At a Glance
- Tasks: Support railway safety by conducting inspections and collaborating with experienced inspectors.
- Company: Join the Office of Rail and Road, a leader in railway safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, hybrid options, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and learning in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in railway safety while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; just a passion for safety and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are 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 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
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.
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 requires travel and work away from your home.
Job Details
- Location: London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester, York
- Contract type: Full time, Permanent
- Profession: Rail, Safety, Supervision
- Working pattern: Flexible working, Hybrid
- Closing Date: 01/06/2026
HM Railways Inspector Assistants in London employer: UK Regulators' Network
At the Office of Rail and Road, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture. With opportunities for professional growth through comprehensive training and collaboration with experienced inspectors, our HM Inspector Assistants play a crucial role in ensuring railway safety across various locations including Birmingham, Glasgow, London, Manchester, and York. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility, making it an ideal environment for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the rail industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HM Railways Inspector Assistants in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at ORR on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and the team culture, plus it shows our genuine interest in the position.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of health and safety regulations in the railway industry. We want to demonstrate that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the challenges and responsibilities of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice situational questions! Think about how we would handle complex incidents or collaborate with inspectors. This will help us articulate our thought process and problem-solving skills during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep track of our application status easily and stay updated on any new opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace HM Railways Inspector Assistants in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the HM Inspector Assistant role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the duties mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our Railway Safety Directorate!
Show Your Passion for Safety:Demonstrate your enthusiasm for health and safety in the railway industry. Share any experiences or insights that showcase your commitment to ensuring compliance and managing risks effectively. We love candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Regulators' Network
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of the HM Inspector Assistant role. Familiarise yourself with health and safety regulations in the railway industry, especially the Health and Safety at Work Act. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since collaboration is key in this role, be ready to discuss your experience working in teams. Think of examples where you've supported colleagues or contributed to a team project. Highlight how you can contribute to a supportive and inclusive environment, as this is crucial for the Railway Safety Directorate.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions during the interview. Prepare by thinking about how you would handle complex situations, such as conducting site visits or responding to incidents. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and effectively.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions. Inquire about the training process for new inspectors or how the teams collaborate on regulatory activities. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
