Simon French

Biography

Simon joined the RAIB in 2004 and was Deputy Chief Inspector from 2009 to 2015. His previous railway career included:

  • six years as the Head of Operations and Safety with the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (later to become HS1);
  • ten years working on design and operational safety for wide range of railway projects in the UK and overseas including the Channel Tunnel, Heathrow Express and the Great Belt Tunnel (Denmark); and
  • six years in various operational roles with British Rail.

Simon is a graduate of the London School of Economics, holds a NEBOSH diploma in Occupational Safety and Health and is a chartered member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health.

Previous roles in government

  • Chief Inspector of Rail Accidents