An Island Apart: Building Bespoke Highway Inspectors Training for Jersey
When organisations commission Highway Inspectors training, it’s easy to assume that a standard UK course can simply be delivered anywhere. Our recent work with the Government of Jersey shows why that approach falls short and why training needs to reflect the legal, operational and practical environment in which delegates actually work.
TMS Consultancy was commissioned to adapt and deliver a bespoke four-day Highway Inspectors training programme for Jersey. Built around the UK Code of Practice Well-managed Highway Infrastructure and the Highway Safety Inspector competency framework, the course was specifically designed to reflect the island’s legislative framework, highway network and the day-to-day challenges faced by those responsible for managing and maintaining its roads.
Getting the Legal Framework Right
The starting point was understanding Jersey’s highway legislation. Unlike highway authorities in England and Wales, which have a statutory duty to maintain the highway, Jersey’s authorities have powers to maintain it. Although subtle, this distinction has significant implications for decision-making, enforcement and the way maintenance responsibilities are applied in practice. In this respect, Jersey’s legislative framework has more in common with Scottish road law than with that of England and Wales.
Designing Around Jersey’s Highway Environment
The course also reflected Jersey’s unique operating environment. The island’s extensive Green Lane network, where pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders have priority, together with a maximum speed limit of 40 mph across the island, directly influence inspection techniques, risk assessment and engineering judgement.
Alongside Jersey’s own legislation, the programme incorporated recognised UK guidance, including the Traffic Signs Manual, TSRGD and HSE guidance. Developing a bespoke course wasn’t about starting again, it was about understanding which elements of UK best practice transferred directly and where they needed adapting.
Learning Through Experience
The four-day programme brought together senior highway engineers, highway inspectors, structures and design specialists, newly appointed engineers and representatives from the Parish Councils. That breadth of experience generated worthwhile discussion, with delegates sharing perspectives from strategic highway management through to local community infrastructure.
One of the most valuable conversations centred on enforcement. Delegates openly discussed the difference between having legislative powers and being able to apply them effectively in practice. Those real-world conversations provided valuable insight into the day-to-day realities faced by highway professionals and are exactly the type of learning and knowledge-sharing that a generic, off-the-shelf training course cannot replicate.
Why Bespoke Training Matters
Developing bespoke training is about far more than changing legislative references in a presentation. It requires an understanding of how highways are managed locally, how responsibilities are allocated, how guidance is interpreted and the practical challenges inspectors face every day.
Competent highway inspectors play a vital role in protecting the travelling public, managing risk and supporting informed maintenance decisions. Training that reflects the legal and operationalenvironment in which delegates work ensures learning is immediately relevant and can be applied with confidence from day one.
Looking for Highway Inspectors Training?
Whether you’re looking for our four-day Highway Safety Inspectors course delivered as a bespoke programme tailored to your organisation, or you’re seeking places on one of our UK open courses, TMS can provide a training solution to meet your needs.
We offer flexible delivery options, including bespoke in-house training, UK open courses for individual delegates, and programmes adapted to local legislation and operational requirements both within the UK and internationally.
To discuss the most suitable Highway Safety Inspectors training option for your organisation, please contact Steve Barnard, or visit the Training section of our website (see below) to find out more about our Highway Safety Inspectors Modular Course and the range of training options available.