and Operators to improve the speed at which the industry recovers the train service following disruption. AARCPS has provided specialist support to help drive the project forward including collaboration with other teams and industry partners to keep the project on time for delivery across the industry.
AARCPS provided a Principal Consultant with considerable knowledge and experience in the rail industry to drive the project forward, often in challenging environments. The professionalism and collaboration with local teams displayed by AARCPS has kept the project on track for delivery across the rail industry by the end of March 2024.
Maggie Ure, Scheme Project Manager, Network Rail, 21st Century Operations.
AARCPS Services Provided
Rail Operations
Business Change & Projects
Safety Certification Project
East Lancashire Railway/Network Rail
Engaged by East Lancashire Railway to carry out work on gaining approval for higher speed running (60mph) on its infrastructure so that they could support a Network Rail innovations project trialling the use of plasma and laser technology to clean rail head contamination. We completed the necessary safety work and submitted the applications to ORR, the outcome being the granting of an exemption certificate to allow trials in October 2022, this will be followed by safety certification and authorisation without the need for annual exemptions.
It has been a great pleasure liaising with AARCPS. The professionalism and dynamism displayed by AARCPS’s consultant has allowed Network Rail to support the dispensation effortlessly. We look forward to seeing the fruits of our labour during the October trial.
Suhayb Manzoor – Network Rail Project Engineer
AARCPS Services Provided
Safety & Assurance
Scotland Operations Training
Network Rail
Network Rail Scotland’s Operations Strategy Manager engaged AARCPS to develop bespoke training materials and competency plans for the RETB and STB signalling systems. Through the provision of signalling and training specialists, AARCPS carried out a Risk-Based Training Needs Analysis (RBTNA) to identify and prioritise the practical training requirements. A full set of training modules and associated materials (including video) were produced, together with a training and competency plan to enable the client to be able to implement the training ‘off the shelf’.
AARCPS Services Provided
Rail Operations Training
Contractor’s Engineering Manager
GF Tomlinson
When seeking an industry intermediary to assist with a school redevelopment bordering the railway, leading Midlands’ based construction company G F Tomlinson called on AARCPS to provide a dedicated Contractor’s Engineering Manager (CEM) in support of the project. The scheme involved the demolition and redevelopment of Oscott Manor School in Erdington, West Midlands, which caters for autistic children and young people aged between 11 and 19. Through its CEM, AARCPS provided the professional lead and operational interface, supporting all stages of the project lifecycle
AARCPS’s appointed CEM was extremely proactive, bringing a positive direct approach to the project, which helped in the successful delivery of a potentially complex process
Rob Sullivan, Senior Contracts Manager, G F Tomlinson
AARCPS Services Provided
Rail Infrastructure
Scotland Operations Strategy
Network Rail
Network Rail Scotland turned to AARCPS’ expertise when developing its operations strategy for the region. Working alongside the client’s Operations and Asset Strategy functions, the team helped successfully develop an approved operations strategy, as well as a revised asset strategy incorporating operation elements. As a result, AARCPS has been engaged by the client’s Head of Operations for further support, including the provision of bespoke operational training modules
The AARC team provided a professional service to the Region, with regular updates on progress and delivery of all outputs within the agreed timescales
Signalling Strategy Lead, Network Rail Scotland
AARCPS Services Provided
Rail Operations
Operational Support
Amey Infrastructure Wales
AARCPS was approached to develop a collaborative working relationship with AIW, in support of its delivery of the Core Valley Lines (CVL) Transformation project – a direct result of the transfer of infrastructure management from Network Rail to Transport for Wales. This in turn led to AIW’s subsequent appointment as Managing Agent for the extensive programme of electrification, signalling recontrol/upgrade, track doubling and station improvements. Initially retained by AIW to provide support on project operational interface work, AARCPS has since been asked to expand its involvement, with a number of its associates working on a range of activities from network/project operations and safety & assurance through to operational training design and delivery.
Having worked with Steve Derrick and team on several occasions, I have always found them to be very knowledgeable and easy to work, delivering high quality outcomes on all that they support.
Colin Hughes, Head of CVL Operations
AARCPS Services Provided
Rail Operations
Safety & Assurance
Rail Operations Training
Rail Infrastructure
Construction Assurance Process
SPL Powerlines UK
Following the introduction of a new standard for railway electrification, SPL Powerlines turned to AARCPS to support a major piece of work redesigning a Construction Assurance process, develop usable and repeatable plans for reference, and ensure a consistency of approach
The AARCPS team were a pleasure to work with and provided SPL Powerlines with a highly motivated and very knowledgeable team to achieve the numerous deliverables set out in our original agreement. AARCPS delivered on the remit to the letter and did so in a collegiate and inclusive way. They gathered in-depth knowledge of our current systems, identified gaps in process and not only did they provide insightful and valuable guidance on how to remedy any deficiencies, they also designed and developed working examples of useable and repeatable products that have proven extremely valuable both now and in the future. AARCPS’ knowledge and experience provided us with real confidence that our redesigned system was industry leading and fit for purpose. The close working arrangement between client and consultant proved to be a model example of how to work together to deliver wide-ranging project deliverables, on time and on budget and I highly recommend AARCPS and their services.
Paul Aitkin – Quality Manager, SPL Powerlines UK
AARCPS Services Provided
Safety & Assurance
Rail Infrastructure
Thameslink Maintenance Readiness
Network Rail
AARCPS were engaged by the Network Rail Thameslink Maintenance Readiness Programme Manager to identify and incorporate Traffic Management requirements into the Route Maintenance Model to provide a road map on how maintenance is to be delivered. Documenting the changes required and provide clarity on who is responsible between the Route Maintainer, NR national comms network maintainer and system suppliers, enabling support contracts to be defined. Leading workshops with the Route maintenance manager, suppliers and project engineers to identify and document tasks for fault response and processes required to support system maintenance and administration. A particular challenge was the definition of the system change administration tasks so that the Maintainer could bring as many tasks in-house as possible. Mapping against existing processes to understand and articulate the change management and training needs requirements.
AARCPS Services Provided
Rail Operations
Rail Infrastructure
Business Change & Projects
Infrastructure Maintenance Readiness
Rail for London (Infrastructure)
When Transport for London subsidiary Rail for London Infrastructure Limited (RfLI) required a report to support its role as maintainer for the Elizabeth Line, it turned to AARCPS. Initially engaged by Head of Infrastructure Maintenance to provide a report on the state of readiness, identify deficiencies and suggest remedies for the RfLI Maintenance organisation to be ready to act as Elizabeth Line IM (infrastructure maintainer) under ROGS. AARCPS needed to define the Maintenance evidence required to support the readiness safety justification for ROGS and entry into passenger service. Since the initial engagement, AARCPS has been retained via Mott MacDonald to provide SME support to the maintenance readiness team, identifying the tasks to achieve maintenance readiness and develop the ‘T-minus’ timeline for all disciplines, produce the maintenance section of the safety justification and input to the production Readiness statement for the second stage of passenger service, act as project sponsor representative on a control system to business system interface functionality – key to the automated response of the maintainer to faults and work arising and confirm the baseline competence requirements for the maintenance operator at the Route Control Centre.
AARCPS Services Provided
Rail Operations
Rail Infrastructure
Business Change & Projects
Safety Verification and Assurance
SPL Powerlines UK
SPL Powerlines UK turned to AARCPS to support their transition process from JV partner, on the delivery of electrification projects to Network Rail, to a standalone supplier. Working with SPL’s Transition Director, AARCPS led on the safety verification and assurance work, helping secure SPL’s position as prime supplier – one it continues to hold, delivering electrification projects for Network Rail across the country. As a result, SPL continues to turn to AARPS for support with its assurance processes.
AARCPS is a strong business, built around a core of time-served rail professionals, each of whom add value, hence us returning to them time and again for support.
Chris Hext - UK Group Safety & Services Director, SPL Powerlines UK
AARCPS Services Provided
Safety & Assurance
Business Change & Projects
