In addition, a number of other rail contracting authorities also utilise RISQS as part of their supplier assurance and qualification approach within a QUDM context. These include:

  • Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited
  • Transport For London
  • Govia Thameslink Railway Limited
  • Network Rail Infrastructure Limited
  • C2c Railway Limited
  • First MTR South Western Trains Limited
  • London North Eastern Railway Limited
  • Merseyrail Electrics 2002 Limited
  • Transport For Wales Rail Ltd
  • Transport UK East Anglia Limited

This broader adoption provides greater clarity for suppliers seeking to work across the UK rail industry and reinforces RISQS's role in supporting compliant, consistent, and assured supplier selection for multiple buyers.

What this means for suppliers

Organisations that supply goods, works, or services under Railway Industry Commodity Classification List (RICCL) codes to these contracting authorities should be aware that RISQS is used as the qualifying mechanism for participation in the QUDM.

Contracting authorities using RISQS may choose to select suppliers directly from the RISQS QUDM, without publishing a tender notice to the wider market, where permitted under the Procurement Act 2023. This approach supports efficient supplier selection while maintaining compliance and assurance.

Suppliers that provide safety-critical goods, works, or services under relevant RICCL categories and wish to contract directly with these organisations are typically required to:

  • Register on RISQS
  • Achieve audited supplier status appropriate to the scope of their activities

Using RISQS within the wider supply chain

While RISQS is used by Network Rail, Network Rail High Speed, and other contracting authorities as part of their supplier qualification and selection processes, its application is not mandated throughout the wider supply chain.

The responsibility for assuring subcontractors and sub-suppliers remains with the prime contractor, in line with established procurement and assurance responsibilities.

Suppliers that provide rail-related goods, works, or services to other buyers should confirm directly with the relevant purchasing organisation which supplier assurance systems, if any, are required.

Supporting compliant and transparent procurement

RISQS continues to provide assurance and visibility across the rail supply chain, supporting buyers in identifying capable suppliers and enabling suppliers to demonstrate readiness to deliver safely and compliantly across multiple contracting authorities.