Supporting Network Rail’s transformation to meet the challenges of climate change

Planning for extreme weather events

The Mair Report into the management of earthworks assets highlighted the need for a system-wide approach to improve resilience. Known as systems thinking, this problem-solving technique looks at the overall system rather than the individual parts. Although it is not new to NR, there is now more focus on understanding where and how the network is vulnerable to extreme weather.  

NR commissioned Arup on the WRCCA project to explore how a systems view of the infrastructure could achieve this. 

Working alongside NR’s environmental, sustainability and resilience specialists, we developed a prototype framework to identify where the network is vulnerable to extreme weather. This work provides NR with a greater understanding of the vulnerability and resilience of the network, which will directly enhance future business planning cycles.  

Building organisational capability to enhance resilience

Another recommendation from The Mair Report was to transform NR’s drainage and lineside asset management processes, including creating new career progression and development programmes for NR staff. As the lead consultant on DLAP, we brought an integrated team of asset management, digital, advisory and engineering professionals to support NR in driving this change. 

A first of its kind in the UK transport sector, we developed a national-level water management strategy which provides an approach for managing assets such as earthworks and drainage with greater resilience. The strategy also promotes the use of sustainable solutions and community engagement as a means of addressing climate related risks in a more holistic and joined up way. Following its publication, we have been working with NR to shape its involvement in catchment partnership groups to proactively promote better environmental and social outcomes. 

To complement the strategy, we also created a drainage asset strategy and a host of asset policies for both drainage and lineside. Based on the 'line of sight' principle of asset management, we developed tools that translate strategic objectives and policy statements into practical business planning, making factors like resilience and sustainability integral to the process.

For the workforce, we supported NR in developing and embedding a new drainage and lineside competency standard. This was translated into a curriculum structure and map which NR can use to enhance staff skills across competencies – including resilience and the effective management of climate change risk. To facilitate communication, engagement and change management across the organisation, we harnessed best-practice business psychology principles. We placed a strong focus on stakeholder participation to support learning and help the NR team fully understand its capabilities.