The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has appointed long-serving employee Andrew Hall as its next chief inspector of rail accidents.
He will replace Simon E French OBE, who will retire on 31 March after nearly 18 years at the RAIB.
Mr Hall (pictured) has worked at RAIB since 2004 and been the deputy chief inspector at the RAIB since 2015. He is a chartered electrical engineer with many years’ experience in the rail sector in Britain and overseas.
Mr Hall said: ‘It is a great privilege to be selected to lead the Branch. Simon will be a hard act to follow, but whoever the chief inspector is, RAIB’s core role, to investigate accidents in order to improve safety and inform, remains.’
Mr French joined the RAIB in 2004 and was deputy chief inspector from 2009 to 2015.
The RAIB is the independent body for investigating accidents and incidents on mainline railways, metros, tramways and heritage railways throughout the UK, to improve railway safety, and inform the industry and the public.
It became operational in October 2005, meaning that both Mr French and Mr Hall have worked at the RAIB from the outset.
The chief inspector reports the outcomes of investigations to the secretary of state for transport.
Mr Hall will take over as chief inspector on 1 April and will continue in as deputy chief inspector in the meantime.
Register now for full access
Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.
Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors.
Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.
Already a registered? Login
