COVID -19 Sentinel Competence and Medical Validity Extension – Update

We previously advised you that we would be extending all Sentinel competences by a further two months. This is still the intention and will be visible in Sentinel by 24^th July. Network Rail has taken account of Office of Rail and Road emergency guidance published on 20^th March and reviewed the risk assessment before implementing this additional change. The unprecedented crisis and the need to continue to maintain vital transport links forms part of that assessment.

This further extension will be put in place to continue supporting and encouraging a return to the required level of assessment and re-certifications and allows the workforce time to book training, which is now more readily available.

With effect from the 23rd September, no further competence extensions will be applied and after this date all competence activity will be subject to normal timelines.

We recognise that well-trained people provide the capability the industry needs to deliver a safe and more reliable railway, and training is the essential glue that helps us put passengers and freight users first.

Network Rail Training and our partner training providers have adapted during the crisis by launching virtual classrooms. However, while technology is helping deliver a lot of training remotely, some competences require technical skills that can only be delivered at a training centre. Safeguarding measures have been adopted in training facilities, to ensure delegates are able to attend face-to-face training safely.

As always, our primary focus is the safety of our workforce and our passengers and we encourage everyone to continue to follow the published Government and Public Health Office safety guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rupert Lown

Chief HSQE Officer

Network Rail