RISQS Certification
Guaranteed success with our RISQS Certification service
Seize your opportunity in the UK Railway sector by ensuring compliance with the essential RISQS certification, a non-negotiable prerequisite for servicing any part of this bustling industry. With our expert guidance, borne from extensive experience as both official auditors and dedicated consultants, we stand ready to streamline your certification journey.
Trust in our proven track record to unlock the doors to the entire railway sector, placing you firmly on the tracks to success.
The Rail Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme is the certificating body for any buyers or suppliers working throughout the Great British rail industry.
RISQS supports Network Rail and Transport for London (TFL) in managing their supply chain risk. The RISQS scheme is industry-owned, governed and sponsored by a committee of representatives from across the rail industry.
RISQS reports into the RSSB Board, and RSSB provides a range of services to support operational delivery of the scheme. This includes the production and development of rail standards, which are required to be implemented for all companies working within the rail industry. For more information about the RSSB visit here – https://www.rssb.co.uk/en
The RISQS qualification scheme is made up of 3 key elements:
1. Complete & submit the application
Register on the RISQS Portal. Complete and submit the application questionnaire, ensuring the correct protocols and applicable RICCL / product codes are selected.
2. Prepare for the audit
Create the policies, procedures and forms that are required for the protocol requirements and set up a rail compliant management system.
3. Undergo and pass the audit
Undergo the RISQS audit which measures your compliance against the requirements of the RISQS protocols and rail standards.
Successful RISQS Audits
Site Inspections
RISQS Certification Pass Rate
Years Experience
We have developed a great partnership with Simpson Consultancy for over 13 consecutive years. They have been our one and only go to organisation providing us with solid and up to date advice and expertise for our RISQS and Health, Safety and Environment requirements. Their knowledge and advice is always up to date and communicated on a regular basis. I am safe in the knowledge that our business is always protected by their outstanding HSEQ expertise. Highly recommended if you operate in Rail, Construction and Industrial build processes.
Since setting up JRP in June 2014 we have been lucky enough to have had the support from Simpson Consultancy for Compliance and Audit purposes, the support has been second to none and I wouldn’t be without them, nothing is a problem and always there when you need them, knowledge is everything and what they bring to the table is justified year after year, a must for all Rail companies looking for this service.
To be compliant, to an ever-increasing demand of regulation and client expectation, a business needs professional support of the highest order. With Simpson Consultancy we, at DEUTZ AG, have engaged a business partner that is responsive to our needs and pivotal to our ongoing achievements within the Rail Industry and beyond. Thanks for all you’ve done over the last three years and continue to do for us.
Simpson Consultancy have worked with us since we formed the business in 2020. They have used their knowledge and expertise to support us in many ways including the production of documentation, internal audits and operational support. They have helped us to ensure that our systems are compliant for all aspects of Health and Safety and have provided up to date standards when required on several occasions. The pressures of RISQS accreditation are almost non-existent with the level of Simpson Consultancy’s audit experience and Railway specific knowledge.
We would strongly recommend them.
Simpson consultancy has always provided Haigh Rail Ltd with the highest level of support with our HSEQ & RISQS Compliance. Providing one to one sessions ensuring we are up to date with the latest information and also the support with audits preparation. Simpson Consultancy are both highly professional and are always approachable. Offering nothing but the best service and advice, we highly recommend them.
Click on the headings below to read more about the RISQS Certification Scheme & Requirements.
Requirements for CORE Protocols (CORS / CNORS)
A rail compliant management system that aligns with the CORS / CNORS protocol requirements.
Requirements for the CDM / Sentinel / SWP Protocols
Additionally, you will need the following for the CDM / Sentinel / SWP Protocols
What are Product / RICCL codes?
Railway Commodity Classification List codes (RICCL) is a list that contains all the equipment, materials and services that are purchased for the railway. They are to be selected as relevant to your company and inline with the scope of activities you wish to undertake, when working within the rail industry. The number of RICCL codes selected will determine the cost and duration of your audit, the more RICCL codes selected the larger the duration and cost. The more RICCL codes selected, the larger the duration and cost will be.
The Product & Service (RICCL) code brochure can be found at https://www.risqs.org/product-and-service-riccl-brochure/
What do I need for the RISQS Audit?
The Audit Protocols
All protocols consist of a series of questions built around legislation, ACOPS, rail standards and ISO requirements. The auditor will review your company’s management arrangements and system following the questions set, to ensure each supplier works to certain standards, maintaining a high level of safety and quality across the rail sector.
CORE Non-Operational Railway Services (CNORS) – The CNORS requirements apply to all organisations whose activities are categorised as high risk and intending on delivering services outside the Operational Railway so as not to impact on the operational running of the railway.
CORE Operational Railway Services (CORS) – The CORS requirements apply to all organisations whose activities are categorised as high risk and intending to work within the boundaries of the operational railway. The Operational Railway for the module is currently defined as the following:
– Trackside / On or near the line (within 3 metres (10 feet) of a line or 1.25 metres (4 feet) of a station platform edge if doing engineering or technical work)
– Lineside (if between trackside and the boundary fence)
– A position where safety critical work being performed may impact on the Operational Railway (i.e. within turn-back, reversing, loop, lay-by, lay-over sidings and depots).
Sentinel – This includes the requirements of the CORE module but has additional requirements to satisfy the Sentinel protocol. This is aimed at companies planning to sponsor operatives to work within the rail industry.
Safe Work Planning (SWP) – This includes the requirements of the CORE, Sentinel and CDM modules, aimed at companies wanting to plan / manage access and works on the rail infrastructure.
CDM – The CDM module is applicable to any supplier discharging a duty defined within the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015 (CDM) on multiple infrastructures. The module ensures compliance with the regulations and will be generated (if required)* when completing the online questionnaire.
Further information to useful module and scheme documentation can be found at – https://www.risqs.org/scheme-documents/
Simpson Consultancy have undertaken countless audits as both auditors for the scheme holders and on behalf of our clients as a RISQS consultants. We pride ourselves on our excellent 100% success rate and our highly competitive pricing. Contact us below for a free, no obligation quote.
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