COSS: Essential for Rail Safety – New Network Rail Requirements

Network Rail has recently announced a significant change to its competency framework, with a key focus on enhancing safety standards across the rail industry.

From 31st March 2025, a valid COSS (Controller of Site Safety) qualification at Level 3 or above will become mandatory for all individuals wishing to attend the following Machine Controller Courses:

  • MC MEWP
  • MEWP Attachment
  • Highway Permissible Vehicle
  • Materials Handler
  • Demountable Machine

This change underlines the critical importance of COSS in ensuring safe working practices on or near the railway. By requiring COSS competence, Network Rail aims to minimise risks, protect workers, and maintain the highest safety standards within the rail sector.

What does this mean for existing holders of these qualifications?

Individuals who currently hold any of the listed Machine Controller qualifications must obtain a COSS Level 3 qualification by 28th September 2026 to maintain the validity of their certifications.

Why is COSS Essential?

COSS plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of all personnel working on or near the railway. By completing COSS training, individuals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to:

  • Plan and manage work safely on or near the railway.
  • Identify and assess potential hazards.
  • Implement appropriate safety measures.
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant safety regulations.
  • Effectively communicate safety instructions to their team.

 

Investing in COSS Training:

Investing in COSS* training is not only a regulatory requirement but also a crucial step towards a safer and more productive work environment. By ensuring your workforce is COSS-competent, you demonstrate a commitment to safety and contribute to a positive safety culture within your organisation.

Intertrain as part of City & Guilds Training can help you navigate these changes and ensure your workforce remains compliant. We offer a range of COSS training options to meet your specific needs, including

*The COSS competency will only be awarded as Level 3 on successful completion of the probationary assessment and delegates will remain uncompliant until Level 3 is awarded.

 

We can also fund your COSS training through Skills Bootcamps- 70-90% Funded!

What are Skills Bootcamps?

Skills Bootcamps offer free, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks. They are available for adults aged 19 or over who are either in work or recently unemployed and live in England. They give people the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills and fast-track to an interview with a local employer.

As part of the Lifetime Skills Guarantee, the Government has invested into a series of ‘Skills for Life’ Bootcamps, to provide a range of flexible training options targeting specific industries and aimed at equipping individuals with necessary skills for working in sectors with high job demand, providing learners with job-ready skills

Eligibility to enrol on a Skills Bootcamp depends on factors including age, employment status, and residency status.

 

To find out more about how we can fund training to keep your team on track complete the form below…