V/T SIC
Vehicle/Track
System Interface Committee/Adhesion Research Group
V/T SIC Adhesion Research Group
Remit
16 June 2014
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Introduction
1.1 This document defines the working arrangements for the Vehicle/Track SIC Adhesion
Research Group
1.2 The Group is a sub-group of and reports to Vehicle/Track System Interface
Committee.
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Purpose / Scope of the Sub Group
2.1 The Group exists to promote a wider understanding of the fundamental science and
engineering behind wheel/rail adhesion and related topics such as wheel/rail
electrical continuity
2.2 The Group exists to ensure a common and system wide approach to the above
topics by rolling stock designers, rolling stock operators, rolling stock owners,
infrastructure owners, infrastructure maintainers, specialist suppliers and industry
experts
2.3 The Group will act as a conduit for all rail industry funded research proposals in the
areas of adhesion and wheel/rail electrical continuity, recognising that such ideas can
be generated from anywhere within the wider railway community
2.4 The Group will discuss and rank such research proposals and forward any of these
proposals that have the support of the members to V/T SIC for endorsement
2.5 The Group will track the progress and delivery of endorsed live research projects and
propose scope, remit, timescale or budget adjustments, as necessary
2.6 The Group will produce an annual report, which will be sent to V/T SIC for
endorsement and to Adhesion Working Group (AWG) for information
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Objectives of Subgroup
3.1
Work plan
3.2 The Group will perform the following functions at every meeting.

Confirm meeting quoracy and meeting agenda

Review the minutes of the last meeting

Review outstanding actions

Address agenda items

Confirm meeting decisions and any new actions

Confirm date, time and location of next meeting
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3.3 Where appropriate the Group may issue requests for standards or guidance notes to
RSSB, or member organisations relating to the functions described above.
3.1
Conditions under which the sub group will cease activity
3.4 The forum will cease activity:
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
If requested by the V/T SIC

Where the Group members deem that there is sufficient interface issues that
meet the scope.
Membership of Sub Group
4.1 The Group will be open to representatives of all organisations that are either RSSB
Members or have Observer status at RSSB committees and groups.
4.1
Disclosure of Interests
4.2 The Group will ensure the policy relating to disclosure of interests, as set out in SIC
Protocol Issue 4, section 6.4 is conformed to and confirms that this policy applies to
the sub group
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Specialist Skills and Knowledge
5.1 The Chairman of the Group may invite other relevant experts or organisations to
participate on a regular basis, or to attend specific meetings on particular topics.
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Delegation of Authority
6.1 Decision Making
6.2 The Group will make decisions based on mutual agreement between members.
Where external resources are required, the sub-group will seek approval as
appropriate. For example funding applications will be sourced through the V/T SIC
and will be based on a positive business case.
6.3 Reporting / Recommendations
6.4 The Group will report into the V/T SIC on a regular basis.
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SIC Funding and Budget Management
7.1 The SIC Support agreement in relation to facilitation sets out the details of the
research budget set, and the process to manage and approve the budget
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Process to elect and appoint new members / chairpersons
8.1 There is a procedure provided within SIC protocol Issue 4
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Organisation / Operation of Meetings
9.1 The secretary is responsible for the production of the minutes. These are distributed
and approved by the group. The chairman sets the agenda.
9.2 Meetings shall occur every eight weeks unless there is no business to discuss.
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Meeting Quorum
10.1 To be quorate, there shall be at least 4 members present, with at least 1 x train
operator representative and at least 1 x infrastructure manager representative both
present
10.2 If the Group is not quorate then decisions will be deferred until the next meeting.
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Administration
11.1 Reporting Structure
The reporting structure arrangements are in accordance with SIC protocol Issue 4
11.2 Minutes
Minutes will be produced within two weeks of the meeting and distributed by Email.
11.3 Meeting Documentation
Papers will be issued with the Agenda at least one week before the meeting.
11.4 Remit Review
The Group will review the remit at least annually and propose it and any subsequent
amendments for adoption by the V/T SIC.
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