Job Description

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.
We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments 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.
If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!
Scotland's Railway is part of this large family and it covers a large geographical area from the Borders to Thurso at the far tip of the North East of Scotland, accounting for almost 20 per cent of the UK rail network. We provide rapid access along busy commuter routes to our seven cities, servicing the varied needs of our business and leisure commuter services, including cross border services and rural services. We have up to 50 freight services operating every day and we are steadily building capacity for this to grow. Our ambition to be responsive to passengers and freight users, drives us every day and we're empowered to do the right thing for those who use the rail network. We actively challenge unsafe practices and take responsibility for addressing risks, resolving issues and protecting safety and wellbeing.
Brief Description
Your decisions make all the difference...
As a train delay attributor, you'll be passionate about providing great customer service so that when trains are delayed, passengers, train and freight operating companies are fully informed of the situation in a timely manner. Our attribution team monitors real time train operations and allocates reasons for any delays.
Our Train Delay Attributors liaise with signalling and other rail industry employees as necessary to establish the cause of delays of all trains operating within a designated geographical area.
They also create incidents and attribute delays in the 'TRUST Delay Causation' system so they are correctly coded to the root cause - monitoring that each delay is validated through the agreed procedures to the national standard.
As part of the application process, all applicants are required to complete some pre-screening questions. These questions require time and concentration so please prepare for this accordingly, ensuring that you read each question carefully before responding.
About the role (External)
Your investigative skills matter.
As a Train Delay Attributor you'll record, report and support solutions around train delays on your part of the rail network, helping to keep millions moving every day.
You'll have a keen eye for detail as you're working with delay data, and you'll also be able to develop a good rapport with a wide range of people across your part of the network as you work to find out the root cause of each delay. You'll also be able to deal with competing deadlines, confirming responsibility of each delay with both accuracy and pace.
When delays happen, you'll build an accurate picture of the reasons behind them.
Using data and working with our signaller community and other colleagues across the railway you'll get to the heart of each delay. Having recognised the situation, you will then use this to create accurate reports and attribute the reasons for the delays. If train reporting procedures fail, you'll make a difference, from advising managers to agreeing the use of alternate train time information.
Your skills matter
You don't need rail experience, but you do need to show how your transferrable skills meet the following.

• Data skills - You'll need strong analytical skills and be confident in working with data.
• People skills - You'll be able to build strong working relationships and manage different stake holder requirements.
• Agility - With many competing deadlines and the demand for quick and accurate resolutions, you'll be experienced in managing your time with agility and flexibility.
• IT skills - You'll be using bespoke IT systems and Windows based applications and so you'll be confident in using technology.
• Confident decision making - making accurate and informed decisions is key in this role and you'll be confident in standing by the decisions you make.
• Operations knowledge- The ability to develop a good understanding of railway and infrastructure operations and have a good knowledge of your local area are important for this role.
• Presentation skills - Reporting is a key part of the Train Delay Attributor role and so you'll be able to get your message across clearly, accurately and concisely
• Shift working - this role involves shift working and to you'll be willing and able to work on a shift basis. This role involves day, night and weekend working.

Here are some of the duties your role will include: -
xc2xb7 Take responsibility for the creation of incidents and attribution of delay to the national standard within the agreed area of geographical responsibility so all available systems are utilised to assist in identifying the correct allocation of delay code and responsible manager.
xc2xb7 Monitor TRUST data collection/ input carrying out data integrity checks as detailed in the national standard so that missed train reports are inputted prior to the attribution of 'D' flagged TRUST delay alerts.
xc2xb7 Advise the nominated manager of failures in normal train report procedures in order to initiate contingency arrangements.
xc2xb7 Monitoring that train times are filled in during times of train reporting failure where alternate train time information is available with the agreement of the train operator for all delay reporting points and Contractual Monitoring Points, seek authorisation for, and maintain a record of all manual revisions to train times.
xc2xb7 Implement contingency arrangements providing assistance with schedule amendments and train call procedures including the activation of Q paths as directed.
xc2xb7 After receiving initial information regarding a train delaying incident, follow up for additional information with TOCs /FOCs /Network Rail staff to confirm correct impartial attribution, updating TRUST incidents in accordance with the DAG and EESIC to facilitate the responsible manager in accepting the incident.
xc2xb7 Give a detailed handover of the current working situation at the end of the shift as detailed in the national standard.
xc2xb7 While this post may be located within a control or signalling centre where there are safety critical activities, this post is not defined as safety critical and therefore the post holder must pass on any messages of a safety critical nature to a suitably competent person.
Essential Criteria
xc2xb7 A good general standard of education, with the ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing
xc2xb7 Geographical knowledge of the route
xc2xb7 Knowledge of Windows based applications and Computer Systems
xc2xb7 Knowledge of railway and infrastructure operation
xc2xb7 Strong commercial awareness
xc2xb7 Flexible and enthusiastic attitude
xc2xb7 Ability to communicate effectively
xc2xb7 Good knowledge of train services operating within route
xc2xb7 Meet the required benchmark for application screening questions (all applicants)
Desirable Criteria
xc2xb7 Knowledge of Performance Management Computer Systems
xc2xb7 The ability to analyse and interpret data
xc2xb7 Railway industry or higher education qualifications
xc2xb7 Appreciation of Railway Rules and Regulations
xc2xb7 Awareness of Template Schedule 8 and RT1 customer/supplier contracts
xc2xb7 Awareness of Network Rail personnel policies and procedures
How to apply (External)
As part of your initial application, all applicants are required to answer a series of Yes/No questions, relevant to the role they are applying for.
In addition, applicants are required to complete 3 more detailed questions relating to your interest and knowledge of the role, relevant skills, experience, and behaviours that we are looking for. You should limit these responses to a maximum of 200 words so make every word count!
Remember to read all the questions carefully and take your time when thinking about your responses.
It should take you approximately 30 minutes to an hour to complete your application.
Please click apply to submit your CV and complete the pre-screening questions.
We're dedicated to creating an and we welcome applications from everyone!
Network Rail is a and we'll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles.
You can visit for advice on accessibility support if you're unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please contact .
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do, safe behaviour is therefore a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should demonstrate their to safety in their application.
Network Rail Benefits -
All applicants must complete and pass the pre-screening questions in order to be considered for this vacancy.
Grade: SUP.5
Salary: xc2xa343,768 (xc2xa339,613 whilst in training)
Closing date: Midnight on Tuesday 6th May 2025 - late applications will not be accepted.
We retain the right to close the advert before the listed closing date (based on application volumes) so if you are interested in this vacancy, we encourage you to make your application as early as possible.