Building stronger community connections

Under our Greener Railway Strategy, we’re committed to strengthening relationships with the communities we serve. Our goals are to:

• Improve understanding of the risks and opportunities linked to our work
• Embed community considerations into decision-making
• Actively create and report on the social value we generate
• Build trust and enhance our reputation

Social value at Network Rail means making a positive impact on society. This includes job creation, training, school and college support, health and safety initiatives, volunteering, tree planting, and more.

We also recognise the need to better manage any negative impacts our work may have on people – such as noise, air quality, disruption, and vibration. We understand that our activities and those of our supply chain can affect daily life.

Community relations – ENV015 requirements

When working near the public, we must follow Network Rail’s Sustainability Minimum Requirements for Projects – Design and Construction NR/L2/ENV/015, which includes:

• Sending notification letters
• Briefing staff on appropriate behavior
• Supporting Network Rail’s community relations team

If work is within 200 metres of homes, schools, hospitals, or businesses and may cause disruption or affect our reputation or services, the local community relations representative must be informed. For noisier work, this distance increases to 500 metres.

Quantifying our positive impact – Rail Social Value Tool Reporting

The Rail Social Value Tool (RSVT) helps Network Rail and our suppliers to showcase the value we deliver to the communities we serve and provide evidence of contributions to the Greener Railway Strategy. It also enables our supply chain partners to report the social value benefits they deliver through Network Rail frameworks and contracts, such as employment, training, community engagement, and environmental initiatives.