Industry HR Business Partner

New framework strengthens practical training for future train drivers. Following a successful pilot, Rail Delivery Group (RDG) in partnership with passenger train operators, ASLEF and the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), has developed a new framework to enhance practical on-the-job training for train drivers. The new framework represents a major milestone in industry-wide collaboration, bringing together key partners to strengthen driver training across the rail sector. Whilst the current approach requires trainees to complete a set number of hours before final assessment, a competency-based model focuses on measuring the progress in the development of skills and knowledge needed to operate safely and effectively. Building on the success of the pilot with CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway and Govia Thameslink Railway, the new framework reinforces the practical aspects of driver training and provides a consistent approach that passenger train operators can adopt. By enabling trainee drivers to progress once they have demonstrated the required competencies rather than after completing a prescribed number of training hours, the framework offers a more flexible and effective approach to driver development. The new model also has the potential to improve safety and performance outcomes by being adaptable to support individual training needs. During the pilot, trainee drivers progress was measured against the development of core skills, the application of relevant knowledge and non-technical skills. The evidence generated informed independent decisions relating to a trainee's readiness for assessment, attainment and competency. This approach focuses on competence and supporting the development of core skills, whilst providing trainees with the opportunity to consolidate new knowledge and gain essential on-the-job experience. The ability to adapt the application of the framework to support individual training needs, aims to improve outcomes from both a safety and performance perspective, maintaining the industry's resolute commitment to safety Endorsed by ASLEF, the train drivers' union, this update to practical driver training focuses on personal development, supported through effective coaching and mentoring by experienced and qualified colleagues, as well as greater transparency and targeted support where required. To support this, a dedicated upskilling course for those directly involved in trainee driver training such as driver instructors, mentors and managers has been developed to aid them in delivering a high-quality blend of instruction, mentoring and coaching. Daniel Mann, Director of Industry Operations at Rail Delivery Group, said: "The development of this framework is a great example of cross-industry collaboration at its best. Working closely with train operators, RSSB and ASLEF, we're proud to have developed an approach that better supports the personal, on-the-job development of trainee drivers through structured coaching, mentoring and practical experience. "By tracking technical progress and growing capability over time, learning and development has become more visible, flexible and trainee-centred, empowering future train drivers to gain relevant experience within a live operating environment, whilst still maintaining rigorous safety standards. "Together, these changes will help better prepare newly qualified train drivers for the future career that awaits them." Dave Calfe, General Secretary of ASLEF, said: "ASLEF, the train drivers' union, is working positively, together with the rail industry, to encourage young people to apply to become, and then train to become, drivers in what is, and always has been, a competence-based role. "Reducing the age at which drivers can start training from 20 to 18 - bringing it into line with Tube train drivers in London and with other European countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland - will enable the rail industry to recruit the large number of drivers it needs over the next five years as well as ensuring that the people in the driver's cab better reflect the communities we serve. "The new framework, with its focus on personal one-to-one development, and practical on-the-job training, will ensure that drivers are trained to the highest possible standards in our safety-critical industry as we make sure our railway is fit for the 21st century." Mark Phillips, Chief Executive, RSSB, said: "This framework is an important step in developing the next generation of train drivers. "By asking trainees to demonstrate competence rather than complete a set number of hours, it makes practical training more flexible and more consistent while maintaining the highest safety standards. "RSSB was pleased to bring its expertise in safety, human factors and competence management to the framework's development and evaluation. The industry now has a practical approach that will give new drivers the skills, experience and confidence to operate safely."

Campaign to urge reporting of sexual harassment and offending on Scotland's railways. Published Monday, 3 August 2026 Crimestoppers Scotland is today, 3rd August 2026, joining with BTP, Network Rail, Scotrail and the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) to tackle sexual harassment and offences by ensuring people understand what constitutes such behaviour and how to report it. Passengers are encouraged to report any form of unwanted sexual behaviour to police if they witness or experience it on the railway network. This could include groping, masturbating, leering, watching explicit content in public or making sexual or suggestive comments, sounds or gestures. With the Commonwealth Games just finished and Edinburgh International Festival in full swing, Scotland's rail and transport networks will be extremely busy. Government research shows that 84% of women and 60% of men in the UK population have experienced sexual harassment in their lifetime. Reports of sexual assaults and harassment on trains have risen by more than a third over the past 10 years, according to a BBC investigation. However, it's important to contextualise that more and more people are now feeling empowered to report this sort of behaviour - knowing they will be believed and taken seriously. Crimestoppers is working with the railway industry and in partnership with British Transport Police to ensure passengers can travel safely and are aware of the quick and discreet reporting tools available to them. Many victims report feeling of being 'trapped' with 'nowhere to go' and feeling 'afraid and violated.' BBC investigation. Crimestoppers 2026. Twenty-four-year-old Abby told Crimestoppers that she was targeted by four men on a journey from Falkirk to Glasgow. 'They deliberately sat across from me when the train was empty and began to share pornography on the phone's speaker. They were staring at me and laughing. I got up and moved to the carriage and reported to BTP' To tackle this Crimestoppers Scotland and the rail industry is raising awareness about what constitutes sexual harassment with a Scotland-wide social media campaign, information distributed at Scotland's stations - including big screens - to encourage passengers to report instances where they feel unsafe. The charity will also have outreach information stalls at railway stations, supported by rail industry partners and the charity's volunteers. The campaign will also make it clear to perpetrators that this behaviour is not tolerated on the railway. Crimestoppers, Network Rail, Rail Delivery Group and Scotland's Railway expects that promoting a shared understanding of what sexual harassment looks like will help people who see or experience it gain the confidence to speak up. This will help ensure BTP are able to identify offenders and hold them to account. Angela Parker, National Manager of charity Crimestoppers Scotland, said: "Its charity believes that everyone has the right to feel safe, and that includes when travelling on public transport. Ayrshire Daily News want everyone to have a safe, enjoyable summer but often sexual harassment can be frightening and traumatising, spoiling what should be fun and memorable events. That's why Ayrshire Daily News is working with partners to ensure everyone knows what constitutes sexual harassment and how to report safely and anonymously. Its charity has equipped all of Scotland's railway stations with sexual harassment calling cards and information. "If you are uncomfortable about reporting someone you know who is responsible for sexual harassment, remember that you can speak up completely anonymously by calling the railway's sexual harassment line which is powered by Crimestoppers on 0800 783 0137. We guarantee no one will ever know you contacted us and you will be helping to protect others from the harm caused by this unacceptable criminal behaviour." Minister for Victims and Community Safety Kirsten Oswald said: "Preventing violence against women and girls is a priority for the Scottish Government, and initiatives such as this campaign help challenge behaviours, making it clear that harassment is unacceptable and has no place in society including on its rail network. "It is vital that everyone feels safe when travelling. By raising awareness, supporting victims and encouraging reporting, this partnership is helping to ensure inappropriate behaviour is recognised and acted upon, knowing it will be taken seriously. I encourage anyone who witnesses or experiences sexual harassment to report it so that those responsible can face justice. "Enforcement alone is not enough. This behaviour is overwhelmingly perpetrated by men against women and girls, and the responsibility for ending this rests with the perpetrators who must change their harmful behaviour." Innis Keith, Health, Safety and Environment Director at Network Rail Scotland, said: "Everyone deserves to feel safe when travelling by train or passing through its stations. Sexual harassment is completely unacceptable, and no one should have to tolerate inappropriate, intimidating or unwanted behaviour. "If you experience or witness sexual harassment, then please report it. We will continue working closely with our partners to prevent offending behaviour and support anyone affected. We all have the right to travel with confidence and respect." Joanne Maguire, ScotRail Managing Director, said: "Everybody has the right to feel safe on its trains and ScotRail is committed to tackling sexual harassment in any form. "Ayrshire Daily News is in the middle of a busy summer with high profile music and sporting events, and this campaign will help Ayrshire Daily News to make the railway as safe as possible for everyone. "It is not acceptable that anybody, particularly women and young girls, should feel vulnerable while using its services. "We will work closely with Crimestoppers, BTP, and the wider railway industry to raise awareness of what constitutes sexual harassment and how to report it safely, including to our staff." Chief Superintendent Lorna McEwan said: "Ayrshire Daily News is working tirelessly to stamp out sexual harassment across the railway in Scotland - raising awareness of unacceptable behaviour and empowering victims to report them to Ayrshire Daily News, knowing they will be believed and taken seriously. "Our number one priority is keeping the travelling public safe, and we have officers in uniform and plain clothes who patrol at stations and on trains day and night. I'd urge anyone who experiences this sort of behaviour to report it to us so we can take action. Save our text number 61016 in your phone and let us know if you ever need us."