Bureau Veritas’ independent assurance statement.
Scope and methodology
The scope of the assurance was to determine:
- how Network Rail identifies and manages its material CR related
risks and emerging issues
- the accuracy of the CR information, statements and performance
metrics and data trends reported for the period April 2009 to March
2010.
Exclusions include operating performance and safety data (audited by
the ORR), position statements, and financial data.
In order to form our conclusions we undertook interviews with over 21
staff, reviewd CR governance and existing practices for identifying and
managing issues relevant to stakeholders, and verified and factual
information through document review, data sampling and interrogation of
databases and associated systems.
The pages assured are indicated by ‘This page has been externally
assured by Bureau Veritas’
Opinion
It is our opinion that Network Rail’s 2010 CR Report:
- provides a fair and accurate summary of performance and
activities
- demonstrates an understanding of material issues important to
stakeholders and has a variety of processes to manage CR impacts
(although these are not identified or communicated in a complete and
systematic way).
Good practice
- implementation of CR initiatives, such as traction energy,
carbon management, sustainable procurement and green design of major
projects
- moving from a hard copy to a web based CR report has led to a
refocus and summary of key messages which should increase accessibility
- the Chief Executive’s statement Q&A addresses some of the
key challenges for Network Rail head on such as trade unions.
Priority recommendations
- Vision and policy development - Network Rail
should ensure that the process for development of its long term
‘Sustainability policy implementation plan’ is inclusive (i.e. includes
external stakeholders) and is mapped to material issues, risks and
business priorities. This should be incorporated into its Initial
Strategic Business Plan to be produced in 2011
- Policy implementation - Network Rail should map
out its plans for implementation of its Sustainability Policy. This
should define responsibilities; objectives and targets; and monitoring
and measuring processes. This recommendation was also made last year
- Communication – Network Rail should gain
feedback on its online CR Report to determine whether the information is
being clearly and consistently communicated in enough detail and is
balanced. More information should be provided on progress against
economic sustainability objectives. These are in areas such as
encouraging investment and influencing government policy to improve
affordability to facilitate modal shift - which are key to achieving its
objective to improve its economic value to society.
Limitations and Bureau Veritas independence, impartiality and
competence
The assurance work was carried out to provide reasonable, rather than
absolute, assurance.
Bureau Veritas is an independent professional services company that
specialises in quality, environmental, health, safety and social
accountability. Our assurance team has extensive experience in assurance
over environmental, social, ethical and health and safety information,
systems and processes.
London, June 2010
