As part of this engagement programme, we have developed some new audits, as well as audit delivery, which we’re keen to launch into market.

However, to fully test, we require volunteer supplier companies to pilot these processes with us first, delivering vital feedback before we go ‘live’ to the wider industry. 
This concerns the following pilots. 

Hybrid audits pilot 

The new hybrid audits will require suppliers to upload evidence of compliance, against a matrix provided by RISQS, prior to your actual audit date. 

This will benefit suppliers by enabling us to review evidence submitted remotely and reduce the time we are taking from you and your team. 

Over the long-term, suppliers will begin to gain more insights into your management processes that can help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your business. The audit perception will move away from a ‘tick-box’ exercise into a learning environment where opportunities for improvement are clear and actionable. 

Please note, to ensure that you are not disadvantaged, we will still leave the calculated duration from Network Rail during this pilot, even though you may find that the face-to-face element goes faster than you would expect. 

The upload will be to our platform and then held in your designated company folder within our data store. 

Sustainability and road risk audit pilot 

We are also undertaking a pilot of sustainability and road risk modules within RISQS. 

We are looking for early adopters, recognising that these two will be delivered at no cost to the supplier(s) to pilot these modules with us, as we appreciate their time and support. 
This may be undertaken as an addition to their scheduled RISQS audit depending on timings, or we can undertake this in a stand-alone way. These audits will initially be ‘optional’ to the industry, though buyers are asking us to give you guidance on how to assist them in compliance with either government or contractual requirements imposed on them. 

The sustainability variant will be proportionate and tied to the Rail Social Value Tool as well as NR/L2/ENV/015 Environment and Social Minimum Requirements for Projects – Design and Construction to help you achieve your progression towards climate change being a reality or improving road safety for your team and the public. 

We will also be introducing new audits at the request of the train operating companies, infrastructure managers, and so on. We will share news on this when the time is right. 
Please note, we have already ascertained from the buyers that these will remain ‘voluntary’ and outside of the NR/L2/SCO/302 standard that drives the compliance audit. However, there is an inevitable reality that areas like environment and sustainability are being required at government level, and, in time, that will cascade to us to help reduce climate change with quantifiable qualitative approaches. 

Why help us pilot an assurance process or audit? 

We appreciate that this might be an additional ask of your time. However, piloting additions or modifications to RISQS serves the greater good.

  • Testing effectiveness: Piloting allows us to test the effectiveness of the assurance process on a smaller scale before rolling it out more widely. This helps identify any potential flaws or areas for improvement before full implementation. 
  • Gathering feedback: Piloting provides an opportunity to gather feedback from stakeholders involved in the process, such as buyer, suppliers, employees, or regulatory bodies. This feedback can be used to refine and improve the process before widespread adoption. 
  • Identifying challenges: Piloting helps identify any challenges or obstacles that may arise during the implementation of the assurance process. This allows for proactive problem-solving and adjustment of the process to address these challenges. 
  • Building confidence: Piloting the assurance process on a smaller scale can help build confidence among stakeholders in its effectiveness and reliability before implementing it on a larger scale. 
  • Ensuring cost-effectiveness: Piloting allows organisations to assess the cost-effectiveness of the assurance process and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that it delivers value without excessive costs. 
  • Have your say: Piloting gives you an opportunity to have your say before processes go live. So, if you want to share your perspective, now is the time to get involved. 
    Overall, piloting an assurance process enables us to refine and optimise our approach to ensure that it meets the desired objectives and delivers the intended benefits effectively and efficiently. 

How to get involved 

Please contact info@risqs.org to submit your interest, stating the pilot area you wish to be considered for, and we will contact you to discuss the next steps.