40694 Knowledge and experience of some managers in strike cover

August 2009 in Train Operations

Training and briefing Method of working Supervision and Management Knowledge Skills and experience South East East Midlands Central

The knowledge and experience of some managers brought in to cover during strike action is being questioned by one reporter.

During strike action all managers, including driver managers, conductor managers, station managers and line managers are being asked to work trains. Although the driver and conductor managers may have the required knowledge and experience to work trains, the reporter is concerned that the station and line managers may not. Some of these managers have apparently been rushed through the PTS training and have been signed off on the route in just three days. Normally staff would receive training for three weeks before they are competent to be signed off on the route between Northampton and London Euston. There is also concern that these managers may not have received training on the rules.

The reporter's concern is that if some of the managers do not have enough route knowledge and experience to work the train that this could contribute to a safety related incident.

Could London Midland clarify whether all the managers being asked to work trains during action have received comprehensive route training and are adhering to the rules and regulations set by the company?

Response from London Midland

London Midland takes the issue of safety for its customers extremely seriously. As a consequence it has developed a robust training and assessment process for managers who may be called upon to work trains. This is laid down in our operational standards manual under "Competence Requirements for Managers to Perform Train Working Duties - OPS 21'. All managers who may be called upon to undertake these tasks are trained and assessed to these rigorous standards. The standard covers all aspects of train working including Route Competency, Traction Competency and Rules and Regulations Competency. Evidence of training and assessment for each of the competencies required is held on file and and each file is individually verified by a member of the Operational Standards Department.