Marc Nicholson

As a Shift Signaller Manager (SSM) I am a frontline operational leader responsible for the safe, efficient, and effective management of a signalling centre during the shift. The role involves leading a team of signallers, ensuring that train services are managed safely, in accordance with the Rule Book, signalling regulations, and operational standards. The SSM takes ownership of the shift, making real-time decisions to maintain train service performance, manage disruptions, and ensure passenger and workforce safety.

Key responsibilities include supervising the delivery of safe signalling operations, providing leadership, guidance, and support to signallers, and acting as the primary escalation point for operational issues. The SSM plays a critical role in service recovery during incidents, ensuring timely communication with Network Rail Control, Train Operating Companies, and other external stakeholders. They also oversee the accurate logging and reporting of incidents, investigate operational irregularities, and complete post-incident reports where required.

The SSM supports the ongoing competence and development of signallers by delivering safety briefings, coaching, and conducting regular assessments using achievement records. They help identify skill gaps, support training plans, and ensure individuals meet the required safety-critical competency standards. The role also involves managing staff welfare during shifts, arranging short-notice cover for sickness or operational demand, and monitoring fatigue risks to maintain safe staffing levels.

In addition, the SSM ensures that all pre-planned engineering works, possessions, and line blockages are delivered safely, with correct procedures followed before, during, and after the work. They are responsible for centre security and may also act as Fire Warden. The role requires flexibility to cover different workstations when needed and the ability to step in and operate signalling panels when competent to do so.

This safety-critical role demands strong operational awareness, leadership, decision-making skills, and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced, high-risk environment.

This role is the personal interface for the Elizabeth Line business interests within Network Rails Western route control.

Working with the NR route control team I provide guidance and information between the two route control areas and and also work with the Thames Valley Signalling Centre for better service delivery. (example working with TVSC for a new method of working on airwave radios for better communications)

Attend daily meetings at 0800/1430 with Operations Delivery Managers about service improvements, infrastructure issue resolutions, and general train service delivery investigations/feedback.

Also attend daily 0900 and service disruptions meeting with Network Rail Western Route, working within a larger team for service recovery and resolution.

I drive continuous improvement, analysing customer feedback (and internal feedback) to identify trends and gaps in service offering and continuous improvement.

Signaller

London Victoria ASC , Thames Valley Signalling Centre (Didcot), Barnham Signal Box. South Wales Signalling Centre.

Operator of the signalling system providing punctual and safe passage of trains and ensuring excellent service delivery.

Work with track maintenance teams to facilitate works needed for safer railway operations.

Shift Signaller Manager

Thames Valley Signalling Centre (Didcot) and South Wales Signalling Centre.

Supervisor for over 20 signallers on shift and 14 areas of signalling.

Collaborative working with electrical control operators, route control teams, line management TVSC and various maintenance teams.

Out of hours rostering for signallers and outer crossing keepers. (TVSC) And out of hours rostering for Mid/North Wales when SSM at SWCC.

Local Operations Manager

TVSC

Appointed (2017) Link 1 (Slough to Paddington)

Line managed 27 signallers and 6 SSMs.

Deputy Operations Manager.

Seconded (2020) Link 3 (Oxford to Swindon)

Line managed 32 Signallers and Level Crossing Keepers.

Seconded (2022) Training and Level Crossings (B&H)

Managed staff training team (2) and 10 Crossing keepers on the Berks & Hants line.

Also had 10 trainee signallers initially reporting to me direct before being released to live operations.

Station Operative: cleaning, customer service and sales, emergency operations (scotching and clipping points, PILOT working and level crossing attendant)

Signaller: Central Traffic Control (Mainline and Suburban), Waterford SB, Rosslare Line SB and various emergency control panels within the greater Dublin area.

Train Driver DART: EMU trained for inner Dublin rail operations

Area relief Operations South East:

Signaller, Halt Keeper, Station Operative, Shunter, Train Guard and emergency operator.

Station Controller Bray

South Dublin area operations supervisor for DART and Intercity services

Supervisor for 4 staffed and two unstaffed stations plus 15 members of staff on duty per shift.

Responsible for service recovery and rolling stock allocations at Bray Depot.