Chris Baughan
Senior Consultant
Accomplished rail operations and infrastructure leader with over three decades of experience spanning British Rail, Railtrack, and Network Rail. Proven expertise in managing signalling operations, infrastructure maintenance, and real-time network control, with a strong track record of delivering safe, efficient, and high-performing rail services. Recognised for leading complex operational teams, developing strategic resourcing plans, and delivering service continuity during major disruptions including the COVID-19 pandemic and national industrial action.
Highly experienced in conducting complex safety investigations, having led numerous formal and high-level incident inquiries from 2003 to 2025. Accredited as a Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) Agent and Designated Competent Person (DCP), with a strong focus on root cause analysis, compliance governance, and safety performance improvement.
A transformational leader with a practical, hands-on approach, known for building capability, closing resource gaps, and implementing robust competence and assurance frameworks. Skilled in cross-functional collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and driving cultural change. Passionate about operational excellence, staff development, and delivering long-term value across the rail industry.
Experience:
Business Change & Projects
Bid Management | Change Management | Programme Management
Experienced rail operations leader with a strong track record in delivering business change, managing complex programmes, and supporting major bids across public transport. Skilled in leading organisational restructures, improving operational performance, and implementing change with minimal disruption to safety or service.
Rail Infrastructure
Engineering Management | Rail Maintenance Management
Extensive experience leading infrastructure maintenance planning and delivery across the maintenance delivery unit, with responsibility for engineering delivery, workforce planning, and safety performance. Managed annual maintenance programmes, access planning, and possession delivery to ensure safe, efficient, and timely execution of infrastructure works.
Led and supported a range of major projects, including high-output renewals, critical asset inspections, weather contingency responses, and resource mobilisation for engineering blockades.
Rail Operations
Depot Operations | Network Operations | Train Operations
Seasoned Rail Operations leader with over 30 years of experience across British Rail, Railtrack, and Network Rail. Experience in leading large operational teams, managing critical incidents, and delivering strategic improvements across Signalling/Operations and response. Experience in all roles within the Operations function of Network rail.
Over two decades of experience leading complex safety and operational investigations across multiple senior roles within Network Rail. Acted as Designated Competent Person (DCP), RAIB-accredited agent, and lead investigator on major incidents, including operational failures, infrastructure events, and serious safety breaches. Conducted Level 1–4 investigations to identify root causes, implement corrective actions, and drive continuous improvement. Authored formal investigation reports and recommendations in line with industry and statutory requirements, contributing to national safety standards and enhancing organisational learning and resilience.
Rail Operations Training
Training Development | Training Delivery
Extensive experience in developing and delivering rail operations training across signalling, infrastructure maintenance, and control environments. Led the design and implementation of local training programmes to address resource gaps, improve operational competence, and support large-scale recruitment.
Qualified A1 Assessor and internal verifier, with expertise in competence management systems, safety-critical training, and regulatory compliance. Delivered structured training for signallers, operational managers, and incident response teams, ensuring alignment with industry standards and internal audit requirements.
Supported the creation of in-house training capacity to reduce reliance on external providers and improve the speed and quality of staff onboarding across safety-critical roles.
Safety & Assurance
Assurance | Risk Management | Safety Management
Over 20 years of experience managing safety and assurance within high-risk rail environments. Led the implementation of robust safety management systems and assurance frameworks to ensure compliance with national standards, statutory obligations, and internal governance requirements.
Accredited RAIB Agent and experienced Lead Investigator, with a proven record of conducting formal investigations into major incidents, identifying root causes, and driving corrective action. Strong understanding of operational risk, incident response, and safety-critical competency management.
Skilled in applying proactive risk assessment techniques, developing mitigation strategies, and leading post-incident reviews to embed continuous improvement. Maintained compliance on audit and safety inspections across multiple roles and locations.
