The rail outcomes team is responsible for developing a framework of what Network Rail should deliver for its funding, during an exciting time when the rail industry is going through a period of significant change.

The rail industry is going through a period of change brought about by Government’s plans to reform the railways. ORR needs to respond to this change. This role is an exciting opportunity to support how we regulate in future and to ensure we can set ambitious yet realistic targets for Network Rail, across a set of outcomes that are important to passengers, freight customers and taxpayers. The role will initially lead analysis to support our update of the train punctuality and reliability targets that we expect Network Rail to deliver from 2026-27 to 2028-29. Beyond this, the role will provide analytical support in preparation for future reviews of Network Rail’s outputs and outcomes across all areas of delivery, and considering the impact of rail reform.

• Lead analytical work to support setting Network Rail’s train performance targets for 2026-27 to 2028-29, including:
  • the delivery of a framework of measures for holding Network Rail to account for the delivery of train performance; and
  • the development of ambitious yet realistic train performance targets/requirements, by understanding Network Rail’s train performance forecasts (including its modelling approach and underlying assumptions).
• Support the delivery of a coherent framework of outcomes (measures and targets) that matter to rail passengers and freight customers in the long term. This should consider and respond to the context of wider reforms to the rail sector.
• Collaborate with teams across ORR – including engineering, operations and finance – to agree the above measures and targets, and how we can use these to drive improved outcomes for the end-user.
• Support our work on rail reform by understanding future data requirements and sources to fulfil ORR’s current and any potential future change to our role. This includes building relationships and leading effective engagement across the industry and working closely with ORR’s Information & Analysis team to identify new data sources, assessing their quality and any limitations to supply, use and/or publication. This will also involve connecting with the new data unit in Great British Railways, once established.
• Provide analytical support to the performance reset and wider ORR work programmes, by sharing best practice and co-ordinating analytical assurance of our proposals. Also, working with others to draft clear documents that describe our decisions for the performance reset and future periodic reviews.
• Collaborate with others across ORR to support other ad hoc workstreams as required.

 

Essential Criteria

When assessing your application, these are the criteria that you are assessed against:

Behaviours	Communicating and influencing Seeing the Big Picture Working together Making effective decisions
Experience	Knowledge of the rail industry or other regulated industries
Technical	Strong analysis of quantitative and qualitative information to make recommendations

 

This job description provides an overview of key duties and responsibilities and is not exhaustive. You may be expected to undertake other duties and responsibilities within the scope of your role and as appropriate for your grade.