Douglas Craig

Said the following about Network Rail Works Delivery Track (Scotland):

“I would like to nominate the Works Delivery Track team within Network Rail's Scotland Route, following a successful year of safe and continuously improved delivery.

The Track team comprises of 90 members of staff, ranging from operatives, technicians, team leaders, supervisors and works delivery managers. This is a very lean organisation, which in turn leads to efficient delivery, but also ensures a close-knit team, who are constantly looking at means to improve and do a better job, every day.

This team ethos is consistent throughout the delivery team, with several examples of continuous improvement being driven. Examples include:

Development of rerailing process, using McCuloch Trac Rail Transporters to install 60ft jointed bullhead rail - something which many told the team they would be unable to do. This has resulted in increased productivity and reduced manual handling associated with more conventional methods

Introduction of Stobart Rail's ballast undercutter on-track plant machine to Scotland route, identified by supervisors in the Works Delivery track team and trialled following engagement with supply chain. This removes the need to break out the track and has been utilised to reballast sections of track, improving the formation.

Trialling various methods to remove stubborn, rusted pandrols at various sites across Scotland, to deliver a programme of repadding at challenging coastal and tunnel locations. This work has significantly improved track circuit reliance. Productivity improved throughout the year as the works delivery teams utilised different methods and shared learning across the country.

Utilising other new and innovative solutions, such as: the mobile flash butt welder (resulting in more welds being completed per shift); the 'sleeper suite' to renew large volumes of sleepers and eliminate manual handling (works delivery staff trained on the operation); trialling various site lighting ideas and capturing feedback from staff.

A number of level crossing renewals were completed by the team, involving work to renew the track components as well as the level crossing surface. Work Delivery Track worked collaboratively with signalling colleagues so that improvements to the barriers and signalling components could be undertaken at the same time, improving safety performance.

Development of technical organisation, who produce detailed specifications for all workbank items, on behalf on their client, the route asset management team. Specifications produced much further out are leading to better and safer planning, certainty on delivery and offers the opportunity to explore more efficient delivery options.

The last year also saw a significant recruitment campaign, bringing in 20 new members of staff to the Works Delivery Track team in Scotland. The efforts made by all to welcome and integrate these new team embers, listen to their fresh approach thinking and suggested improvements has been refreshing for onlookers to watch.

The Works Delivery Track team in Scotland is delivering a large volume of refurbishment and renewal work throughout the route, improving track quality and making a positive contribution to Network Rail's CP5 industry plan. Recognition of the team's effort would boost team morale, improve employee engagement and install further sense of pride throughout the team.“