The RISAS scheme has now started transitioning its delivery model. This transition will cement RISAS’ longevity in GB rail and provide more value for its users.
Since 1 April 2021, the RISAS scheme has been undergoing the process of transitioning into a new model. This change is part of a continuous improvement commitment by RSSB, to ensure that the RISAS scheme continues to remain fit for purpose.
The RISAS scheme is transitioning to a model similar to that which the RISQS scheme is based on. The changeover of the model will mean that RSSB will either contract RISABs directly if they continue to supply or will provide the RISAS audits with RSSB competent personnel.
However, existing RISABs may wish to choose to provide their own certification outside of RISAS certification.
The transition is the first of numerous changes, that will be delivered as part of a drive, to ensure the long-term position of RISAS and the value the scheme generates for its users.
There are no action for RISAS users – as users will not be affected by the model change.
Speaking on the RISAS transition, Antony Howard, Head of Assurance at RSSB said: “The RISAS transition is the first step in ensuring that that the RISAS scheme continues to serve its users by providing value for money. The rail industry is currently facing uniquely challenging times and the RISAS scheme is now well placed to ensure that we can continue to run a better, safer railway.”
About RISAS
RISAS ensures that key suppliers can become recognised as best-in-class at delivering the most challenging and high-risk products and services. The initial scope is critical goods and services mainly for the overhaul of rolling stock assets and components—essentially the rail vehicle after-market sector. Set up by RSSB in 2006, RISAS sets a challenging assessment for suppliers by a Railway Industry Supplier Approval Body (RISAB). The assessment involves on-site interviews and evaluations to get proof that the company have met and can continue to meet the standards expected.
On passing the assessment, the company is awarded a RISAS certificate covering the relevant products and services. These details are added to the RISAS website, which holds a searchable database of companies who hold RISAS certificates along with the details of the scope, products and services they cover.
The result is a trusted, independent, third-party assessment of suppliers, done thoroughly once, and so avoiding the need for each company to audit and assess separately for the same scope.
The scheme is successful and currently has over 70 RISAS certified suppliers based worldwide. RISAS can be utilised by Buyers and Suppliers to demonstrate compliance with elements of the Rail Industry Standard on Supplier Assurance (RIS-2750-RST). It helps rail companies meet the legal requirements for managing supply chain risk.
About RSSB
RSSB brings industry together to deliver expertise, solve complex issues and provide the headspace for collaboration, all leading to a better, safer railway.
As a membership-based rail industry body, RSSB includes train and freight operating companies, infrastructure managers, contractors, rolling stock leasing companies and suppliers, and our work involves partnerships and affiliation with academia, government, and many other railways and organisations across the world.
We provide impartial, risk-based analysis and insights to continually improve health, safety and performance. We develop standards, setting engineering and operational requirements for safe interworking and to increase efficiency. We also undertake research and development to enable industry to generate knowledge, technologies and operational solutions that individual players in the rail system could not pursue in isolation.
Together we form an industry support network, so that we all benefit from better safety, sustainability and service, and reduced cost and risk.
Visit www.rssb.co.uk for more details.
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