Mr Mark Underwood
Overview
Please look at my Linked In Profile, or give me a call.
An experienced Chartered Safety Practitioner whose expertise includes sustainability and environmental issues. He specialises in the management of safety, sustainability and environmental matters within complex multi-stakeholder organisations and uses his analytical skills to develop and execute strategies, proactive measures, policies, and systems in these areas. This proactive approach towards safety, quality, sustainability and the environment makes a difference to businesses by initiating and delivering proactive strategic solutions to everyday issues. Mark has excellent interpersonal and management skills which enable him to inspire others to deliver key goals around his areas of expertise within prescribed timeframes. He has written successful safety, quality, sustainability and environmental bid delivery plans.
A Principal Consultant with a demonstrated history of working in the transportation/trucking/railroad industry. Skilled in ISO 14001, Operations Management, Workplace Safety, Environmental Awareness, and Safety Management Systems. Strong media and communication professional with a CMIOSH focused in Occupational Health and Safety, Quality and Environmental Management.
Woodland Safety Assurance LTD is a bespoke organisation with its roots in Manufacturing, moving into Engineering and Rail. Having worked in a FMCG environment before moving into a Train Maintenance, Train Care facility construction and new fleet mobilisation, Mark moved on working for two Leading Train Operating Companies in Senior Head of Roles, before setting up this organisation in February 2014. Since then we have supported a number of Franchise and Contract winning bids at home and abroad, including the mobilisation and Safety Certification. Recent projects have included Safety Certification acheivement for Network Rail's On Track Machines, and Safety Managment System review and Development for a number of clients.
Specialisms
Industry | Years Experience |
---|---|
Engineering | 16 |
Manufacturing | 5 |
Paper | 5 |
Railways | 16 |
Topic | Years Experience |
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Business benefits | 16 |
Human factors | 7 |
Managing for health and safety | 16 |
Risk management | 16 |
Transport (workplace) | 16 |
Work History
Role | From - To | Job Title / Description |
---|---|---|
Principle Consultant Cont 3 | 01.2014 - 01.2017 | 2014 - 2017 2016 – 2017: Technical Writer for Outer Dublin Metropolitan Area Buses, Transdev Mark led the creation, development and ultimately the completion of four delivery plans for the Outer Dublin Metropolitan Area Bus bid including Safety, Quality, Sustainability, and Implementation. Mark also acted to deliver the project planning, bid delivery and logistics of the bid. 2015 – 2016: Technical Writer for Manchester Metrolink, Transdev Mark led the creation, development and ultimately the completion of four delivery plans for the Manchester Metrolink bid including Safety, Quality, Sustainability, and Mobilisation, including the Mobilisation Project Plan. During this process, Mark was involved with several Metrolink stakeholders and other parties within Transdev and Alstom to gather evidence and best practice for the final submission. 2015 – 2016: Safety Management System Review, Eversholt Rail Mark analysed, reviewed, designed and developed the new Eversholt Safety Management System. He designed it to complement Eversholt’s current ISO 9001 certificated Quality Management System and the requirements from Eversholt’s new owning group. 2015: Technical Writer for London Overground, Keolis Go Ahead Mark wrote the Safety Delivery Plan for Keolis Go Ahead as it bid for the LOROL franchise. As part of this scope, Mark was involved with meeting parties within both owning groups (Keolis and Go Ahead) to gather evidence of best practice for case studies to support the technical solution. 2015: Technical Writer for Manchester Metrolink PQQ, Transdev Mark wrote the successful Safety, Quality and Environment PQQ for the Manchester Metrolink Contract submission for Transdev. He was involved with meeting and discussing all aspects of the PQQ with Transdev UK, Transdev Group, Transdev Ireland and its principal Alstom. 2015: Technical Writer for three Irish Bus PQQ, Transdev Mark wrote the successful Safety, Quality and Environment PQQs for Outer Dublin Metropolitan Area buses, Waterford Buses, and Commuter Routes submissions for Transdev. He was involved in meeting and discussing all aspects of the PQQ with Transdev UK, Transdev Group, and Transdev Ireland, using best practice examples from Transdev Blaizefield, Luas, and the Barcelona operations. 2014 - 2015: Safety Certification for On-Track Machines, Network Rail Mark successfully achieved Part A and B Safety Certification from the ORR for Network Rail to operate On Track Machines. He led a HAZOP within Network Rail, conducted a gap analysis, and designed, developed and wrote the Safety Management System and procedures. The unique challenge of doing this was that Network Rail already had a safety authorisation and entity in charge of maintenance certification that could not be changed or affected by this application. All three aspects had to be designed to complement each other for the duration of their validity. Mark managed all affected parties’ comments to the satisfaction of the ORR, including all rail organisations that operate or interact on Network Rail controlled infrastructure. 2014: Mobilisation, Keolis Amey Docklands Mark successfully delivered the HSQE mobilisation of the Docklands Light Railway for Keolis Amey Docklands, including safety certification to the new non-mainline criteria. The challenges Mark overcame to achieve this included the incorporation of two organisations into one, and the new requirements of both the contract and the ORR. In doing so, Mark arranged and a held a series of meetings with the affected parties, keeping all involved up to date as things evolved. By taking this approach, the safety certificate was delivered ahead of time to satisfy the Condition Precedent. 2014: Technical Writer for Luas, Ireland, Transdev Mark wrote the successful Luas bid for Transdev Ireland as it tendered to retain the Contract. As part of this, Mark designed the Safety Management System for the submission to meet the Irish requirements for Safety Certification. Mark undertook a strategic review of all safety aspects of the current operation, building a cause and effect timeline to be able to design and develop case studies of the evidenced continual improvement for the operator. |
Head of Safety and Sustainability | 04.2011 - 12.2013 | • I was the Head of Safety and Sustainability for First Capital Connect based in London and the custodian of the Safety Certification required for operation on UK rail infrastructure. • I led and directed the company Safety and Environment Team in setting the strategic direction for occupational safety and sustainability within the Business. • I acted as the company’s ‘competent person’ with regard to the provision of expert and effective safety advice, assistance and support to all functions and activities of the business. • I ensured the development and support the implementation of the Company’s Strategic Safety and Environment Plans. • I ensured that any additional risks arising from changes to existing operations, or the introduction of new operations/activities, are fully assessed, risk is reduced to as low as is reasonably practicable and the process is validated. • I analysed the company’s safety and environment performance and optimize cost-effective solutions to securely improve culture and performance. • I developed and maintain effective and productive working relationships with senior representatives of industry partners and regulatory bodies such as Network Rail, ATOC, RSSB, ORR, the Environment Agency and First Group including acting as company representative for RAIB/ORR Inquiries and Investigations if requested. • I ensured, through provision of monitoring and audit assurance processes that the Company complies with all relevant safety and environment requirements. • I managed the Company’s Safety & Environment Team of 16 ensuring the highest levels of job performance and motivation, handling an approximate budget of £2m pa. |
Head of Safety Assurance | 11.2009 - 04.2011 | • Deputy Safety Assurance Director; • My primary role was to provide assurance to the Safety and Assurance Director that business activities are being conducted in accordance with all statutory health and safety legislation and railway group standards necessary for ensuring safety; • I led the development of a proactive safety culture throughout the business; • Provide professional safety advice, guidance and support to Directors and senior managers; • I led the integration of occupational health and safety best practice into all Northern activities; • I monitored the effectiveness of the safety management system implementation throughout the company through the development and management of an integrated safety and technical audit program to demonstrate compliance with company standards and legislation; • I developed, implemented and maintained an effective safety communication program to ensure high levels of safety awareness and support the role out of the Safety Culture survey to all employees whilst maintaining the benchmark set from previous years; • I explored the opportunity to implement a Quality Management system to ISO 9001 and IRiS for all of the business; and • I was the custodian and maintainer of the Safety Management System (certificated to OHSAS 18001) and the Safety Certification. |
Safety, Quality and Environmental Manager | 01.2004 - 10.2009 | • Duty covering all of the Siemens UK Maintenance and after-sales business; • I controlled and achieved a budget for around £ 500k pa; • I implemented, managed and maintained the ISO and OHSAS standards 9001, 14001, and 18001 to all 6 contacts made up of 10 main locations and 15 out stations with a team of 7 SQE Engineers reporting directly to me; • I was the point of contact for the industry stakeholders such as ATOC, RSSB, RISAS and the Halcrow operational safety risk and SPAD project; • I have overseen the building of three new train maintenance facilities (£ 80m) from identifying Safety and Environmental considerations during design to monitoring implementation during construction, and then utilization; and • I have overseen the introduction of 3 new fleets and introduction of 300 + additional employees, as well as the processes and procedures which are required to achieve regulatory, certification and customer. |
Principle Consultant | 01.2014 - today | 2017 - 2020 2020: HSQE Work Stream lead and Technical Writer for AMPRN, Australia, Keolis Downer Mark recently acted as the HSQE workstream lead for Keolis Downer’s bid for the Adelaide Metropolitan Passenger Rail Network, Australia, O&M contract. Whilst working as HSQE workstream lead, Mark created, developed, and completed four delivery plans including Rail Safety Accreditation, Safety, Emergency and Crisis Management, and Site Access Protocols, whilst overseeing the production of the Environment and Sustainability Plan. 2019 – 2020: Mobilisation and Transition, Luas, Ireland, Transdev Mark has developed the new Safety Management System and achieved Safety Certification for Operation from the Commission for Rail Regulation for Transdev in Ireland. Mark worked with the Transdev team pulling together the three Management systems of Transdev, Alstom, Veolia into one integrated system. Mark was the key contact on safety for Transdev with the Authority (Client, Tii) and the Commission (CRR) during mobilisation and is now supporting the business during transition. 2019: Work Stream Lead, Safety Management System Development, Qatar Foundation, Doha Mark was the Safety workstream lead with two direct reports, managing all aspects of the Safety Management System Development, ensuring all requirements are met to Safety Certificate evaluation and acceptance. Part of this process is to bridge the gap to ensure Qatar Foundation can discharge their duties as operator whilst ensuring Siemens as Service Provider are delivering a safe service in Qatar Education City for Qatar Foundation. 2019: Technical Writer for Luas, Ireland, Keolis Alstom Mark wrote the Luas bid for Keolis Alstom as it tendered to win the Contract. This was returned with a 100% score. As part of this, Mark re-designed the Safety Management System for the submission to meet the Irish requirements for Safety Certification whilst weaving in Keolis Alstom Best practice from other operations. 2018- 2019: Safety Consultant, Keolis Amey Docklands Mark was advising the team on aspects of the Sentinel Safety Scheme that need to be considered and addressed with implementation and designing the governance Process, with attention to the Track Safety arrangements for Infrastructure Management and ensured delivery of the on-going ISO certification. 2018: Safety Consultant, for Luas, Ireland, Transdev Mark was advising the team on aspects of safety that need to be considered and addressed within, with attention to the safety certification. Mark has also undertaken a technical review of the Safety Management system for the LUAS team. 2018: Safety Consultant, Mobilisation, Keolis Amey Wales and Borders Mark advised the mobilisation team on aspects of safety that need to be addressed during mobilisation. Mark has also managing the safety certification and safety authorisations applications to the Office of Road and Rail’s (ORR) for Keolis Amey Delivered early on the 8th October 2018.
2017 – 2018: Mobilisation, Keolis Amey Metrolink Mark was the HSQE workstream lead with two direct reports, managing all aspects of the HSQE Plan, ensuring all HSQE Condition Precedents are delivered in addition to all enabling activities prior to commencement. Mark also has the responsibility of recruiting new members of the HSQE team for the new operator and starting the initiatives to be delivered in the transition period. |
Principle Consultant Cont.. 2 | 09.2017 - 01.2020 | 2017 – 2020: Consultant 2019 – 2020: Mobilisation and Transition, Luas, Ireland, Transdev Mark has developed the new Safety Management System and achieved Safety Certification for Operation from the Commission for Rail Regulation for Transdev in Ireland. Mark worked with the Transdev team pulling together the three Management systems of Transdev, Alstom, Veolia into one integrated system. Mark was the key contact on safety for Transdev with the Authority (Client, Tii) and the Commission (CRR) during mobilisation and is now supporting the business during transition. 2019: Work Stream Lead, Safety Management System Development, Qatar Foundation, Doha Mark was the Safety workstream lead with two direct reports, managing all aspects of the Safety Management System Development, ensuring all requirements are met to Safety Certificate evaluation and acceptance. Part of this process is to bridge the gap to ensure Qatar Foundation can discharge their duties as operator whilst ensuring Siemens as Service Provider are delivering a safe service in Qatar Education City for Qatar Foundation. 2019: Technical Writer for Luas, Ireland, Keolis Alstom Mark wrote the Luas bid for Keolis Alstom as it tendered to win the Contract. This was returned with a 100% score. As part of this, Mark re-designed the Safety Management System for the submission to meet the Irish requirements for Safety Certification whilst weaving in Keolis Alstom Best practice from other operations. 2018- 2019: Safety Consultant, Keolis Amey Docklands Mark was advising the team on aspects of the Sentinel Safety Scheme that need to be considered and addressed with implementation and designing the governance Process, with attention to the Track Safety arrangements for Infrastructure Management and ensured delivery of the on-going ISO certification. 2018: Safety Consultant, for Luas, Ireland, Transdev Mark was advising the team on aspects of safety that need to be considered and addressed within, with attention to the safety certification. Mark has also undertaken a technical review of the Safety Management system for the LUAS team. 2018: Safety Consultant, Mobilisation, Keolis Amey Wales and Borders Mark advised the mobilisation team on aspects of safety that need to be addressed during mobilisation. Mark has also managing the safety certification and safety authorisations applications to the Office of Road and Rail’s (ORR) for Keolis Amey Delivered early on the 8th October 2018. 2017 – 2018: Mobilisation, Keolis Amey Metrolink Mark was the HSQE workstream lead with two direct reports, managing all aspects of the HSQE Plan, ensuring all HSQE Condition Precedents are delivered in addition to all enabling activities prior to commencement. Mark also has the responsibility of recruiting new members of the HSQE team for the new operator and starting the initiatives to be delivered in the transition period. 2017 : Safety Consultant, Keolis Amey Wales and Borders Mark advised the bid team on aspects of safety that need to be considered and addressed within the bid, with attention to safety certifications, authorisations, licences, and permits. Mark has also prepared responses to the Office of Road and Rail’s (ORR) questions for Keolis Amey. |
Principle Consultant - 1 | 01.2020 - today | 2014 - Current - Consultant Mark has worked on a variety of projects for several clients both in the UK and overseas. His areas of expertise include: occupational safety disciplines; safety management system development and reviews; safety certification; franchise/contract mobilisation; auditing; a practical approach toward strategy safety development, and bid writing. 2021: HSQE Work Stream lead and Technical Writer for ONConnects Driverless Metro, Keolis Canada Mark has recently been acting as HSQE workstream lead, for Keolis Canada, in respect to the safety obligations as set out in Schedule A-28, including the framework of Regulatory Regime and Safety Accountability. Whilst working as HSQE workstream lead, Mark created, developed the Safety delivery plan, and ensure budget accountability for safety. Mark also liaised with the Operations WSL to ensure all deliverables and planning for APTA guidance was taken into account when designing the Control Centre and System. 2020: Technical Safety Expert for the GO Regional Express Rail On-Corridor project, Keolis Canada Mark has recently been acting as Technical Safety Expert for Keolis Canada, in respect to the safety obligations as set out in Schedule A-5, including the framework of Regulatory Regime and Safety Accountability, and contributing to the Operation and Maintenance elements of the delivery plan. Mark also managed the Change Assessments in all the delivery plans to meet the requirements of Canadian Method for Risk Assessment and Evaluation (Canadian equivalent of CSM). 2020: HSQE Work Stream lead and Technical Writer for AMPRN, Australia, Keolis Downer Mark recently acted as the HSQE workstream lead for successful Keolis Downer’s bid for the Adelaide Metropolitan Passenger Rail Network, Australia, O&M contract. Whilst working as HSQE workstream lead, Mark created, developed, and completed four delivery plans including Rail Safety Accreditation, Safety, Emergency and Crisis Management, and Site Access Protocols, whilst overseeing the production of the Environment and Sustainability Plan. Mark has worked on a variety of projects for several clients both in the UK and overseas. His areas of expertise include: occupational safety disciplines; safety management system development and reviews; safety certification; franchise/contract mobilisation; auditing; a practical approach toward strategy safety development, and bid writing. 2021: HSQE Work Stream lead and Technical Writer for ONConnects Driverless Metro, Keolis Canada Mark has recently been acting as HSQE workstream lead, for Keolis Canada, in respect to the safety obligations as set out in Schedule A-28, including the framework of Regulatory Regime and Safety Accountability. Whilst working as HSQE workstream lead, Mark created, developed the Safety delivery plan, and ensure budget accountability for safety. Mark also liaised with the Operations WSL to ensure all deliverables and planning for APTA guidance was taken into account when designing the Control Centre and System. 2020: Technical Safety Expert for the GO Regional Express Rail On-Corridor project, Keolis Canada Mark has recently been acting as Technical Safety Expert for Keolis Canada, in respect to the safety obligations as set out in Schedule A-5, including the framework of Regulatory Regime and Safety Accountability, and contributing to the Operation and Maintenance elements of the delivery plan. Mark also managed the Change Assessments in all the delivery plans to meet the requirements of Canadian Method for Risk Assessment and Evaluation (Canadian equivalent of CSM). 2020: HSQE Work Stream lead and Technical Writer for AMPRN, Australia, Keolis Downer Mark recently acted as the HSQE workstream lead for successful Keolis Downer’s bid for the Adelaide Metropolitan Passenger Rail Network, Australia, O&M contract. Whilst working as HSQE workstream lead, Mark created, developed, and completed four delivery plans including Rail Safety Accreditation, Safety, Emergency and Crisis Management, and Site Access Protocols, whilst overseeing the production of the Environment and Sustainability Plan. |
Membership of Professional Bodies
Professional Body | Membership | Member since | OSHCR Eligible Since |
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IOSH | Chartered Member (CMIOSH) | 11.2005 | 11.2005 |
Qualifications
Accrediting Institute | Type | Qualification | Date passed |
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