The Person In Charge Of Possession (PICOP) is one of the most senior and accountable roles in railway operations, holding ultimate responsibility for the safe and efficient management of a rail possession. A possession is a formally agreed-upon block of time and track where all train movements are suspended, allowing engineering works to take place. The PICOP is the single point of contact for Network Rail and the ultimate authority on site within the boundaries of that possession.

What is a PICOP?

A PICOP is a highly experienced, competent, and formally appointed individual who takes overall control and responsibility for a railway possession. They are the designated railway safety lead for that specific area and time, responsible for ensuring that the possession is taken correctly, safely managed throughout the work period, and handed back to Network Rail on time and in a safe condition. They oversee all activities, protection arrangements, and personnel within the possession.

Key Duties and Responsibilities of a PICOP:

The PICOP's role demands exceptional leadership, meticulous planning, impeccable communication, and the ability to make critical decisions under immense pressure. Their duties typically include:

• Accepting the Possession: Formally taking control of the designated section of line from the Network Rail Signaller, ensuring all lines are clear of trains and protected according to the plan.

• Overall Safety Management: Being ultimately accountable for the safety of everyone working within the possession. This includes ensuring all Safe Systems of Work are implemented and adhered to.

• Coordination & Communication Hub: Acting as the central point of contact for all activities and personnel within the possession, coordinating multiple work groups, plant movements, and specialist teams.

• Authorising Work: Granting permission for work groups (led by COSSs or Engineering Supervisors) to enter and commence work within the possession limits, once all safety measures are in place.

• Liaison with Network Rail: Maintaining continuous communication with the Network Rail Signaller and Control, providing updates on work progress, and managing any operational changes.

• Incident Management: Leading the response to any incidents, emergencies, or unforeseen challenges within the possession, ensuring safety is maintained and issues are resolved efficiently.

• Managing Rail Traffic (within possession): Overseeing the movement of all engineering trains, Road-Rail Vehicles (RRVs), and other on-track plant within the possession limits (often supported by Protection Controllers or Hand Signallers).

• Monitoring Progress & Adherence: Ensuring work progresses according to plan and within the allocated time, and that all personnel comply with safety and operational rules.

• Handing Back the Possession: Formally relinquishing control of the line back to Network Rail once all work is complete, the line is clear, and infrastructure is safe for train movements.

Where a PICOP can work within TES:

The PICOP competency is the pinnacle of site operational management within TES, essential for delivering large and complex rail infrastructure projects. PICOPs are integral to:

• Possession Management: This is the core department where PICOPs operate, planning, executing, and overseeing major possessions for all types of railway works.

• Major Project Delivery: Leading the on-site operational aspects of significant P-Way, Electrification, Signalling, or civils projects that require extensive track access.

• Operations Management: Senior PICOPs may transition into strategic operational planning and management roles, overseeing multiple possessions and work programmes.

• Estimating & Planning: Providing critical input on the feasibility, logistics, and safety requirements for large-scale tenders and project plans.