Operating within the Rail Industry, Rail Control Systems Group (RCSG) is an industry-leading provider of Signalling Solutions. Founded in 2007 by two signalling engineers, Richard Ogilvie and Paul Hann, who saw a gap in the market and committed themselves to providing cutting- edge technology to the rail industry.

Over the years, the Company has diversified and served its industry by providing specialised services in engineering, construction, and maintenance, contributing to the efficiency and safety of rail operations. Two of the many projects that RCSG has worked on are the Cross River Rail in Queensland and the Level Crossing Removal Project in Victoria.

The Company is run by the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) which is led by the CEO. Together, they ensure that the Company’s objectives are achieved.

One of those objectives is the safety of their employees and clients. RCSG prides itself on its strict adherence to rail industry regulations, evident through the maintenance of multiple ISO accreditations and by aligning itself with ONRSR guidelines, an independent body corporate that regulates rail safety in Australia. RCSG also utilises competency and safety management systems such as Rail Industry Worker (RIW).

RCSG’s ELT drives business objectives and strategic goals throughout the business while empowering teams to excel. The Board of Directors (BOD) provides the vision, strategy and advisory support that guides RCSG. Collectively, they provide a wealth of years of experience in both the industry and profession and immerse themselves in the core values of the Company.

The success of RCSG is largely based on its people. The Company places a strong emphasis on recruiting those with “cultural alignment”. Recruiting the right candidate, one who is talented and of good character, to fit with the Company’s existing culture is very important to RCSG, but upskilling and developing existing employees creates a work environment of stability, knowledge, trust, collaboration, and supportiveness, enabling them to excel in their field.

RCSG understands that strategic goals can’t be achieved without its people, so the annual Employee Engagement Survey is reviewed by the BOD and the ELT, and they create annual action plans. An example of employee feedback taken into action was the creation of CECIL (Collaboration Exchange for Communication, Information, and Learning). This new interactive cloud-based intranet platform created a new and ongoing route for all employees to provide feedback and/or suggestions to the Company.

RCSG recognises the importance of developing its employees and encourages them to enhance their knowledge and skills differently. The Company endorses a 70/20/10 approach to employee development and career progression, meaning – 70% through Informal Learning, 20% through Coaching, Mentoring and Learning from others, and 10% through formal Learning Interventions and Training Courses. RCSG allocate a budget per employee per annum for external training courses and also offers the opportunity to participate in a formalised 12-month mentoring program with a manager of their choice.

RCSG has several volunteer-based committees, including Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Women in Leadership (WIL), and a Social Club (SC) Committee, which are driven by the RCSG employees. The initiatives provide a platform for colleagues from different teams and disciplines to work together. RCSG is certain that these interactions strengthen employees’ relationships and loyalty to the Company, which reinforces the Company’s positive culture.

RCSG has a performance review process that is different to others. Two of the main differences are that the first section of the performance review is anchored on the employee’s wellbeing, and RCSG prioritises culture, the employee’s state of mind, and physical health, which are paramount to achieving this. The second is that the RCSG performance review system is completed every four months. This enables managers and employees to take prompt action on anything, positive or negative, that arises from those discussions.

Safety is at the core of RCSG, and the Company is committed to providing a safe, healthy and hazard-free work environment. As an ISO-accredited company, safety is at the forefront of what they do, and they take a proactive approach to safety, resulting in RCSG having zero current work-cover claims. RCSG realises that, although crucial, physical safety is not enough to provide an adequate work environment they also encourage employee wellbeing and overall work satisfaction. Additionally, RCSG offers a balanced work environment that meets the Company’s varied workforce requirements. Currently, the Company has an average of 3 days per week working from home for office-based employees. It also makes the “office days” more inviting by offering a fully equipped kitchen with items such as coffee pods and fresh fruit delivered weekly. RCSG also offers end-of-trip facilities, weekly mental health check-in posts on CECIL, social gatherings to encourage teamwork and inclusiveness across the Company and an employee assistant program for confidential support.

The Company thrives by having a sense of unity and encourages this by keeping communication open, recognising people’s efforts, helping employees grow personally and professionally, and welcoming and engaging with everyone.

By focusing on all these things, the Company aims to create a workplace where employees and stakeholders feel supported, motivated, and satisfied.

For information about Rail Control Systems Australia, visit railcontrol.com.au