In the world of rail operations, employee wellbeing is not just a moral imperative; it’s a strategic one. In 2024, Railway Mission chaplains responded to 9,896 individual situations across the UK rail network. These included everything from critical incidents and traumatic events to deeply personal challenges like bereavement, illness, and family breakdown. Railway Mission chaplains […]
Category: People
Opening event celebrates Derbyshire station accessibility scheme’s successful completion
The completion of Alfreton station’s £6.75 million accessibility upgrade was celebrated with an official opening event today (Wednesday 23 July). The project was funded through the Department for Transport’s Access for All scheme and delivered by Network Rail’s East Midlands route. It has involved building two lifts, fully refurbishing the footbridge, adding a new ramp […]
Freight Safe Programme’s ‘Horizon Scanning Service’ to be launched
The Freight Safe Programme, which was established in 2024 to ensure forthright and continuous innovations in rail freight for the benefit of the industry and its customers, has produced a process to identify emerging and future risks to the sector. ‘Horizon Scanning’, a structured process for considering potential problems, threats, opportunities and likely future developments,such […]
Network Rail announces Jeremy Westlake as new Chief Executive
Network Rail has today announced the appointment of Jeremy Westlake as its next Chief Executive, replacing Sir Andrew Haines who will be retiring. Jeremy, who is currently Chief Financial Officer, will formally take up the role in October following a transition period alongside Sir Andrew. In this role, Jeremy will oversee the amalgamation of Network […]
Northern praised for ‘outstanding commitment’ to supporting people who have served in the military
The train operator employs hundreds of people who have previously worked in the military or currently serve as reservists, putting their skills and experience to use in a wide range of roles. To recognise its commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community, The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has presented Northern with the Gold Employer Recognition […]
Southeastern partners with Missing People to protect lives on the railway
Southeastern is partnering with national charity Missing People to support those in crisis on the railway this summer. Every year, over 170,000 people are reported missing in the UK, with 17% of those cases happening in areas served by the Southeastern network. Tragically, missing people are at greater risk of serious harm, and around 1,000 […]
Railway enthusiast gets taste of dream job
Avanti West Coast surprises 11-year-old railway enthusiast with train driving experience. Avanti West Coast has given a young railway enthusiast the chance to experience his dream job during a special visit at London Euston station. The train operator welcomed Joshua Emmett, 11, who is from Stoke-on-Trent, to become a rookie train driver for the day […]
Disability Pride Month important reminder of role train operators have to play in ensuring everyone has access to the rail network
Train operators in public ownership say Disability Pride Month is an important reminder of the role they have to play in ensuring that disabled passengers not only have access to the railway, but feel seen, supported and proud of who they are when they travel. The global event, which takes place every July, celebrates the […]
Striking portrait of Network Rail ‘hidden hero’ unveiled on special exhibition train
A striking portrait of a Network Rail employee was unveiled at London Euston station on Tuesday 15 July. Manny Kang was captured on canvas for the exceptional care and commitment he brings to his role as a community safety manager on the Central route, connecting the West Midlands and London. The special portrait, on display […]
Memory man Darren Milligan set to retire after 44 years
A man with an impressive memory, who has been helping engineers find everything they need to keep trains in the North East running for more than 40 years, is about to retire. Darren Milligan, 59, has memorised the names, suppliers and 10-digit catalogue numbers for thousands of items at Heaton TrainCare Centre in Newcastle. He […]