RISQS - RICCL Codes

My first exposure to RISQS and RICCL codes, several years ago, was a baptism of fire. Although I had heard of RISQS I had no practical experience of how it needed to be managed or what the audits were like. I spent many hours searching the internet for resources to try and understand what to do, what the terms meant, how to manage the company portal and how to prepare for a RISQS audit. Strangely, the availability of resource was very sparse and looking back I wish I had, had the sorts of articles and advice that I am now writing and making available to other railway professionals.

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Introduction

The Rail Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme (RISQS) is the certification authority for the Railways in Great Britain. It supports both buyers and suppliers and aids Network Rail and Transport for London (TFL) in managing supply chain risk. Although it operates under the RSSB, a cross-industry committee governs and sponsors RISQS.

RISQs is an industry tool, used for assurance and supply chain risk management. It ensures that those supplying products and services to the rail industry do so in a standardised approach, with all parties working from the same requirements and expectations.

The scheme works in tandem with your Management System and can compliment other accreditations you may already have, or wish to have, such as ISO’s.

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Why is RISQS important?

1.????? The main focus of RISQS is safety. The requirements within RISQS are a reflection and at times direct copy of the array of railway standards and rules which over time have themselves been devised from research, industry experience and learning from accidents and incidents. By adhering to the requirements of RISQS it ensures a consistent approach across the industry and a contribution from all companies to a safer railway network for both passengers and workers.

2.????? It provides access to railway contracts. RISQS accreditation is the gateway for businesses in participating in rail-related projects and tenders. Rail businesses use RISQS as a way of identifying competent and compliant suppliers. This should help ensure high standards and compliance within the industry.

3.????? Regulatory compliance. If you follow the processes as laid out in the RISQS protocols, RISQS will help you stay compliant with industry-specific regulations and standards. This will prove invaluable as a key part of your Safety Management System but also help you through and pass your RISQS audits.

4.????? Enhanced Reputation. Obtaining your RISQS certificate is a demonstration of commitment to industry wide good practice. It will highlight to industry partners that you have the necessary components in place to be able to safely and competently carry out work on railway infrastructure.

So, what are RISQS RICCL Codes?

RICCL Stands for Railway Industry Commodity Classification List and is a list that contains all the commodities (equipment, materials and services) that can be used and purchased for the railway.

Suppliers that are RISQS approved will select the RICCL codes that are relevant to the products and services they wish to supply. But it also serves the purposes of:

·??????? Standardisation -creating a unified language for suppliers and buyers, enabling clear communication and understanding of supply requirements.

·??????? Safety and Compliance: categorising commodities based on predetermined criteria, it ensures suppliers meet strict safety and quality standards required in the railway industry.

·??????? Efficiency: It streamlines the procurement process by providing a universal understanding for identifying and selecting qualified suppliers.

For each business that has RISQS or aspires to have RISQS accreditation, choosing RICCL codes is a decision that you must navigate carefully. Why? Because it impacts your audit outcomes and ability to supply to the railway. For example, once you have access to the RISQS online portal, your RICCL code choices will be available for the industry to see. This allows other businesses to search for those companies that provide a service that they need. So, if you do not pick a RICCL code for a service you offer, you will not be invited to tender for work. Likewise, if you pick a RICCL code for something you do not do, you will get invites to tenders for work you cannot fulfil.

How do I determine which RICCL codes I need?

·??????? The right RICCL codes for your business involves matching your products or services with the appropriate classifications in the RISQS system. You can start this by speaking to the excellent team that RISQS employs to provide over the phone assistance and help. RISQS has a number of employed rail experts that can steer you in the right direction.

o?? You can also explore the interactive RICCL list on the RISQS portal. This step ensures your business aligns with the codes that reflect your current offerings.

Auditable and Verified RICCL codes

·??????? This is a key area to understand, auditable and verifiable codes impacts the level and type of assessment your business will undergo for RISQS certification.

o?? Auditable codes require a formal audit process to demonstrate compliance with industry standards, suitable for higher-risk offerings.

o?? Verification codes are assigned to less critical services or products, requiring a simpler verification process to complete your registration.

Can I update my RICCL code selections?

·??????? Absolutely you can, in fact, if things need removing or added, you should, and it is encouraged. Ultimately, if something changes and you no longer supply a service, you do not want to be audited on it, so remove the code.

o?? The audit for RISQS certification is also a good time to just validate your RICCL code choices, taking into account what areas you will be audited against.

o?? Your codes need to reflect your current capabilities and regular, proactive updating will help you maintain your compliance.

RICCL codes help ensure safety, quality and compliance, their importance cannot be understated. You must also remember that as the industry changes and updates, so too will the RICCL code list. So do your best to stay up to date, maintaining your list will help you find more work.

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RISQS certification can be a complex process, filled with specific requirements. At EOS HSQE Consultancy, we have extensive knowledge of navigating these paths and offer support to suppliers on every step of their RISQS journey.

If you need EOS HSQE Consultancy contact us on LinkedIn or at [email protected].