§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the(a) terms of reference, (b) timescales and (c) job description are for the successful candidate applying for the position of director in Her Majesty's Railway Inspectorate. [60605]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe creation within the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) of the new post of Director of Railway Safety is a direct result of Lord Cullen's recommendations following the Ladbroke Grove Rail Inquiry. This will be a permanent appointment on standard civil service terms. The post was advertised in the national and specialist press, interviews have taken place, and the recruitment process, overseen by the Civil Service Commission, will be completed shortly. An announcement will be made by the HSE in due course.
The job specification for the post includes requirements to lead and direct the Railway Inspectorate in ensuring that all relevant duty holders carry out their health and safety responsibilities to employees, passengers and others; contribute to the health and safety strategy for railways; ensure that all targets to improve health and safety on the railways are fully met; and to maintain strong links with stakeholders in driving forward the health and safety strategy and improving public confidence.