Office of Rail & Road (ORR)

On the approach to Rail Safety Week 2026, Rail Forum CEO Elaine Clark OBE was joined by Richard Hines, HM Chief Inspector of Railways and Director of Railway Safety at the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), to discuss why safety must remain at the heart of everything the railway does.

In a special introductory episode on the Rail Forum Podcast, Elaine and Richard explore the importance of maintaining focus on safety across a complex and constantly evolving railway environment – from workforce safety and infrastructure risk, to level crossings, trespass, fatigue, and the introduction of new technologies.

Launching the 2026 Rail Safety Week series, this discussion sets the scene for an industry-wide week of engagement, learning and collaboration – reinforcing a simple but vital goal: ensuring everyone goes home safe every day.