Consultant for rail
An experienced railway professional leading vision, strategy, operational planning, and tactical delivery of national and route level functions for Network Rail and train operators for 18 years. Generated and lead collaboration with industry stakeholders and government to improve performance, safety, and resilience, delivering a safer railway for passengers and freight users.
Key achievements
Strategic Leadership
Developed and directed the rail industry five-year weather strategy in collaboration with DfT and the Cabinet Office. Built a first in class assurance management maturity model adopted by all NR Routes and Regions. Managed and deployed assurance framework (GB Rail Approach Documents) to prepare for and manage extreme weather across the industry.
Operational Excellence
Created and deployed new National Operating Procedures and Industry Standards. Created operational controls for the national risk register for weather and climate. Developed and led the national weather forecasting contract for the rail industry.
Expert Advisory
Led as subject matter expert on train crash investigations, developed and deployed recommendations at industry level. Built relationships with key industry bodies including RSSB, RAIB, DfT, and ORR.
Previous roles
Investigation, Research and Development Lead – National Weather Team, Network Rail
June 2024 to September 2025
Lead on weather resilience related recommendations made to Network Rail and embed learning from weather related incidents into standards and process in accordance with legislation.
Lead on the development of weather resilience and the operational aspect of climate change adaptation strategy for all Routes and Regions. Product owner of the new Railway Operating Weather Services (ROWS). Develop capability frameworks and specify competencies required for the management of adverse and extreme weather. National Network Rail sponsor for RSSB work for weather management.
Head of Seasonal and Weather Resilience – Network Rail
October 2019 to June 2024
Provide strategic leadership and direction in operations across the rail industry to deliver improvements in safety and performance across the national rail network for passengers and freight users.
Head of National Operations Control Centre – Network Rail
May 2017 to October 2019
Lead the command-and-control function in the declaration of major incidents at a national rail industry level. Coordinate the rail industry’s response and review to major incidents and events that impact passengers, freight users and railway staff.
National Operations Weather Resilience Manager – Network Rail
May 2015 to May 2017
Provide the operational direction for the planning of weather resilience within route businesses and across national functions and industry stakeholders. Lead the long-term industry operational weather strategy and seasonal preparedness with stakeholders through National Task Force and the Cabinet Office. National sponsor of weather-related rail research.
Head of Performance – Abellio Greater Anglia
May 2013 to May 2015
Manage a large joint performance team between Abellio and Anglia Network Rail Route and provide the strategic direction to improve train performance through prioritised schemes.
Lead on train performance as part of the successful bidding team for the Scotrail franchise on behalf of the Abellio Group.
Performance and Operations Manager – First Capital Connect
May 2012 to May 2013
Seasons Delivery Specialist – Network Rail
October 2010 to May 2012
Programme Season Specialist – Network Rail
August 2008 to December 2010
Education and qualifications
Education
- PhD Fine Art, University of Reading, 1999–2004
- M.A. Fine Art, University of Reading, 1997–1999
- B.A. (Hons) Fine Art, 1st Class, DeMontfort University, 1992–1995
Professional Qualifications
- Fellow of Chartered Institute of Railway Operators (CIRO), 2021
- Member of the Permanent Way Institute, 2021
- Fellow of the Royal Meteorological Society (FRMetS), 2020
- Rail Incident Commander, 2018
