Office of Rail and Road (ORR)
HM Inspector of Railways - Trainee

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We're looking for 4 Trainee HM Inspectors of Railways to join our Railway Safety directorate.
This role is based at our London office. At ORR, we have adopted hybrid working and are currently expected to work from a workplace location for a minimum of two days per week or 40%.
About the Office of Rail and Road (ORR)
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) is the independent economic and safety regulator for Britain’s railways and monitor of performance on England’s strategic road network. This is an exciting time to join ORR, we are delivering a significant transformation programme to create a consistently agile and enabling organisation, with the right capability and a strong, inclusive culture that reflects our talented people. This will ensure we continue to operate as an independent, expert regulator, fit for the future and equipped with the capabilities and ways of working required to support sector-wide rail reform, while contributing to the government’s broader agenda on regulatory reform and economic growth. Further detail on our future role is set out here.
At the ORR, we protect the interests of rail and road users by driving improvements in the safety, performance, and value of Britain’s railways and roads, both now and in the future.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
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Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
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About the Railway Safety Directorate
Within our Railway Safety Directorate we play a critical role in ensuring the rail industry operates safely and effectively. Our teams work collaboratively with organisations across the sector to promote high standards of health and safety management, helping duty holders to identify, assess and control risks in a proportionate and effective way.
About the Role
We are looking for enthusiastic, inquisitive, and highly motivated team-playing individuals, who want to work within our operational team to make a difference to health and safety on Britain's railways. As one of His Majesty's Inspectors of Railways you will regulate health and safety for railway workers, passengers and others who interface with railway operations on mainline, non-mainline, tram and heritage railways, undertaking inspections, investigations, enforcement, and other front-line engagement.
Responsibilities
As a trainee inspector you will work full-time and combine formal training and development with ongoing practical operational work. You will be supported by line managers to develop your skills in technical and regulatory competencies.


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Training
The successful candidates will follow a 3-year structured training programme, leading to a NEBOSH Diploma in Regulatory Railway Occupational Health and Safety - Level 7. The intensive training and development programme will require you to attend courses and assessments at locations across Great Britain, with significant travel and time spent away from home. You will be required to sign a formal training contract setting out these requirements including expected study time outside normal working hours.
Career Progression
After successful completion of the training programme, you will be assessed by a panel where you will demonstrate your competence and behaviours, and if successful, will be promoted to HM Inspector of Railways. As part of the Civil Service Reform, any existing civil servants who are promoted to HM Inspector of Railways will be moved to modernised terms and conditions
Additional Information
Please refer to the attached Job Description and Job Information Pack for further details.
Find out what our colleagues have to say about their ORR careers at Our people | Office of Rail and Road (orr.gov.uk).
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
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