The GRIP Process

Network Rail’s management and control process for enhancements

It is recognised that in comparison with other industries there are significant additional complexities with working on or alongside an operating rail network. Work may need to be carried out at certain restricted times (such as evenings or weekends), and this can mean that even minor interruptions or delays in the work programme can have a significant impact on timescale and costs.

There is also much greater risk that investment projects will lead to operational disruption. Thus in addition to the standard construction risks that affect all sectors of the economy, rail industry enhancement projects are likely to face significant additional risks that can lead to cost overruns in completing the works.

In order to minimise and mitigate the risks associated with delivering such projects on an operational railway, Network Rail has developed an approach to managing investment schemes which is set out in the Guide to Railway Investment Projects (GRIP). The approach is based upon best practice within Network Rail and other industries that undertake major infrastructure projects as well as best practice recommended by major professional bodies including the Office of Government Commerce (OGC), and the Association of Project Management. It covers the investment lifecycle from inception through to the post-implementation realisation of benefits. This investment lifecycle is set out below:

Keystages in the investment lifecycle (GRIP Stages):

  1. Output definition
  2. Pre-feasibility
  3. Option selection
  4. Single option selection
  5. Detailed design
  6. Construction test & commision
  7. Scheme hand back
  8. Project close out

The Investment lifecycle shows how a project is broken down into eight stages. The overall approach is product rather than process driven and each stage is required to deliver an agreed set of products to defined quality criteria.

At each stage of the investment lifecycle GRIP defines all of the “products” which could be produced within that stage. Within each GRIP document the products are summarised in a product matrix which lists all the products which could be produced and at which stage in the investment lifecycle they should be produced.

Formal stage gate reviews are held throughout the investment lifecycle. The stage gate review examines a project at critical stages in its lifecycle to provide assurance that it can successfully progress to the next stage. The review is concerned with the completeness of products and in assessing risk associated with any variance or derogation.

If you would like access to, the current version of GRIP (V7) published January 2007, email Vanessa Davies at vanessa.davies@networkrail.co.uk stating your name and work address.