Order of entry onto train operator waiting lists (promotional)
Request ID: FOI-3347-2324 Date published: 12 January 2024
You asked
I am looking for information as to in what order promotional candidates successful in a recruitment campaign are entered into the waiting list for train operator training.
I have been made aware of a suggestion that seniority is involved, which on the face of it feels that it could be a discriminatory practice on the basis of age. I am sure that TfL would not aim to discriminate against anyone so I am hopeful that this suggestion is incorrect.
My understanding had previously been that candidates were added to the list in the order to which they scored in the assessment centres. If this is not the case, could you explain to me how their order is indeed decided?
Are candidates added to the list once they 'pass' their final assessment, with the location on the list subject to change as subsequent candidates pass, or do you wait until all members of a particular campaign have passed or failed before adding these members of staff to the list?
I am also aware that some members of staff can only work on specific lines for medical reasons, such as colour blindness. Are these staff members treated any differently to others in their order on the list? For example, is there a separate list for those only going to these lines, or do these staff members have any preference for vacancies on lines which would accept them?
Thank you.
We answered
Our ref: FOI-3347-2324
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 20 December 2023 asking for information about the order of entry onto train operator waiting lists.
Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and our information access policy.
I can confirm that we do hold the information you require.
You asked: I am looking for information as to in what order promotional candidates successful in a recruitment campaign are entered into the waiting list for train operator training.
I have been made aware of a suggestion that seniority is involved, which on the face of it feels that it could be a discriminatory practice on the basis of age. I am sure that TfL would not aim to discriminate against anyone so I am hopeful that this suggestion is incorrect.
My understanding had previously been that candidates were added to the list in the order to which they scored in the assessment centres. If this is not the case, could you explain to me how their order is indeed decided?
Are candidates added to the list once they 'pass' their final assessment, with the location on the list subject to change as subsequent candidates pass, or do you wait until all members of a particular campaign have passed or failed before adding these members of staff to the list?
The waiting list for train operator training is always based on the seniority of the names available at the time that the course is offered. Therefore, factors such as age, date of assessment and assessment scores do not impact the waiting list arrangement.
I am also aware that some members of staff can only work on specific lines for medical reasons, such as colour blindness. Are these staff members treated any differently to others in their order on the list? For example, is there a separate list for those only going to these lines, or do these staff members have any preference for vacancies on lines which would accept them?
All train drivers are to go where the business needs them only. This includes members of staff experiencing medical issues. However, there have been provisions made to support individuals with medical issues, such as colour blindness. Currently, colour blindness is the only medical reason for why a staff member may work for a specific train line.
Drivers with colour blindness are only allowed to work on the Jubilee line, where there are three depots. It has been agreed with our Trade Unions that drivers with colour blindness are only able to train at Wembley Park as to not disadvantage drivers who are still waiting after five years for these locations, as Wembley has a high turnover with very few people wanting to move to this location. You may also like to know that we are looking to expand training to the Northern line as this would open another four depots for our trainees who have colour blindness.
If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely,
Tahsin Prima FOI Case Officer General Counsel Transport for London
