RISQS Newsletter – April 2026
Events
RISQS Buyer and Supplier Consultation Group
Our consultation group event in London on 21 April 2026 attracted over 100 attendees. Key highlights included:
- Network Rail’s contract pipeline update from Richard Hussey, Programme Commercial Manager
- Trends in audit findings
- RISQS platform demonstrations for buyers and suppliers
- A lively Q&A with valuable feedback to help shape the scheme.
Constructionline Marketplace Live events
We're attending Marketplace Live events across the UK this year. Paul Haynes, Assistant Scheme Manager, will be on hand to discuss RISQS and supplier accreditation. We have already completed Cardiff and London, and look forward to upcoming events in Glasgow, Leeds, London, Bristol, and Manchester.
Future events
We're finalising details for our next events. More information to follow.
P11-13 top 3 non-conformance themes
Following feedback from members, we’re sharing learning from recent audit activity.
Major non‑conformance themes:
- failure to close previous non-conformances effectively (CORS 8.1)
- weak or poorly implemented management systems (CORS 2.2)
- gaps in health, safety, quality, and environment competence, roles, and responsibilities (CORS 1.2).
These findings indicate governance and assurance weaknesses where controls could not be proven as working in practice.
Minor non‑conformance themes:
- inconsistent application of procedures (CORS 2.7)
- weak monitoring and reviews (CORS 3.1)
- document control issues (CORS 2.3).
These issues are minor, but they can escalate if not addressed promptly. Early and proactive close‑out is key to maintain assurance and avoid similar major findings in the future.
We'll share more details on these major and minor non conformance themes shortly.
Portal and pre‑qualification updates
Earlier this year, we made updates to the RISQS Pre‑Qualification Questionnaire. This aimed to strengthen assurance around:
- digital identity
- tax compliance
- corporate responsibility
- connected person governance.
Note that if you do not complete these requirements in the questionnaire, your organisation may not be visible or searchable to buyers using RISQS as a Qualifying Utilities Dynamic Market. This could limit your ability to be considered for relevant procurements. Please ensure all relevant requirements are updated and submitted for review, so that you remain compliant and visible.
The new questions sit alongside your existing commercial and corporate social responsibility requirements and retain their original expiry dates.
To update your information, go to the relevant requirement on your Requirements page and submit it for review when ready.
Looking ahead – rail reform
Rail Reform is a long‑term government programme to simplify and improve how Britain’s railway is managed.
Great British Railways (GBR) is set to become the future guiding mind of the railway — bringing together leadership, oversight, and standards. GBR does not yet formally exist, but legislation is progressing and a phased introduction is expected.
What does this mean for RISQS members?
- Clearer national assurance expectations.
- Reduced duplication for buyers and suppliers.
- Greater consistency across the rail industry.
RISQS already supports this model, and it remains essential for safety‑critical work. Under rail reform, robust supplier assurance becomes more important — not less. Maintaining a compliant RISQS profile is increasingly a licence to be visible to buyers.