Compliance is a cornerstone of the rail industry, ensuring safety, efficiency, and reliability. Recent updates to key compliance frameworks—such as the Railway Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme (RISQS), Sentinel, and IR35 regulations—have significant implications for rail recruitment. Understanding why compliance matters can help businesses avoid legal risks, improve workforce safety, and secure top talent.

1. RISQS – The Gold Standard for Rail Compliance

The Railway Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme (RISQS) is the UK rail industry’s pre-qualification service, ensuring suppliers and contractors meet industry standards. For recruitment businesses, RISQS accreditation demonstrates credibility and guarantees that placed candidates meet essential safety and operational requirements.

Recent Updates to RISQS

In 2023, RISQS introduced protocol changes to better align supplier assurance with industry needs. Two distinct CORE modules were introduced:

• Operational Railway Services – CORE (ORS): For suppliers delivering high-risk services within operational railway parameters.
• Non-Operational Railway Services – CORE (NORS): For suppliers offering safety-critical products and services outside operational railway boundaries.

Additionally, as of March 2024, Network Rail mandated that all drug and alcohol tests conducted under standard NR/L2/OHS/00120 be performed impartially. Companies are no longer allowed to test their own employees, ensuring the integrity of the process.

2. Sentinel – Ensuring Qualified and Safe Workers

Sentinel is a safety scheme that ensures all rail workers have the required training and certifications. Sentinel cardholders have undergone rigorous checks and training, confirming they are fit to work on the railway. Employers must ensure all workers hold valid Sentinel cards to maintain site safety and regulatory compliance.

Recent Updates to Sentinel

The Sentinel Scheme Rules were revised in December 2024, with Network Rail tightening compliance measures. Investigations into safety incidents revealed areas where standards were not being fully met, prompting stricter adherence to Sentinel requirements. Non-compliance can lead to suspension from working on Network Rail-managed infrastructure.

3. The Role of Health and Safety in Recruitment

Rail environments pose significant risks, making health and safety compliance a top priority. Employers need to ensure that workers are equipped with up-to-date Personal Track Safety (PTS) training, protective equipment, and hazard awareness skills. Non-compliance can lead to accidents, fines, and reputational damage.

With stricter safety regulations, recruitment agencies must ensure their workers are fully trained, medically fit, and compliant with fatigue management protocols. Partnering with an agency that actively monitors compliance and prioritizes worker safety can mitigate risks.

4. IR35 and Workforce Classification

Rail recruitment businesses must also comply with IR35 regulations to determine whether workers are classified as employees or independent contractors. Misclassification can lead to tax penalties and financial implications, making it crucial for employers to assess contracts correctly.

Recent Updates to IR35

Effective from April 6, 2024, a set-off mechanism was introduced to prevent double taxation. If a business mistakenly classifies a worker, the taxes already paid by the contractor can now be offset against the employer’s liability, reducing financial burdens for companies operating within the rail sector.

5. The Impact of Compliance on Recruitment Processes

Strict compliance requirements can make rail recruitment more complex, but they also ensure a safer and more efficient workforce. By partnering with a recruitment agency that understands industry standards, businesses can streamline hiring processes while maintaining compliance.

A specialist recruitment partner will have robust compliance measures in place, from verifying worker certifications to conducting weekly fatigue monitoring. This not only protects businesses but also enhances workforce safety and efficiency.

Additional Services Provided by Venture Construction

At Venture Construction, we go beyond standard compliance to offer additional services that ensure a highly skilled and safety-conscious workforce:

• All workers are supplied with primary sponsored brand PPE to maintain consistency and professionalism on-site.
• An out-of-hours on-call contact is available to handle urgent workforce requirements and ensure seamless operations.
• Fatigue management is monitored weekly to prevent overworking and improve site safety.
• High-performing workers are upskilled with PTS qualifications, enhancing career progression while ensuring a qualified talent pool for clients.

Conclusion

Compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s essential for running a safe and effective rail workforce. Whether it’s RISQS accreditation, Sentinel requirements, or health and safety training, ensuring compliance protects workers, businesses, and passengers alike.

Looking for fully compliant rail professionals? Partner with Venture Construction to access a reliable, safety-certified workforce that meets all industry standards.

Get in touch with Ryan Clarke – ryan.clarke@weareventure.co.uk