The Light Rail Safety and Standards Board has appointed a dedicated Head of Learning and Competence as it continues to build capacity across the light rail sector.
Marlene Pearson-McGrath joins from Edinburgh Trams, where she served as Training Manager. She brings more than 20 years’ experience in learning and development, alongside Chartered status with both the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and the Chartered Management Institute.
Over the past year, Marlene has already worked with LRSSB on a part-time secondment, helping to develop a sector-wide Skills Hub. The online platform is designed to standardise competencies across the light rail industry, enabling operators to track certifications, identify training needs and access appropriate development opportunities.
In her new full-time role, she will lead the next phase of the Skills Hub’s evolution, ensuring it supports consistent standards and improved visibility of workforce capability across the sector. She will also focus on strengthening internal learning within LRSSB and working with stakeholders to enhance training and professional development more widely.
Following her appointment, Marlene said: “I’m really looking forward to working with colleagues on raising skills at all levels within light rail, as this will be vital to continuous improvements to tramway safety.”
LRSSB Chief Executive Carl Williams said the appointment comes at a significant moment for the organisation as it expands its remit under a new governance structure.
“We’re delighted to welcome Marlene to the team as we look to expand the scope of operations following the adoption of a new governance structure,” he said.
“Her work with us on the Skills Hub has already proved immensely beneficial, and her full-time appointment will help take this to a new level,” he added.
The move underlines LRSSB’s focus on embedding consistent competence standards and strengthening safety performance across the light rail network through structured, sector-wide learning and development.
Prior to joining the LRSSB, Marlene took part in a recent podcast on the Skills Hub, which can be viewed here.
