Secondment Spotlight – Eleanor Crane succeeds in first role at Network Rail

Meet Eleanor Crane, an Assistant Asset Engineer who is seconded to Network Rail in their East Midlands team. Eleanor joined Waterman Aspen after finishing her degree in Geography & Natural Hazards at Coventry University, and has already made a huge positive impact in her short career so far at Network Rail. Here’s what she’s been working on:

“I have been seconded to Network Rail since December 2022 as an Assistant Asset Engineer. There are two key projects I have been involved in during my 9-month secondment where I have undertaken a strategic role. The first project involves the completion of PIPRs (Pre-Inspection Plan Reports) to establish apparent anomalies, both desktop and site-based verifications, and update exercises to finalise a complete asset register. My role within this has revolved around desk studies (using a software called Geo-RINM) to complete PIPRs and carry out verifications. This project is a key foundation to the comprehensive inspection and maintenance of assets going forward.

Across the second project, known as Risk Based Inspection and Risk Based Maintenance (RBI/RBM), I have been heavily involved in the launch and management of data in the East Midlands, focusing on inspecting and maintaining assets deemed to be critical. This will make a step change in how assets are inspected and maintained based on risk. Ultimately, these projects will ensure a holistic overview of all railway drainage assets and prioritise any areas for maintenance to keep the assets fit for purpose. Both projects have involved working closely with the maintenance and delivery teams who undertake the site investigations.

I’ve really enjoyed working on lots of new things and gaining loads of experience at Network Rail. It’s also great to work with lots of different teams and I particularly love the software aspect of my role. I’m hoping to get out on site in the coming months with the maintenance and delivery teams to see the assets for myself.“