15 Jul 2026
A new accreditation framework for tram driver competency and professional development is set to strengthen tramway safety standards across the UK.
Led by the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board, the initiative aims to establish a clear and consistent baseline for driving standards and training across the light rail sector.
Aligned with National Occupational Standards (NOS), LRSSB guidance, and Office of Rail and Road (ORR) requirements, the new accredited Tram Driver Competence and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Framework brings together existing industry standards, regulations, and operational guidance.
Marlene Pearson-McGrath explained: “Built around a model of ‘accreditation by adoption ’, the framework is intended to enable operators to adopt a consistent competence standard. At the same time, they can continue to manage training delivery, assessment and competence decisions through their own management systems.
“The LRSSB's role will be to define and assure the framework design, which is structured around ten core learning modules covering key safety and operational topics. These include safe driving principles, speed management, fatigue, human factors, signalling and communications, vulnerable road users, incident response, and worker safety.”
While the organisation responsible for UK light rail safety is developing the framework, responsibility for assessing and authorising drivers will remain with operators, and the LRSSB is now working with Edinburgh Trams on a pilot scheme.
The collaboration will help ensure the framework reflects operational reality and can be effectively integrated into existing tramway competence arrangements.
Sarah Singh, Director of Trams at Edinburgh Trams, said the operator was pleased to support the LRSSB initiative as it aligns closely with existing competence management arrangements.
“By participating in the pilot, we will help evaluate how a consistent, standards-based framework can operate in practice and how learning, assessment, and competence evidence can be brought together in a clear and traceable way,” she said.
“We look forward to sharing our experience and contributing to an initiative that could benefit the wider light rail industry."
Carl Williams, LRSSB Chief Executive, commented: "This pilot represents an important milestone in LRSSB's work to support greater consistency and assurance across light rail.
“The framework has been designed to build on what operators already do well, while providing a common baseline for learning, assessment and continuing professional development.
“We are delighted to be working with Edinburgh Trams to test the framework in a live operational environment and demonstrate its potential value for the wider sector."