The Truth About Hiring a RISQS Consultant: Is It Worth It for Your Business?
Introduction:
For suppliers in the UK rail industry, achieving and maintaining RISQS accreditation is essential—but it’s rarely straightforward. From the initial application to the detailed audit process and ongoing compliance obligations, the journey can be time-consuming, complex, and, at times, overwhelming.
That’s why many businesses consider hiring a RISQS consultant to help them navigate the process. But is it really worth it? Could your business manage accreditation on its own, or does bringing in an expert offer a genuine return on investment?
In this article, we’ll explore what hiring a RISQS consultant actually involves, when it makes sense, the benefits and drawbacks, and how to determine whether your business could benefit from professional support.
What Does Hiring a RISQS Consultant Involve?
A RISQS consultant is a specialist who helps suppliers meet the accreditation requirements set by the Railway Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme (RISQS). Their support can range from ad hoc advice to full-service consultancy throughout the accreditation or renewal process.
Typical services include:
- Assisting with the RISQS application and RICCL code selection
- Reviewing and updating the safety, quality, and environmental system
- Preparing your business for the audit, including mock assessments and internal audits
- Advising on corrective actions for non-conformances
- Supporting long-term compliance with industry standards
In short, hiring a RISQS consultant means having an experienced partner who understands what it takes to succeed in a tightly regulated and safety-critical industry.
For a full breakdown of the RISQS process, see:
👉 RISQS Application to Accreditation: Your Journey Simplified
When Hiring a RISQS Consultant Makes Sense
1. You’re New to RISQS or the Rail Industry
If you’re applying for RISQS for the first time, you may not be familiar with the extensive documentation, systems, and risk management processes expected by auditors. A RISQS consultant can guide you step-by-step, helping you avoid common mistakes and submit a solid application the first time around.
2. You’ve Faced a Failed Audit or Non-Conformance
A failed audit can halt your business’s progress and damage your reputation. RISQS consultants can help assess where you went wrong, close compliance gaps, and put effective corrective actions in place quickly.
3. You Don’t Have Time or Internal Resources
Many businesses, particularly SMEs, lack the internal capacity to manage the application or renewal process. Hiring a RISQS consultant frees up your team to focus on daily operations while ensuring compliance work is handled professionally.
4. You Need Help Building Systems or Training Staff
If you’re missing formal policies or structured training programmes, a consultant can help you create and implement what’s needed—tailored to your business model and sector.
The Benefits of Hiring a RISQS Consultant
There are several compelling reasons why businesses choose to hire RISQS consultants:
- Improved audit success rates
- Reduced risk of compliance failures
- Significant time and resource savings
- Clear, confident decision-making during every step of the process
- Long-term support for ongoing compliance
To explore the consultant’s role in more detail, see:
How RISQS Consultants Can Simplify Your Path to Accreditation
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
While hiring a RISQS consultant offers many advantages, it’s important to consider the potential downsides too:
- Choosing the Wrong Consultant: Not all consultants offer the same level of service. A lack of rail industry experience or a generic approach can limit effectiveness.
Over-Reliance: Businesses should aim to build their internal compliance capabilities over time.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a RISQS Consultant
Before engaging a consultant, be sure to ask:
- Have they worked with suppliers like us before?
- What’s their success rate with RISQS accreditation?
- Will they provide support after accreditation is achieved?
Do You Really Need a Consultant? A Quick Decision Checklist
Ask yourself the following questions to assess whether hiring a RISQS consultant is right for your business:
- Are you new to the RISQS accreditation process?
- Have you struggled with audits or compliance in the past?
- Do you lack in-house expertise or time to manage accreditation?
- Is your documentation out of date or incomplete?
- Would external support help reduce stress or improve success rates?
If you answered “yes” to two or more of these questions, working with a RISQS consultant could be a smart, strategic move.
Conclusion: Is It Worth Hiring a RISQS Consultant?
For many suppliers, hiring a RISQS consultant provides not only peace of mind but a practical pathway to successful accreditation. Whether you’re new to the rail industry, short on resources, or simply want to ensure the process is handled right, a consultant can make a significant difference.
That said, it’s not always necessary. Businesses with strong internal systems and past experience with RISQS may find they can manage the process independently.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your current capabilities, experience, and goals.
Need Expert Support? Let’s Talk
At Simpson Consultancy, we’ve helped hundreds of suppliers navigate the RISQS process—many of them for the very first time. If you’re considering hiring a RISQS consultant, we’d be happy to discuss your needs and offer a free, no-obligation consultation.
Get in touch today and let’s simplify your RISQS journey.
