Heads of Safety Group appoints new Vice-Chair

He accepted the role at the most recent meeting of the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board’s Heads of Safety Group, which plays an invaluable role in highlighting issues and concerns across the sector.

“Since I first became involved in the group, I’ve certainly seen its benefits,” Don explained.  “It gives operators access to a greater pool of knowledge and expertise that colleagues may not be able to find within their own organisation.

“The chance to network and meet peers from across light rail makes the flow of information much smoother, and requesting assistance from other networks is much easier when you have regular contact with them.

“This source of advice and assistance at the end of a phone is, I believe, one of the greatest strengths of the group.”

Don took up his current role at Edinburgh Trams in January last year after first joining the operator in 2013 following a 26-year career in the Army as a Combat Medical Technician. Since then, he has worked as a duty manager, assistant safety manager and safety manager (operations).

Heads of Safety Chair, Andy Wallace of Tram Operations and London Cableway, commented: “Don has been a member of the group for several years, actively contributing to the strategic safety improvement initiatives that have taken place within the industry during that time.

“He brings with him demonstrable leadership qualities and a broad practical experience of managing safe tram operations. As a respected and knowledgeable member of the group. I'm delighted that Don has taken up this opportunity and look forward to working with him more closely in the future as we support collaboration and safety improvement activities for the sector."