At a Glance
- Tasks: Support railway safety inspections and collaborate with experienced inspectors on regulatory activities.
- Company: Join the Office of Rail and Road, the UK's independent rail regulator.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Exciting career path with travel opportunities and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in railway safety while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Interest in health and safety regulations; teamwork and communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
We're looking for 5 HM Inspector Assistants to join our Railway Safety Directorate. These roles are based at the following office locations: Birmingham, Glasgow, London, Manchester and York. At ORR we have adopted hybrid working and are currently expected to work from a workplace location for a minimum of two days per week or 40%.
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) is the independent economic and safety regulator for Britain’s railways and monitor of performance on England’s strategic road network.
Role and Location
Railway Safety Directorate ensures duty-holders in the railway industry manage health and safety risks effectively and comply with their statutory duties. We are looking to recruit five new HM Inspector Assistants, with successful candidates expected to start on 1 September 2026, with one role aligned to each of the following teams:
- Scotland Team, based in Glasgow
- Northwest & Central Team, based in Birmingham or Manchester
- Freight Team, based in Manchester or London
- Eastern Team, based in London or York
- TFL Team, based in London
Responsibilities
Working within an inspection team, you will collaborate closely with inspectors and colleagues to plan, deliver and support regulatory activity. You will contribute to a supportive and inclusive team environment, sharing knowledge, learning from experienced inspectors and working together to ensure the railway industry meets its health and safety obligations. The Inspector Assistant plays a vital role in supporting operational HM Inspector of Railways to deliver the Railway Safety’s (RS) workplan efficiently and safely.
You will contribute to both reactive and proactive regulatory activity by independently undertaking site visits, gathering evidence, taking statements, and carrying out initial enquiries into often complex and complicated incidents, including fatalities and suicides. Using your warranted powers under the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA), you will also be expected to assist with major incident responses and proactive inspection activities, helping to assess compliance with health and safety legislation and the effectiveness of duty holders’ risk controls.
Through a blend of formal classroom training and on the job training, you will develop your regulatory skills and technical knowledge of railway operations and risks. You will provide clear, informed advice to Inspectors, stakeholders and support ORR’s wider assessment of industry performance through effective collaboration, intelligence sharing and high-quality reporting.
Travel and Work Location
You will be in a team with Inspectors, based in one of our ORR offices as referred to above, working directly to a Principal Inspector. You will mainly work within your home region which will require travel and work away from your home.
HM Inspector Assistant in London employer: ORR
At the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that fosters collaboration and professional growth. With hybrid working arrangements and opportunities for continuous learning through formal training and hands-on experience, our HM Inspector Assistants play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and compliance of Britain's railways while enjoying the benefits of working in vibrant cities like Birmingham, Glasgow, London, Manchester, and York.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HM Inspector Assistant in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at ORR on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the HM Inspector Assistant role. Personal connections can give you insights that job descriptions just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of health and safety regulations in the railway industry. We recommend creating a cheat sheet with key points and examples of how you've demonstrated relevant skills in past roles. This will help you stand out during the interview!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm for the role! When you get the chance to speak with interviewers, express your passion for railway safety and compliance. Share why you want to be part of the Railway Safety Directorate and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at ORR. So, get your application in and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace HM Inspector Assistant in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the HM Inspector Assistant role. Highlight any relevant experience in health and safety, regulatory work, or teamwork that aligns with what we’re looking for at ORR.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you’re passionate about railway safety and how your skills make you a great fit. Be genuine and let your personality shine through – we want to get to know you!
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, don’t forget to showcase your analytical and communication skills. We’re looking for someone who can gather evidence and report findings clearly, so give us examples of when you’ve done this before.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly!
How to prepare for a job interview at ORR
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of an HM Inspector Assistant and the responsibilities that come with it. Familiarise yourself with the Health and Safety at Work Act and the key regulations in the railway industry. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since collaboration is key in this role, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've worked effectively in a team. Highlight any experiences where you’ve supported colleagues or contributed to a positive team environment. This will demonstrate that you can fit into their supportive culture.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions during your interview. Think about how you would handle complex incidents or regulatory challenges. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process and decision-making skills clearly.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training process, team dynamics, or specific challenges the Railway Safety Directorate is currently facing. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
