Join us for a unique opportunity to hear firsthand insights from the team behind the UK’s first main line deployment of ETCS Level 2 (BL 3, MR1) covering the Heathrow Branch to Acton on the Great Western Main Line.

In this two-part presentation, Darren Dykstra will open with a candid account of the challenges faced in delivering a high profile ETCS deployment within one of the most complex operational environments in the UK. From business change and training gaps to fault diagnostics and system integration pressures, Darren will share the lessons learnt and key takeaways for future main-line rollouts.

In the second half, Simon Errington of Synergy Rail will outline the system assurance and safety management approach devised to support ETCS deployment. Drawing from Synergy Rail’s System Assurance role supporting the Network Rail project team, Simon will explain how the assurance framework was built to meet rigorous regulatory standards, manage complex hazard transfers, and deliver successful approvals — all while coordinating with multiple international stakeholders to deliver safe integration and efficient railway operation!

Whether you’re involved in signalling design, safety assurance, or ETCS strategy and operations, this event will offer invaluable technical insights from the frontline of a landmark UK project.

Darren Dykstra Eur Ing, B.Eng (Hons), C. Eng, FIRSE - A Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the IRSE, Darren Dykstra brings over three decades of railway signalling and systems engineering expertise. With a career spanning British Rail, Siemens, and Network Rail, Darren has played a pivotal role in major infrastructure projects including Crossrail West and ETCS Level 2 deployment from Heathrow to Paddington. Known for his deep technical knowledge and leadership in complex, multidisciplinary engineering environments, Darren currently leads “Command and Control Systems Renewals Delivery Engineering” efforts in the Wales & Western region. He is a published author, former IRSE committee member, and a passionate advocate for innovation and integration in rail systems engineering.

Simon Errington BSc (Eng), CEng, AIRSE, CITP, MBCS - A Chartered Engineer with over 30 years’ experience in railway signalling, specialising in system safety and software-based control systems. He has played a key role in the development, assurance, and approval of ETCS in the UK, including leading system safety engineering for the Cambrian Level 2 deployment — the first operational ERTMS installation in Britain — and more recently, the Western ETCS 0–12MP programme. His work spans both trackside and on-board systems, with deep involvement in safety case production, hazard log management, and interface with Notified Bodies and regulatory authorities. Simon is a Principal Consultant with Synergy Rail, providing specialist support on ETCS and signalling safety assurance projects across the UK rail network.

This event is kindly co-hosted by Synergy Rail Limited and Alchemmy Consulting at their offices: Riverside House, 2A Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HA. The presentation will be followed by a Speaker’s Drinks Reception, generously sponsored by Synergy Rail Limited, for a more informal discussion and networking. An opportunity also to enjoy the views of the Thames from the terrace and the City of London skyline. Registration is essential to attend the event as it is expected to be popular and spaces will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The venue opens at 1730 with the presentation starting at 1800.

IRSE L&SE - Making Main Line History: Lessons from UK’s First ETCS L2