Stuart Ash, professional head of operations at Freightliner has been appointed by the Freight Safe Programme (FSP) to direct its work in providing an industry-wide standard for freight train preparation and operations.
In this role, Stuart will oversee the development of consistent world class practices and procedures in freight train preparation, yard management and operations, as part of the FSP’s ‘Wagon Condition Programme’ which seeks to collaboratively build on existing maintenance and train preparation practices on a programme of continuous improvement in wagon safety.
The FSP was launched in early 2024 and brings together key stakeholders to build on rail freight’s strong safety performance. It leads on key safety projects to give expertise across the industry on any potential challenges and risks. It is led by a steering group of senior and experienced professionals from across rail freight.
The programme is a collaborative rail freight industry undertaking, which is partly funded by Network Rail’s Freight Safety Improvement Portfolio (FSIP) as well as funding coming from freight operating companies and other key stakeholders.
The Wagon Condition Programme aims to improve the way that freight wagons are presented to the rail network through driving continuous improvement in maintenance, train preparation and the exploitation of emerging technology, and provide key learning in areas of adhesion and braking as trains get longer and heavier. It achieves this by promoting industry-driven learning and collaboration, using sector-wide knowledge and experience.
Stuart will lead ‘workstream 2’ of the programme which looks at train preparation practices with a view to establishing industry wide guidance for freight operating companies and freight partners, facilitating the delivery of consistent, high performing train preparation and a basis for industry reliance.
He said: “Ensuring robust and industry leading safety practices is in everyone’s interest. Rail freight already has an excellent safety record but that does not mean that we should ever stop striving to improve.
“I am looking forward to getting to grips with my new role with the Wagon Condition Programme, including speaking with our front-line rail freight employees such as ground staff who work in all weather conditions, day and night while performing critical tasks in train preparation, to gain insights from their experiences.”
Stuart takes over the role from Kate Turner, DB Cargo’s head of operations and service delivery (North), who ran the project from summer 2024. He said: “Kate has been great in getting me up to speed on how the workstream has got to the strong position it is currently in. She has given this project momentum and got it into a good place. I’m looking forward to taking the baton and continuing this good work.”
Stuart joined Freightliner in December 2024 following 23 years with Network Rail where he was latterly route operations manager for West Coast (South).
Image credit: Freight Safe Programme
