Lorna Richardson

Said the following about Lance Kirby:

“Starting as a Network Rail Signalling and Telecoms apprentice in 2011, Lance Kirby spent much of his early career responding to and fixing faults on site - day and night, in all weathers. Progressing to an IRSE Signalling Designer and now an Alstom Project Engineer, Lance uses his extensive site and design experience to ensure workforce needs are considered and solutions are safely and practically installed and maintainable. Involved in delivering first-of-its-kind technology and leading the development of an innovative staff protection system, Lance is passionate about enhancing workforce safety and creating operational efficiencies. An ethos he is renowned for and why he is so well-respected by colleagues.

Project Engineer for the South Kirkby Resignalling project, implementing first-of-its-kind smart IO technology to enhance network reliability and reduce maintenance, Lance is responsible for integrating all disciplines. A people person, Lance works hard to engage and build relationships with all project stakeholders, including Network Rail, to ensure everyone feels supported, listened to and is kept informed. Lance also spends time on site, including at weekends, engaging and supporting installation teams, taking their feedback to the wider project team to be addressed.

Trusted and known for not shying away from a challenge, Lance is often the first point of call if an issue arises because team members are confident they can rely on him to help develop a solution.

“Lance is part of the project team ‘furniture’ and is often the conduit between all the various disciplines. As we are working on a very tight programme, issues that crop up are nearly always urgent and Lance tackles these head on, providing leadership, guidance and help to the rest of the project team. There is no issue that Lance has come across which he has turned a blind eye to, or equally that has been put on the ‘too hard pile’. He makes it his mission to be in the driving seat to progress our deliverables, problem solve and close out issues effectively to get the best result.” Shelby Coates - Lead Project Manager, Alstom

Always going above and beyond to support the team deliver the best practical outcomes, Lance is often involved with tasks that are outside his remit. Lance has played a pivotal part in the South Kirkby Resignalling project procurement. Despite this not being his ‘responsibility’, again, this is another example of him tackling issues head on and driving to get issues closed out efficiently.

Passionate about workforce safety, using his engineering knowledge and site experience, Lance has been instrumental in developing an innovative Train Warning Automated System (TAWS). A staff protection system, TAWS mitigates the need for a Lookout, reduces the risk of potential human error and enables more efficient on-track access. The TAWS is installed trackside and when a train enters a specific section, sirens and beacons provide a timely warning alarm to those working on track to move to a position of safety. The TAWS can be used to facilitate on-track work without the need for possessions or line blocks, creating significant time and cost efficiencies.

Although TAWS is not a new product, this design, led by Lance, has been developed using PADS approved parts and could become the basis for a typical example to be used throughout the industry. Having a typical TAWS design allows spares to be interchangeable between sites, limits obsolescence and drastically reduces operating costs.

Lance collaborated with Network Rail's Route Asset Manager (RAM) to capture their requirements and liaised with supply chain partner Unipart to develop the design and build the TAWS prototype. Lance also engaged an acoustic specialist to review the proposed Grip 4 feasibility and assess if it met the required standard.

“Lance, since joining the project team, has been very helpful and proactive when dealing with issues ranging from chasing source records to getting the TAWS prototype created and ready for local maintenance staff to review. When faced with a problem Lance looks for solutions before presenting the problem to me, which enables an open discussion into the merits of the suggested solution and other solutions to deal with the problem.” Paul Carabine – Asset Engineer Signalling, Network Rail

Mentoring junior colleagues, including graduate engineers, Lance is always on-hand to answer questions and is recognised for supporting their progression, providing guidance and encouragement. He shares his own on-site experience to help develop more informed and well-rounded engineers.

“Since joining Alstom as a Graduate, Lance welcomed me into the York Project Engineering team without any hesitation. Lance has been an invaluable asset during my time at Alstom and is always keen to offer his expert knowledge and willing to collaborate in solving any engineering queries. Lance always finds time to support others where he can and has certainly helped a lot in my own development as a Project Engineer.” Vince Machin – Graduate Project Engineer

“Lance is a team player and an experienced Project Engineer, he would ring up and ask “how you getting on” even though the work is not his responsibility. His knowledge of the project is also remarkable, without his help this project would not get to where we are.” Hou Lam NG – Project Engineer

Involved in STEM events including college and school visits, Lance is passionate about attracting the next generation and shares his own career journey.

“Learners said they had all their questions answered and found out a lot of information to enable them to consider their future careers. They enjoyed the activities you [Lance] prepared for them, and the staff found your session really interesting too.” Leeds City College

Unassuming, Lance is an exemplary and talented engineer and uses his site knowledge to enable safe and practical solutions and support those starting out on their career.

“We are very lucky to have Lance on the project. His resilience, good attitude, friendly nature and expert engineering advice and support is greatly appreciated by the project team.” Shelby Coates - Lead Project Manager, Alstom“