RISQS (Railway Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme) is the UK rail sector’s supplier qualification gateway. Widely used by Network Rail, TfL, freight operators and main contractors. RISQS assesses your systems for safety, quality, competence and environmental compliance and builds trust and confidence in the rail supply chain.
RISQS Assurance.
Supporting the rail industry achieve its efficiency, safety and sustainability objectives.
How can Harcon Solutions support your organisation?
With detailed, up-to-date working knowledge of Railway Operating Group Standards, Network Rail company standards and the requirements of each audit protocol, our team will identify the most efficient qualification pathway for your organisation and provide expert support at every stage.
Harcon Solutions offers an end-to-end partnership that takes an organisation from “RISQS ready” to “RISQS accreditation,” then keeps it there year after year. Our support is delivered through the following structured phases:
Strategic Pre-Qualification Planning
We start by clarifying your scope of services and identifying which RICCL codes are relevant to your product and service offering and just as importantly, which ones aren’t.
Our team will
- Walk you through the RISQS portal setup, avoiding common pitfalls
- Validate the scope of products and services you intend to supply
- Identify if an audit will be required, and if so, which protocols apply
Getting this phase right is crucial to avoid delays and limitations on your operational scope.
Management System Development
Once your scope is defined, we move into the development or refinement of a fully compliant management system. This is tailored to your business and aligned with the requirements of Railway Operating Group Standards, Network Rail company standards.
Our documentation support includes:
- Policies, manuals, operating procedures and risk assessments
- Procedures built around Network Rail standards (e.g. NR/L2/OHS/019)
- Interactive support and workshops to help embed new processes into your team’s day-to-day operations
We ensure you don’t just tick boxes you create a system that is proportionate and practically applied.
Ongoing Audit & Compliance Support
The RISQS assurance process is not a one-off. Suppliers are subject to annual recertification audits and must demonstrate continuous compliance. Harcon offers retained services that keep your system audit-ready all year round.
Our post-qualification support includes:
- Legislative updates and industry alerts relevant to your service area
- Competent reviews of documentation and procedures
- Regular internal audits to identify and close gaps
- Independent site audits and inspections by competent professionals
By staying proactive, we help you avoid last-minute panic before audits and demonstrate a culture of continual improvement.
Integration with existing Systems & Strategic Reporting
If your organisation also holds UKAS accredited certification, such as ISO 9001 (Quality), ISO 14001 (Environmental) or ISO 45001 (Health & Safety), we can integrate your rail management systems into those frameworks. This reduces duplication and improves operational efficiency.
We also provide quarterly executive briefings that:
- Highlight changes to railway standards
- Flag emerging compliance risks
- Ensure readiness for recertification audits
- Support informed decision making at board level
Why Choose Harcon Solutions for RISQS Consultancy?
At Harcon, we bring a combination of practical rail experience and assurance expertise. Our RISQS consulting service is collaborative, not prescriptive we do not apply a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we embed best practices into your team’s daily operations and empower your staff with the tools and knowledge needed to own compliance confidently.
Our consultants are:
Let’s Get You RISQS Ready
Whether you’re seeking RISQS accreditation for the first time or preparing for annual re-certification audit, Harcon Solutions delivers the clarity, support, and hands-on experience your organisation needs to succeed.
