TFL gives RISQS the green signal

Rail industry body RSSB has today confirmed that Transport for London (TfL) has extended its use of the Railway Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme (RISQS). 

RISQS provides buyers with consistent assurance that suppliers are safe, capable and can meet requirements, while suppliers can be certain of a level playing field as all are assessed to the same criteria and standards.

RISQS remains the largest scheme with nearly 4,000 suppliers and more than 90 buyers.

Philip Hewson, Head of Strategy and Performance for Procurement at TfL, said: 

“The health and safety of our staff and customers is always our absolute priority, now more than ever, and we have a responsibility to run our vast transport network safely and reliably. By using RISQS across a number of areas within TfL, we are hoping to make the procurement process more efficient for all those involved and ensure that our transport network continues to offer a safe service for all that use it. 

RSSB’s Director of Business Development and Engagement, Paul McLaughlin said:

“RISQS is a leading industry scheme that provides for suppliers to be recognised and qualified to work for and on the railway. By extending the use of RISQS for supplier selection, we believe TfL will benefit from a clear, fair and consistent method of assurance, while the suppliers themselves will avoid multiple auditing and be in a stronger position in the rail market.” 

The overall cost of RISQS to industry has come down by 20 per cent in real terms since 2012 when the scheme came back under industry’s control through RSSB. The scheme has enjoyed price reductions and enhancements such as the new benchmarking tool, which was launched in December.

Watch a video by TfL's Head of Insights and Direction, Stuart Reid, in which he makes the announcement: