ORR capability review published

4 April 2012

The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has today published an independent external review of its capabilities.

The Capability Review concluded that ORR is a ‘healthy organisation’, viewed as a professional body, ready to take on additional powers to drive improvements in passengers’ experience - including monitoring train performance and service standards – because it already successfully undertakes similar functions. The Review also highlighted areas in which ORR can make improvements including the way the Board works, how ORR handles change, and enhancing skills in certain areas. ORR fully accepts the Capability Review’s recommendations and is strengthening itself to ensure that changes are made and fully embedded in the organisation.

The Review team was led by Mark Addison, who has wide experience from senior Whitehall posts, including the Health & Safety Executive, and has in-depth experience of working on Capability Reviews. Other members of the team were Bill Moyes, who was Executive Chairman of Monitor, the Independent Regulator of NHS Foundation Trusts, between 2004-10, Richard Brown who was Chief Executive and is now Chairman of Eurostar, and Terry Hill, former Chairman of Arup and now Chairman of the Arup Trust. The team undertook a work programme, engaging with people from inside ORR and across the wider rail community, including passenger bodies and government.

For more information about the ORR Capability Review, and to view the review in full: http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/orr-capability-review.pdf