Supplier Verification

Supplier assurance processes help verify the quality of supplied goods and services, preventing defects and ensuring long-term reliability.

RISQS delivers both verification and in-person audits (where our auditors visit suppliers) to minimise the level of risk being imported into the railway system. 

Our team work hard behind the scenes to ensure our industry suppliers have the correct documentation in place. Missing or out-of-date information can result in non-conformance, which means suppliers are no longer visible to potential buyers within the RISQS portal. 

We carry out a verification process for the following reasons:

Legal compliance 

Great Britain’s railways are subject to strict regulations and safety standards enforced by government authorities. Companies must adhere to these regulations to ensure the safety of their workers, passengers, and the infrastructure itself. Proper documentation demonstrates compliance with these legal requirements.

Safety protocols

Detailed documentation outlines safety protocols and procedures that employees must follow when working on or near the railway. This includes information about hazards, emergency procedures, and safety equipment usage. Without proper documentation, workers may not be adequately trained or informed about how to work safely, increasing the risk of accidents.

Risk management

Documentation helps companies identify and mitigate risks associated with railway work. By documenting potential hazards, conducting risk assessments, and implementing appropriate controls, companies can reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries.

Quality assurance

Documentation also plays a role in ensuring the quality of work performed on the railway. By documenting procedures, inspections, and maintenance activities, companies can track the condition of railway infrastructure and identify any issues that need to be addressed.

Communication

Proper documentation facilitates communication among various stakeholders involved in railway projects, including employees, contractors, regulatory agencies, and the public. Clear and accurate documentation ensures that everyone is on the same page regarding project requirements, timelines, and safety protocols.
Overall, having the correct documentation is essential for companies working on the railway to operate safely, comply with regulations, manage risks, maintain quality, and facilitate effective communication.

What should you do next?

To avoid falling into a non-compliant status, it’s imperative to ensure documents are always kept up to date.

This role could be assigned to an individual who has responsibility to periodically review your company’s portal. Documents, such as insurances, usually have a specified validity date on them, so adding reminders into calendars to update records can also help to prevent expirations. 

(N.B. The image below is an example and not a real company.)

The RISQS team reviews non-compliant companies each month and send communications to those affected to request that appropriate action is taken. If you do receive one of those communications, it is in your interest to act swiftly. Remember, non-compliant companies will not be visible to buyers on the RISQS portal. 

For any questions related to the RISQS scheme, please contact info@risqs.org.