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      Imagine being responsible for over 22,000 miles of track, managing 20 of Britain’s largest stations, and leading a workforce of more than 120,000 people, including direct staff and supply chain partners. Now imagine trying to manage safety incidents across that network using phone calls, spreadsheets, and paper forms.

      That was the challenge faced by Network Rail, the organisation that owns, maintains, and develops Britain’s railway infrastructure. With safety at the heart of its mission — and over 100,000 safety close calls reported annually — Network Rail needed a smarter, faster, and more consistent way to log, track and analyse these incidents in real time.

      Ben Rymer

      Microsoft Public Sector Lead

      KPMG in the UK



      All aboard to digital safety

      To modernise their safety systems and strengthen their risk management, Network Rail partnered with KPMG in the UK and Microsoft. Together, we developed a custom-built, real-time incident reporting platform using Microsoft Power Apps and Microsoft Dataverse.

      The new Close Call app replaces fragmented, manual processes with a scalable, digital-first solution that puts data and safety insights directly into the hands of employees. Safety events can now be recorded instantly — on mobile, desktop or tablet — giving teams the visibility they need to act before issues escalate.


      The risk we had was we were sitting on intelligence that could keep people safe — but we couldn’t get into it.

      Rupert Lown

      W&W Regional HSE Director, Network Rail


      Jump on board to hear how Network Rail shares how KPMG x Microsoft helped them get safety reporting back on track.


      Why now?

      Without a centralised platform, close call and incident data was siloed, inconsistent, and hard to access. Processes varied across teams. Spreadsheets and paper forms created duplication, delays, and risk — while recurring safety issues went undetected.

      With tens of thousands of rail employees, contractors and passengers relying on a safe network every day, Network Rail needed to take action.


      A close call is a precursor to an incident. It’s something that could cause harm if we don’t act on it.

      Zoe Sookun

      Programme Manager, Network Rail

      How did KPMG and Microsoft help Network Rail get on the right tracks?

      KPMG brought public sector experience, agile delivery, and close collaboration — helping Network Rail clarify their goals and design a solution grounded in user needs.


      We knew the outcome we wanted. We just didn’t know how it should look — or how to get there.

      Rupert Lown

      W&W Regional HSE Director, Network Rail


      By starting with close call reporting and proving the technology first, KPMG helped deliver a minimum viable product that could scale. Network Rail had visibility of the platform throughout its development, ensuring it worked for both leadership and frontline users.

      Microsoft, meanwhile, brought trusted technology and long-term partnership. Built on Microsoft Power Platform, the new app gives up to 50,000 users the ability to report incidents securely and instantly from anywhere.


      80%
      decrease in time to raise and start work on addressing close calls.
      90%
      of close calls raised, now resolved in 90 days.

      The final destination: A safer, smarter railway

      The new platform is already helping Network Rail improve how safety is reported, understood and acted on — strengthening their culture of safety and modernising their operations at scale.

      • Real-time reporting

        Incidents are logged instantly, wherever they happen.

      • Greater visibility

        Teams can spot risk trends earlier and take action faster.

      • Smarter operations

        Reduced duplication and inconsistency across teams.

      • Scalable platform

        Built to evolve with Network Rail’s needs.

      • Empowered workforce

        Digital tools that work in the field and at the station.

      Ultimately, we all use the rail network. To make it safer, even in a small way, is incredibly satisfying.

      Ben Rymer

      Sector Lead

      Microsoft Business Solutions KPMG UK


      With KPMG and Microsoft, Network Rail has laid the digital track for a safer future — keeping Britain’s railway infrastructure running efficiently, reliably, and above all, safely.

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