scope:

This module outlines the corporate Crisis Management principles, processes and procedures for Network Rail. It is to be used when responding to crisis situations that have the potential to significantly impact Network Rail's strategic objectives and license to operate and where business as usual process may need to be accelerated or bypassed.

This module applies to those who may be called upon to form part of the crisis management response.

Crisis situations are exceptional circumstances that require extraordinary resource and focus in order that they are managed effectively and efficiently. By their very nature, crises fall outside normal business continuity and incident response arrangements.

Crisis management refers to the strategic capability of Network Rail in response to crisis situations and sits above the Route / Regional / Directorate / Network Strategic Command structure, as well as 'business as usual' (BAU) functions of the organisation.

Crisis management focuses on:

a) immediate, medium or long-term safety and security;

b) mitigating commercial, financial and other associated risks;

c) maintaining our organisational reputation; and

d) protecting Network Rail's licence to operate.

Purpose

This module provides strategic and practical guidance, reducing the risk of misunderstandings during Crisis Management in Network Rail for those involved in managing Network Rail's response to a crisis.

It provides a core structure and framework for consistently managing the risks of a Crisis whilst maintaining flexibility so that it can be tailored to the specific requirements of any given situation.

The module provides the information required for Network Rail to meet its legislative requirements when managing crisis situations.