Network Rail sets new collaborative working standards

Network Rail has become the first company in the rail industry – and only the thirteenth nationwide – to achieve BS11000, the new British Standard for collaborative working.

Greater collaboration between organisations within the rail industry was identified by Sir Roy McNulty as one of the means of delivering greater value for passengers and taxpayers – with BS11000 one of the tools Network Rail intends to use to improve the way it works with its supply base to drive down costs.

Five pilot projects, each demonstrating a different approach to partnership between Network Rail and its suppliers, were put forward for assessment against the standard.

Formal accreditation was presented to Network Rail recently at an event attended by transport secretary Justine Greening and partner organisations from across the rail industry.

Simon Kirby, managing director, infrastructure projects, Network Rail, said:

“Network Rail is making big changes that will bring us closer to our customers, make us more efficient and get better value for money to both passengers and taxpayers. Achieving BS11000 shows that these changes are already beginning to deliver in the right way.

“The BS11000 standard gives us the strategic framework to develop, with our key suppliers, the policies and processes, the culture and behaviours required to establish successful collaborative relations and to drive continual improvement.

“Maintaining collaborative business relations can only lead to benefits for Network Rail and its suppliers, for the rail industry and for Britain.”