Deborah Birch, head of HR at Hull Trains, picked up the coveted HR and Recruitment Person Award at this year’s RailStaff Awards.
The Award recognises the individuals and teams who have demonstrated exceptional achievements and excellence in the strategic management of human resources and who have explored innovative approaches in attracting, selecting, and nurturing top talent.
Deborah has been with Hull Trains for over 10 years, working tirelessly to promote diversity, long-term career development, and colleague upskilling. Her decade of commitment has not only shaped Hull Trains’ people strategy but has helped create an industry-leading inclusive workplace culture.
On receiving the award, Deborah said: “I’m quite overwhelmed, but feel very privileged and very proud. I’d like to thank the entire Hull Trains team, including my boss, Service Delivery Director Louise Mendham.
“Hull Trains is a small company with a really big heart. We have a strong team which provides the very best customer service. Even after relocating further north, I’ve stayed with the company because love it so much.”
The Award was sponsored this year by Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), and David Mitchell, communications lead at the GoAhead Group, on secondment from GTR, presented the prize.
“HR teams help to shape careers and create people’s dreams,” he said.
“It’s so important that we look out for that next generation and push them forward. With an aging workforce we need to think out of the box when it comes to recruitment, but we have an abundance of talent in front of us, and with HR representatives like Deborah in the driving seat, we can be sure of a bright future.”
Highly commended:
Capability and Skills Development Team, Network Rail
Lindsay Gauntlett, Lumo