The people who staff our 2,500 railway stations have a huge responsibility on their shoulders.
They’re the people who keep our stations safe, ensure they’re clean and tidy, sell and check tickets, and direct passengers. They despatch trains, assist passengers boarding and disembarking, search for lost luggage, and administer first aid.
They also deal with anti-social behaviour, come to the aid of those in emotional crisis, and act as guardians for all at the station. All the while, they’re expected to have an encyclopaedic knowledge of the railway.
It’s a mammoth task that goes largely unnoticed, but these frontline heroes are recognised by the RailStaff Awards.
The Transport Benevolent Fund CIO (TBF), is a long time supporter of the annual event, and returns once again to sponsor the Station Staff Person or Team Award.
Founded in 1923 by the predecessors of Transport for London (TfL), TBF provides relief from hardship and distress among those who work in (or are retired from) the public transport industry and its related services. TBF helps out when things aren’t going so well, offering a wide range of benefits including health, welfare, and financial support, including a comprehensive range of complementary therapies, legal advice, convalescence and bereavement grants to its members and their dependants.
The Fund is open to anyone engaged in the public transport industry in Great Britain; membership costs £1.25 a week, covering the member, their live-in partner and dependent children. Each family member is considered separately, and benefits paid are not cumulative for the whole family.
Numerous public transport employers have opted to pay for TBF membership for its employees as part of their employment package. Moving forward, TBF is encouraging further companies to take up this option.
“TBF is here to help its members in times of need and the Station Staff Award is a great opportunity to thank those who regularly help others in need,” says John Sheehy, TBF’s CEO. “Members of station staff are an integral part of the railway and, being the first point of contact for passengers, they play a very important role in helping to make the customer experience on the railway a safe and pleasant one.”
The Station Staff Award celebrates hard working, respected, and well-loved staff who help both colleagues and customers have a better experience at their station. Last year, the St Pancras International Station Team, from Network Rail High Speed, came away with the honours. While they make a difference on a daily basis, on one particular day the team reacted with exceptional professionalism and expertise to a number of major medical incidents. By putting their training into practice, acting calmly and professionally throughout, their quick thinking safeguarded passengers and colleagues alike.
“When judging the nominees for the Station Staff Award category we are looking for a commitment to helping others, ensuring customers have a positive experience of the railway,” says John. “The potential winner(s) should be reliable, hardworking and demonstrate their initiative in response to often challenging, and occasionally, life-threating situations.”
If you know a station staff superstar, nominate them now at www.railstaffwards.com.
TBF, is a registered charity in England and Wales, 1160901 and Scotland, SC047016.
