Safer Railway Scheme

The Safer Railway Scheme (SRS) sets national standards for rail organisations to improve safety, security and safeguarding across the railway network.

What the scheme does

The SRS provides a consistent framework for demonstrating how organisations work with partners, including the British Transport Police, to:

• prevent crime
• protect vulnerable people
• support passengers and staff

It replaces the Secure Stations Scheme and Safeguarding on Rail Scheme, bringing both into a single accreditation process and explains:

• the assessment criteria
• how accreditation is assessed, awarded and maintained

Who the scheme is for

The scheme is for organisations operating on the UK rail network, including:

• train operating companies
• station operators
• other rail organisations with responsibility for passenger services or facilities

What the scheme covers

The SRS assesses how organisations manage safety, security and safeguarding across their operations, including:

• leadership and organisational commitment
• reporting and communications
• responding to vulnerability and supporting victims of crime
• staffing, training and staff welfare
• security, crime prevention and station environments
• suicide prevention
• violence against women and girls (VAWG)

Benefits of accreditation

Accreditation shows that an organisation:

• is committed to making the railway safer for passengers and staff
• is working effectively with partners to reduce crime and vulnerability
• meets recognised standards of good practice

It can also improve passenger confidence and strengthen working with partners.

How accreditation works

Organisations are assessed against SRS criteria through a process led by the British Transport Police.

This includes self-assessment, engagement with BTP and site visits.

Organisations will be awarded:

• accredited
• working towards accreditation
• not accredited

Accreditation is valid for 2 years and requires ongoing improvement.

Working towards accreditation

Organisations that do not meet the required standard may be supported to improve through a ‘working towards accreditation’ process.