Trainee Inspectors of Railways

Tate; West of England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking Trainee Inspectors of Railways to join the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) in Bristol. This full-time role offers a salary of £40,217 - £44,503 and involves inspections and enforcement to ensure safety in the railway industry. Candidates need to be educated to degree level or hold equivalent qualifications and have relevant industry experience. This is an opportunity to contribute significantly to railway safety through a structured training program.

Benefits

Above average pension scheme

25 days holiday

Comprehensive training programme

Qualifications

• Experience working in health and safety regulatory environment.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to manage a varied workload and competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Carry out planned inspections and lead investigations.
• Analyze findings and guide duty holders towards safer practices.
• Identify non-compliance with the law and take enforcement action.

Skills

Experience in the railway industry or operations

Problem solving skills

Ability to analyze complex information

Full UK Driving Licence

Education

Educated to Level 6 standard (degree level)

Job description

Trainee Inspectors of Railways (J6057) Bristol, England

Salary: GBP40217 - GBP44503 per annum

Tate Recruitment are proud to be partnered with the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to recruit Trainee Inspectors of Railways

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) is the independent safety and economic regulator for Britain’s railways. ORR regulates health and safety across the entire rail industry in Britain, including the Mainline Network, London Underground, light rail, trams and the heritage railways. ORR’s mission is to protect the interests of rail and road users and play a crucial role ensuring safety, assuring value and driving the performance of Britain's railways.

Tate are recruiting for several Trainee Inspectors of Railways to join the ORR’s Health & Safety team. With multiple locations available, an attractive package and the opportunity to make a difference to those who use the railways, it is an exciting time to work in this industry.

The Opportunity:

Roles are full-time and on-site, with a salary range of £40,217 - £44,503 depending on experience and are based in Bristol. Some key benefits are – Above average pension scheme and 25 days holiday.

At the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), you'll be part of a team shaping the future of rail safety. Your role is to protect the health and safety of everyone associated with the rail industry by ensuring railway businesses have mature health and safety management in place. This includes identifying, assessing and controlling risks properly.

Through expert inspections, investigations, and industry engagement, you will regulate health and safety for railway workers, employees, passengers and others who interface with railway operations on mainline, non-mainline, tram and heritage railways.

Your role

As a Trainee Inspector you will:

• Carry out planned inspections and lead investigations into accidents, ill-health, and safety incidents
• Analyse findings in line with legal frameworks to guide and influence duty holders toward safer practices
• Track risks and overall health and safety performance using data, industry risk modelling, and intelligence from inspections and investigations
• Identify where duty holders are not complying with the law and take enforcement action to ensure that employees, passengers, and members of the public are protected
• Offer expert advice and take formal enforcement action when necessary
• Represent ORR in engagements with industry stakeholders, including trade unions
• Collaborate closely with your team and colleagues across ORR to champion a culture of safety

Experience needed

• Experience of working in the railway industry or experience in operations/engineering disciplines, or front-line health and safety regulatory experience, including an awareness of Safety Management Systems
• Full UK Driving Licence
• Educated to Level 6 standard (degree level or with appropriate equivalent qualifications or equivalent professional experience to be able to achieve chartered status of a professional institution)
• Ability to analyse and communicate complex technical information to a range of stakeholders to support improved understanding and standards
• Problem solving skills and ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Ability to manage a varied workload, deal with competing priorities, manage expectations, and deliver on time to a high standard
• Ability to assimilate, analyse and communicate complex technical information to a range of stakeholders to support improved understanding and standards and/or legal compliance
• Ability to use theoretical and practical knowledge, including working from ‘first principles’ to identify practical, workable improvements in risk controls, including engineering controls, working practices, training, and maintenance requirements
• Problem solving skills and ability to work both independently and collaboratively, sometimes to tight deadlines

Behaviours

• Making effective decisions
• Communicating and influencing
• Delivering at pace
• Developing self and others
• Working together

Why you should apply

• ORR are committed to helping you thrive to become a trusted health and safety professional in the railway industry. As part of their comprehensive 3 year training programme, you will have access to structured courses and assessments, hands on operational experience and ongoing guidance from your managers.
• Disability confident employer - committed to an inclusive and supportive environment for everyone. ORR have received the Silver Award from the Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion for embedding diversity and inclusion.

Please note the deadline for applications is 30 September 2025. If your application is shortlisted you will be invited to attend an assessment centre in October.

Application notes: Please include your first and last name, email, phone with country code, and evidence of eligibility to work in the country to which you are applying.