Lessons in collaboration from a UK rail success story: South Rail Systems Alliance

In this episode, we take you on a journey behind the scenes of one of the rail industry’s most successful partnerships - the South Rail Systems Alliance (SRSA). The SRSA is one of three alliances set up to complete vital track renewals necessary to improve the rail network for the benefit of passengers across the UK.   As a successful working example of an alliancing delivery model, the SRSA is widely regarded as collaboration best practice by industry peers both in the UK and across the globe.    

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Expert speakers:  

👉 Stuart Calvert, Wales & Western Capital Delivery Director at Network Rail. Stuart has over 40 years' rail industry experience and now leads our capital delivery team responsible for managing all the investment projects in the region. Stuart makes the most of the Devon coast and countryside enjoying walking, sailing, cooking and bell ringing! (more info in attached bio if needed)   

Why you’re excited to join the TI podcast: It is very important to discuss the benefits of effective working between suppliers and clients and how strong collaborative arrangements can benefit all parties. We have extensive experiences in working this way and sharing best practice, so others can benefit and learn is a key aspect of a collaborative leadership approach. 

👉 Ondrej Roubicek, Deputy CEO at Colas Rail UK. Ondrej has over 15 years of experience in the Railway Industry, initially starting with Track renewals, he is overseeing all of Colas Rail UK’s first tier business with Network Rail. 

Why you’re excited to join the TI podcast: Ondrej's direct experience of working with traditional as well as Alliancing contracts has made him a big advocate of collaborative culture. He believes that In the complex environment of the UK rail we will always deliver the best outcome for the passengers by working together in an open, transparent and collaborative manner. 

👉 Susan Evans, Rail, Structures and Ground Engineering Director at AECOM. A business leader with 30 years’ experience in the aerospace, scientific research and rail sectors.   Strong supporter of EDI strategies, including Women In Rail London region Vice-Chair. 

Why you’re excited to join the TI podcast: I was keen to be on this podcast because collaboration models, including Alliancing, is of interest to many clients around the world so it was a great opportunity to step back and chat informally. Especially to be able to do that with our Colas partners and our Network Rail client– it doesn’t often happen that we can kick back like that. 

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About the host James Banks, Director of Marketing and Communications. Been at AECOM for 6 years. Hosting the Talking Infrastructure is a real highlight of my role at AECOM. Having launched the podcast back in 2019I’ve seen it grow from something that was, to be honest, a bit of an experiment, to something that is now adding real value to our clients and the industry. With a growing and diverse audience, I’m always amazed when I receive emails and social comments from listeners all over the world. So, keep them coming! 

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Useful links:  

➡️Podcast survey – take part in our podcast survey to help shape the future of the podcast. You could win your very own exclusive Talking Infrastructure podcast mug (T&Cs apply): https://forms.office.com/r/6DcYTjsgza  

➡️Case study: South Rail Systems Alliance: driving efficiency for Network Rail: https://aecom.com/projects/south-rail-systems-