We’re committed to providing our customers with infrastructure which demonstrates safety, reliability, quality and innovation. We strive to continually improve our products and processes from design to delivery and cost effective operation.
We recognise that these objectives can only be achieved through active relationships with our suppliers.
Our quality assurance policy
Our quality assurance (QA) policy statement, Supplier Quality Assurance Requirements, describes our procedures and practices with which product suppliers must comply as a minimum. This helps to achieve consistent quality and reliability and minimises whole life cost. It enhances previous arrangements by refining the QA classification of material and providing a framework for improved communication.
Questions and answers
What products/contracts are affected?
All of our contracts now include reference to QA classification of products. The specification and/or product acceptance certificates will specify quality assurance classifications (QA1 to QA5) for new products.
What are the criteria for assigning a QA classification to a product?
All items we purchase will fall into one of five QA classifications. These reflect the relative importance of the item to the railway business (safety, performance and cost) and the nature of the supply chain. The QA classification assigned dictates the associated level of quality surveillance and material certification required.
Do these requirements apply to the procurement of existing approved products?
No. It is not the intention to retrospectively apply the new QA classifications to existing approved products; however we may assign a QA classification to an existing product where its criticality and/or observed quality issues indicate a need for quality activities to provide increased assurance in future supplies.
Further questions
If you have any questions please contact David Baskett, NDS quality manager by email on david.baskett@networkrail.co.uk