What to Look for in RISQS Consultants: A Supplier’s Guide

Introduction:

For businesses aiming to supply services or products within the UK rail sector, RISQS certification is a non-negotiable gateway to growth. As the official supplier assurance scheme used by buyers across the rail industry, RISQS ensures suppliers meet rigorous standards of safety, quality, and competence.

But for many businesses, navigating the audit process can be daunting. That’s where RISQS consultants come in. A knowledgeable consultant can help demystify the process, reduce preparation time, and maximise your chances of success. This guide will walk you through what to look for in a RISQS consultant and how to choose the right partner for your business.

1. Why Hire a RISQS Consultant?

Achieving RISQS certification isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about embedding the right systems and demonstrating that your organisation can safely and effectively operate within the rail environment.

RISQS consultants offer:

Specialist knowledge of the audit framework and railway standards
Support in preparing documentation, policies, and procedures
Pre-audit assessments and internal gap analysis
Confidence and clarity throughout the certification journey

They bring clarity to a complex process and help you avoid costly delays or failures. Consultants can also guide your internal teams, train staff on compliance standards, and provide peace of mind throughout each step of the RISQS journey.

For smaller organisations or those new to the sector, this support can be particularly valuable in aligning with Network Rail’s expectations and building credibility from day one.

2. Qualities to Look for in a RISQS Consultant

Not all consultants are created equal. Here are the key traits to look for:

Proven Rail Industry Experience: Choose someone who understands the operational realities and compliance requirements of the UK rail sector. Ideally, they should have worked with businesses similar to yours.
Up-to-Date Knowledge: RISQS standards are not static. Your consultant should keep pace with changes and help you stay compliant long after certification. Ask how they stay informed on regulatory updates.
Tailored Support: Look for consultants who listen to your unique business needs and develop bespoke strategies—not just off-the-shelf templates. This includes flexible approaches for businesses of different sizes and levels of maturity.
Comprehensive Documentation Guidance: From health and safety manuals to quality systems and environmental policies, they should know how to build a compliant system that reflects how your business actually operates.
Audit Readiness Coaching: The best consultants will walk you through mock audits, help prepare your team, and identify any red flags in advance. They should also be available for questions right up to the audit date.

Positive Client References: Ask for case studies or testimonials from past clients, ideally in similar industries or sizes to yours. Testimonials are a great indicator of long-term client satisfaction.

3. Red Flags to Avoid

Avoid consultants who:

Offer “guaranteed pass” promises without substance
Lack rail-specific experience
Use generic documentation for every client
Are slow to respond or unclear about timelines
Don’t provide post-audit support or follow-up

A good consultant should be a long-term partner, not just a one-time service provider. They should actively work to build your team’s internal capacity, not just deliver a checklist of tasks.

4. Questions to Ask Before You Hire

Vet potential RISQS consultants with targeted questions:

Can you share examples of businesses you’ve helped gain RISQS certification?
What is your process for conducting pre-audit assessments?
How do you stay up to date with RISQS and rail industry compliance changes?
Do you provide fixed-fee packages or charge hourly?
What support do you offer if we face issues post-audit?
Can you help us beyond the audit, such as with training or ongoing compliance reviews?

5. The ROI of a Good RISQS Consultant

The right consultant pays for themselves many times over. Benefits include:

Higher success rate at first-time certification
Better internal systems that support long-term compliance
Improved readiness for future audits or changes in standards
Increased competitiveness for rail sector tenders and projects
Reduced internal workload and more efficient use of team resources

Choosing the right RISQS consultant isn’t just about passing an audit—it’s about building stronger systems and improving your standing within the supply chain.

6. Why It Matters More Than Ever in 2025

With billions being invested in the UK rail network through regional upgrades and national infrastructure projects, opportunities for suppliers are growing. But so are expectations.

Buyers want confidence in their suppliers, and RISQS is the mechanism they rely on. With increasing scrutiny around safety, sustainability, and quality management, certification alone isn’t enough. You must be able to demonstrate a robust and proactive approach to compliance.

Partnering with the right RISQS consultant ensures you meet those expectations and stand out in a crowded marketplace—ready to bid on more projects and take on larger contracts.

7. Partnering with Simpson Consultancy

At Simpson Consultancy, we combine years of rail industry experience with a practical, business-first approach to RISQS readiness. We work closely with you to develop documentation, conduct internal audits, and build robust systems that support safety, compliance, and growth.

Whether you’re seeking initial accreditation or need help maintaining your current status, our team offers the expertise and support to guide you every step of the way.

“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.”

James MorrowBusiness Director, SEP Rail