Principal Consultant/Associate Richard Horobin takes us through his ongoing journey as a member of the AARCPS family…
On a sunny December day in Ryde on the Isle of Wight during my final visit of 2025, I found myself reflecting on a remarkable year with rail consultancy AARC Professional Services. Over the past twelve months, I’ve worked alongside South Western Railway (SWR), delivering Signaller Competency Assessments – a role that has allowed me to stay close to the industry I’ve devoted my working life to.
Closing a chapter at Network Rail
In October 2024, I stepped away from Network Rail after nearly 38 years of service, after humble beginnings as a signaller and eventually culminating in the role of Train Service Delivery Director for the North West and Central Region. Along the way, I held almost every operational position from the infrastructure owner/operator’s perspective.
As my leaving date approached, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. Was this the start of early retirement, a complete career change, or something in between? I knew I wasn’t ready to retire, nor did I want to leave the railway behind. What I wanted was to continue contributing – sharing the knowledge and experience I had built-up over the decades.
AARCPS - Run by railway people for railway people
That’s when Steve Derrick, Managing Director of AARCPS and also a career railwayman, stepped in. Having worked with Steve years earlier on the London North Western Route, I was keen to hear about his organisation and its role within the industry, particularly in respect of knowledge retention. He explained the AARCPS philosophy – a business run by railway people for railway people, providing clients with outstanding outcomes across the areas of Rail Operations, Business Change & Projects, Safety & Assurance, Rail Operations Training and Rail Infrastructure. His passion was infectious and I knew instantly that becoming an associate with AARCPS was the ideal next step for me.
Returning to my roots in signalling
Shortly after my arrival at AARCPS, Steve asked if I’d provide support to South Western Railway with Signaller Competency Compliance for the Island Line team at Ryde St Johns Road. Signalling had never left me – I had maintained my competence throughout my career and as Operations Director for the North West Route was responsible for more than 120 signalboxes and 1,100 staff, with some of my most rewarding moments being safety tours and meeting frontline colleagues working at the sharp end of the industry. This opportunity with SWR and the Island Line felt perfect – a chance to apply my knowledge, use my NVQ assessor qualification and continue doing something I truly enjoy, while staying connected to the railway.
With regards to the assignment itself and by way of background, the signalbox at Ryde St Johns Road signals trains on the Island Line, which connects the Wightlink Ferry at Pier Head through to Shanklin and provides a critical transport artery for both tourists and residents alike.
Delivering Competence and Building Plans
During the past year supporting SWR and the Island Line, I have:
- Completed my own signalbox training competence plan
- Passed my competency assessment in Ryde St Johns Road signalbox
- Gained a deep understanding of SWR competency standards and management systems
- Developed and implemented a plan to deliver signaller assessments
- Created a forward-looking delivery plan for 2026 and 2027
Feeling part of the team
Throughout my journey with SWR and the Island Line, I’ve been warmly welcomed by signallers and management team alike and I’m immensely proud to be treated as part of such a dedicated group, working together to keep the Island Line safe, compliant and future-ready.
As I left the Isle of Wight last month, I did so with gratitude – for the opportunity to continue contributing to the railway, for the colleagues who have welcomed me and for the chance to remain part of the industry that has defined my working life.
