Appointment drives development of risk model

30 Sept 2022

Plans to further develop a comprehensive, sector-wide risk model have received a major boost with a key appointment by the organisation responsible for driving light rail safety.

Laura Reardon has joined the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board as Head of Safety Risk Management and will also be responsible for working closely with individual networks on the administration, development and implementation of their own models, as well as the national project.

Having worked in the rail industry for 13 years, she brings a wealth of experience to the new role. Previously Laura has worked for Atkins SNC-Lavalin, where she led the consultancy’s Infrastructure Risk & Safety team, holding the role of Transportation Technical Authority for Engineering Safety Management.

Alongside her work on delivering safety risk modelling for mainline train operators, she has already helped to lead the rollout of the existing light rail safety risk model and will now help to drive its continued development as part of the LRSSB team.

Carl Williams, LRSSB Chief Executive, explained: “We are delighted to welcome Laura to a new role within our organisation, and her previous experience will prove invaluable as we step up plans to support members with their own risk modelling.

“She will also help us to further refine a sector-wide model that is already making a significant contribution to further improvements to light rail safety.”

As part of her responsibilities, Laura will also facilitate the sharing of experience and data between light rail professionals in the UK and overseas, and also work collaboratively to develop standardised methods of safety risk monitoring, data collation, review and control across the sector.

Laura, a recent finalist in the Women of the Future Awards in Real Estate, the Infrastructure and Construction, and the Everywoman in Transport and Logistics Awards in Infrastructure, said: “The LRSSB has taken great strides since its formation to co-ordinate advances in safety and setting industry standards.

“I am thrilled to be taking on a dedicated role to drive forward the organisation’s programme of work to support the light rail sector’s understanding and control of safety risk.

“I look forward to working closely with the systems to ensure they see the direct impact of their performance and involvement, and subsequently realise the continuous development of the industry.”