Organisation and Relationships

In the modern era, effective decisions and effective delivery can no longer be outcomes of simple command and control hierarchies. Instead they take place in a complex framework or supply chain involving a series of interfaces, the effective functioning of which is critical to safe, high quality and value-for-money outcomes.

Much of the work undertaken by First Class Partnerships since its inception has involved the improvement of working relationships at key interfaces in the railway industry's structure. In London, for example, we worked with Transport for London, Network Rail, London Underground and the former Strategic Rail Authority in developing operating frameworks and protocols aimed at improving the critical interfaces between them. Similar work has been undertaken at the interface between the Office of Rail Regulation and the former Passenger Franchising Authority whilst advice to Merseytravel (the Liverpool based Passenger Transport Executive) has focused on the requirements for setting up vertically integrated management frameworks.