What Matters To Our Members?

As we set out to define more formally our corporate responsibility strategy and programmes, we benchmarked our performance against global standards. And, by holding forums, co-ordinating initiatives and, lobbying in Parliament we achieve high standards for our members.
Based on our findings, our targets and reporting focus on five key areas: Legislation, Environmental Stewardship, Skills and Training, Insurance and Theft. These are the topics that matter most to our members, our customers, suppliers, communities, government and interest groups. And they matter to us. On that, we are agreed.

Legislation:
By working with the Office of Rail Regulation we are able to provide advice to members surrounding all of the issues within the industry including Safety Management Systems which have become a major part of the future operations of Heritage Railways throughout the country. By providing advice for members and assistance where necessary, the overall standard has been raised resulting in a similar archetype across the country now being seen.

Environmental Stewardship:
Reviewing EU regulations is paramount in order to continue to sustain operations for member railways, FEDECRAIL work closely with railways within the EU which amounts to 616 members. Continuing to provide advice, support and assistance on environmental protection will safeguard the future operation. Projects such as low-cost conversion procedures for coal fired locomotives to reduce both smoke and sparks and the use of alternative fuel supplies to reduce carbon footprint will continue to be researched and reviewed in order to offer other concepts that could be used.

Skills and Training:
Managing skills and training is an imperative operation of all heritage railways, our Training Information Paper offers advice and topics for you to consider for your railways own needs. Constant reviews and training are needed to maintain the high standards that ensure the safe operation of the movement. Our seminars often cover training topics which includes experiences from member railways.

Insurance & Theft:
The introduction of a mutual proposition for insurance will introduce an efficient coherent structure that benefits all member railways while offering stability and security. This will offer a manageable relationship with the insurance industry that minimise fractional costs and be as close to cost price as possible. A key issue which currently has an urgent need of attention is the current price of scrap metal, which has increased demand resulting in a sharp rise in metal theft nationally. Work to help members to safeguard high value items remains a high priority.

Economy:
Member railways throughout the UK have seen growth with as the weak pound bringing benefits by encouraging the influx of foreign visitors and with UK residents choosing to holiday at home - the staycation effect. The HRA monitors this closely and, as new opportunities for business development arise, guidance will be given on how to maximise business potential.