Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter
At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team - you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway. Click here to learn more.
We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments click here. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process. You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support.
If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!
Vacancy Details
Duration: Secondment or Fixed Term Contract for 2 years with the potential to extend or go permanent. (Please note, secondments are subject to line manager approval, please discuss this with them before applying).
Contact : If you require any support with your application, please click here for contact details.
Some of our great benefits:
Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered.
Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.
Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.
Defined benefit pension scheme
75% subsidy on train tickets.
Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.
Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.
Plus more....
What does the average day look like?
This role sits at the point where policy intent becomes practical, deliverable change. Your day will focus on supporting policy development across our Access Reform Programme, helping teams shape options, build evidence, manage governance and assurance, and translate emerging policy positions into a clear plan for delivery.
On an average day, you might:
- Support policy leads to structure complex problems into clear work packages, agreeing scope, success measures, decision points and timelines.
- Coordinate the development of policy options by bringing together evidence, operational insight and stakeholder input into a coherent narrative for decisions.
- Produce decision-ready products: briefing notes, options papers, recommendations, and governance packs that help leaders understand trade-offs and choose a way forward.
- Set up and run the programme rhythm that enables policy development at pace: actions, decisions, logs, dependencies, and a forward look of upcoming decisions.
- Track policy development milestones (e.g., drafting, review cycles, consultation/engagement windows, approvals) and keep workstreams aligned to agreed timeframes.
- Maintain a proportionate approach to risk, assurance and readiness, making sure decisions are supported by the right evidence, and that we can demonstrate quality, transparency and traceability.
- Work with colleagues to plan implementation pathways early, ensuring policy is designed with delivery in mind and that implications (people, process, data/tech, operational impact) are understood.
You'll be a key enabler for policy teams: creating structure, clarity and confidence so policy can progress through governance smoothly and land well in practice.
A little bit about the team...
You'll join the System Operator's Policy & Reform team, working on the Access Reform Programme. The team exists to shape and deliver reforms that improve how access-related decisions are developed, evidenced, communicated and progressed, in an environment where pace, clarity and confidence in decision-making really matter.
We're a collaborative, supportive group that combines policy capability with programme delivery discipline. We value:
- Clear, evidence-led thinking
- Strong, agile governance that enables quick progress
- Good judgement, integrity and transparency
- Continuous improvement and learning
You'll work closely with policy colleagues, programme professionals and subject matter experts, and you'll engage with a range of stakeholders across Network Rail and the wider industry as needed. We'll support you to build your knowledge, but we're looking for someone who can bring structure and momentum from day one.
Next Steps
CV shortlisting will take place after the advert closes, with interviews planned from the week commencing 3rd August, subject to business needs. Early applications are encouraged, as we may close the advert early due to high application volumes.
We encourage you to review our Safety Vision , as safety is an important part of the culture at Network Rail
All external offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
