The rail industry faces challenges like an aging workforce and gaps in understanding diversity, particularly for disabled and LGBT+ employees. EDI is essential for a safer, more reliable railway, better service delivery, and attracting diverse talent. The Rail Industry Association and Women in Rail launched the EDI Charter to promote diversity and gender balance, with over 160 companies participating. Network Rail's Everyone Belongs strategy aims to create an inclusive environment and attract top talent through targeted recruitment and mixed interview panels. But what else can be done to make the industry attractive and inclusive? Would continuous investment programs retain skills, grow expertise, and create sustainable jobs? Listen to this podcast to understand the challenges and what the future holds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Ep 63. How to maintain a 24 7 operational team in the 21st century
The railway industry stands at a pivotal moment, grappling with the need to adapt its workforce strategies to meet the challenges of the future. In our latest podcast episode, we hear from Brad Smith, the Operations Manager for Wessex Route at Network Rail. As we delve into the complexities of maintaining a 24/7 operational team, Brad highlights the evolving expectations of employees, particularly in light of generational shifts. With Gen Z projected to comprise over 30% of the global workforce by 2030, it is crucial for the railway to understand that this new generation seeks more than just a paycheque; they desire purpose, flexibility, and opportunities for personal growth. One of the key takeaways from the discussion is the importance of structuring the workforce effectively to avoid burnout and ensure operational continuity. Brad emphasises that the railway cannot afford to be overstaffed or understaffed. Instead, a balanced approach is necessary to maintain efficiency and keep the railway running smoothly. This involves leveraging technology, such as predictive analytics and AI-driven scheduling, to optimise staffing levels and enhance productivity.Moreover, the conversation touches on the imperative of fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. Brad points out that diversity isn't merely a buzzword; it is a business necessity that can lead to improved decision-making and operational effectiveness. Inclusive teams are not only more engaged but also demonstrate lower turnover rates, which is vital for an industry that never sleeps. As we navigate through the challenges of an ageing workforce and skills gaps, the episode underscores the significance of investing in training and development. Apprenticeships and structured career pathways are essential for building internal capabilities and nurturing future leaders from within the organisation.In conclusion, the railway industry must rethink its people strategy to thrive in an era of rapid change. By embracing new working practices, investing in talent development, and committing to diversity and inclusion, we can ensure that the railway is not only sustainable but also future-proof for generations to come. Listen to the episode for a deeper dive into these critical topics and learn how the railway can adapt and thrive in the face of challenges. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Ep 62. From Compliance to Development
The railway industry is undergoing a transformative journey in how it approaches competence management. In the latest episode of the Rail Technology Magazine podcast, host Jonathan Dean is joined by Gabriel Stroud, CEO and co-founder of AssessTech, and Emma Lowe, a Occupational Psychologist, to explore the shift from compliance-based competence to a developmental approach. Developmental competence management is about more than just ticking boxes; it's about empowering individuals to take ownership of their professional growth. Gabriel and Emma discuss how this approach can lead to a more confident and capable workforce, capable of handling high-pressure situations with poise and precision. This shift not only enhances individual performance but also boosts organisational efficiency and safety. One of the key elements discussed is the role of feedback. Continuous feedback loops ensure that employees are not only meeting compliance standards but are also growing their skills and knowledge. Gabriel emphasises the importance of building confidence in one's competence, transforming assessments from a source of anxiety to an opportunity for growth. Emma highlights the significance of balancing technical and non-technical skills. While technical skills are essential, non-technical skills such as communication, decision-making, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are equally critical. These skills often determine how well an individual can apply their technical knowledge in real-world scenarios. The podcast also delves into the importance of a robust verification strategy. Verification acts as a feedback mechanism, ensuring that competence assessments are not only conducted but are effective and meaningful. This strategy helps organisations identify areas for improvement and tailor their training programs accordingly. As the railway industry continues to evolve, adopting a developmental approach to competence management could serve as a model for other sectors. By focusing on continuous improvement and fostering a culture of learning, organisations can not only comply with regulations but also drive innovation and excellence. Listen to the full episode to discover more about how developmental competence management can transform your organisation and prepare your workforce for the challenges of tomorrow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Ep 61. Connecting the Underground
In the bustling heart of London, beneath the city's streets, a silent revolution is taking place. Transport for London (TfL) is undertaking an ambitious project to bring mobile coverage to the London Underground, transforming the way commuters stay connected. In a recent episode of the Rail Technology Magazine Podcast, host Peter Johnson sat down with Matt Griffin, Head of Commercial Telecoms at TfL, to delve into the intricacies of this monumental task.The journey to bring mobile coverage to the tube began back in 2017 with initial tests on the Waterloo and City line. By March 2020, the eastern half of the Jubilee line boasted the first permanent mobile coverage. Fast forward to today, and the project is more than halfway complete, with about a third of the infrastructure already live. Matt, who has been at the helm since the early days, shares insights into the timeline and the progress made so far. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Ep 60. Digital Evidence Management
Jon Hill and Ben Parrish from Genetec join the latest episode of the Rail Technology Magazine Podcast. The pair explain the current inefficiencies in the rail industry when it comes to retrieving security footage and discuss Genetec’s Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS), Clearance, which helps to streamline the process.Jon explains how the manual method of sharing footage on DVDs and USBs presents serious security issues, while Ben discusses the challenge presented by having a 30-day window to respond to subject access requests, given current inefficiencies.The pair discuss how Clearance has helped operators such as Scotrail to communicate better internally and increase efficiency when handling video requests. They present Clearance as a transformative solution for the rail industry, improving security operations and efficiency while complying with data and compliance regulations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to the Rail Technology Magazine Podcast. Keeping you up-to-date with the most current rail industry news, giving you an all-access pass to the key insights and innovations helmed by the decision makers in our industry Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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