Around 2,500 employees are responsible for running Great Britain’s rail stations and each has huge responsibility on their shoulders. Not only do these superstars brighten the days of customers: they go the extra mile to support the colleagues they work alongside.
The RailStaff Awards honour these hard working and well-loved individuals with the Station Staff Team or Person Award which recognises the outstanding contributions of those providing exceptional customer service and ensuring smooth station operations.
Great Western Railway’s Emma-Jane Kennedy was astonished to win the award this year. As dispatch supervisor at Weston-super-Mare, Emma exemplifies dedication and compassion. Responsible for the safe and efficient running of the station, she consistently ensures punctual dispatch, compliance, and operational excellence.
Beyond her duties, Emma supports colleagues, enhances customer experience, and leads community initiatives such as the station carnival. A qualified first aider and mental health first aider, she fosters wellbeing and teamwork across the station.
“I’m in shock,” said Emma on accepting the Award. “I was up against so many great people, that just to be a finalist was fabulous. I was already a winner in my own heart, but this is just amazing.
“I’d love to thank the lady who nominated me, I owe it all to her. She recognised the work I do, and I’m so grateful for that.”
The Station Staff Team or Person Award was sponsored in 2025 by the Transport Benevolent Fund CIO (TBF).
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, grants towards priority arrears, legal advice, scans and tests, medical equipment, convalescence and bereavement grants to its members and their dependants.
“TBF helps its members and their dependants in times of need, and sponsoring the Station Staff Team or Person Award is our way of saying thank you to those who help customers on a daily basis,” said TBF CEO John Sheehy.
“As well as carrying out their regular duties, without warning, they can be dealing with a traumatic event and, in some cases, help save someone’s life. They are a customer’s first point of contact and play a vital role in making the customer experience a safe and pleasant one.”
Highly commended:
Keeley Rees and Shola Ola, Carlisle Support Services
Susan Temple & Janice Povah, ScotRail
Back next year
We have exciting sponsorship opportunities available for the 2026 awards.
If you’re interested in discussing this further or would like to put forward nominations from your team for future awards, please feel free to contact us by email at [email protected] or call us on 01530 816 440.
You can also find out more and view the upcoming pictures and videos from the evening by visiting our website www.RailStaffAwards.com.
