Whether it’s on trains, at stations and depots, or anywhere else in between, Great Britain’s rail employees keep the wheels turning. Therefore, their physical and mental health is critical both on a personal level and in maintaining the network’s safe and timely operation.
The Health & Wellbeing Person or Team Award celebrates the individuals and teams who have championed outstanding practices in this area through innovative and proactive initiatives, helping others to lead healthier, happier lives. The category’s stand out star this year was Colleen Johnston of Arriva Rail London.
Health & Wellbeing Specialist Colleen has revolutionised health and wellbeing at Arriva Rail London through her proactive, inclusive approach, say her colleagues. She has delivered heart, diabetes, and nutrition screenings across the network, ensuring all colleagues benefit, including night staff. Her Health & Wellbeing Roadshows, employee walks, and outreach partnerships with the Samaritans have fostered healthier habits and open conversation. By chairing the company’s wellbeing group, Colleen has embedded support and accessibility into the workplace, inspiring staff to take ownership of their health.
Security service firm ResponSec Ltd. stepped forward to sponsor the award in 2025. The company provides a wide range of security services across numerous industries and in recent years has supplied travel safety and welfare officers for Govia Thameslink Railway, and safety, security, and enforcement officers for London Overground. The very nature of the work means that ResponSec is all too aware of the pressures on staff and the toll it can take on their mental and physical health.
“The company was initially set up to serve live music and sporting events in London and the surrounding counties,” says Managing Director Daniel Blackwood, “but in the last few years has been lending its expertise to the rail industry. I’ve always had a passion for the rail industry and helping to make the railways safer has been a dream of mine for some time.”
“We were proud to Sponsor the ‘Health and Wellbeing Team or Person’ award this year, which our Head of People Tiffany had the honour of presenting on stage. Congratulations to the winner Colleen Johnston, from Arriva Rail London.”
Highly commended:
Louise Williams, Hitachi Rail
Lucy Fawkes-Grey & Lee Bladen, Great Western Railway
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.
