Governance

As a licensed rail participant, your safety case must include a section that covers the management and organisational arrangements you have in place to promote the safety of any rail activities you carry out. The governance of your organisation is a big part of this.

Print version: You can also download a print version of these guidelines [PDF, 1.4 MB]

What is governance?

The governance of an organisation refers to the oversight and activities of a governing body (board, committee, trust or similar) who set the strategic direction and goals of the organisation.

How to demonstrate good governance

Rail participants must be able to demonstrate that the governance of their organisation ensures their rail activities are consistently as safe as they can be.

How governance can dictate your safety culture

How an organisation is governed is the key to achieving a positive and improving safety culture, and to do this its leaders need to pay attention to the right things.

What expertise is required to perform a governance role

Those performing governance roles don’t have to be experts, but they should obtain enough rail health and safety knowledge to ask the right questions of the right people to obtain credible information.

What makes a good governing body?

For some organisations it can be a good idea to form an advisory board on specialist issues (such as safety) (with people who can bounce ideas around) who can evaluate and then present information to the governing body.

How can you be sure you’re doing the right thing?

You can use a variety of tools to ensure you’re performing your governance duties well.

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