Date/Time
Date(s) - 7 May 2026
5:00 pm
Categories
guest speaker
(near Deansgate Metrolink and railway station)
The presentation will also be available online from 17:30
Heritage railways operate within a unique space balancing historical authenticity, volunteer-led delivery, and modern safety expectations. This session brings together regulatory insight and operational reality, exploring how the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) applies oversight in the heritage sector and what this means for duty holders.
The session will provide a practical view of inspection priorities, common findings, and how heritage operators can demonstrate effective compliance within their Safety Management Systems (SMS).
Our guest speaker Simon Barber, HM Principal Inspector of Railways, ORR will draw on direct experience of inspections across heritage and mainline interfaces, providing insight into:
• ORR’s regulatory approach to heritage railways
• Key risk areas observed during inspections
• Application of legislation (including ROGS) in a heritage context
• Proportionate assurance and the challenges of volunteer competence management
What You’ll Gain:
• A clear understanding of how ORR interprets compliance in heritage environments
• Insight into common pitfalls and good practice from inspections
• Practical guidance on strengthening SMS, competence management, and risk controls
• Awareness of emerging regulatory focus areas affecting the sector
POD Sections:
04: Managing Safety
The North West & Wales Area Council look forward to welcoming you to their event in Manchester and enjoying light refreshments before the talk, and there will be the opportunity to join the speaker and members of the Area Council Members for some networking after the event.
To reserve your place in Manchester, use the booking form below and click “SEND YOUR BOOKING”
For those of you unable to join in-person, the main presentation will be available via Teams at 17:30.
Any questions please contact Liz Walker at events@railwayoperators.co.uk
Bookings are closed for this event.
