There are moments when the railway family comes together not to celebrate success or innovation, but to support one another through tragedy. The collision near Bedford on 19 June, which claimed the life of EMR driver Shaun Burton, is one such moment. Our thoughts remain with Shaun’s family, friends, and colleagues, and with everyone affected by the incident.
As this issue explores, events like this reach far beyond those directly involved. They have a profound impact on railway staff across the industry, reminding us that behind every service, project, and engineering achievement are people. We look at the invaluable support provided by organisations such as the Railway Mission and the role they play in helping colleagues through the most difficult of times.
That sense of people looking after people runs throughout this edition of RailStaff. It is reflected in our coverage of the National Autistic Society’s research into making journeys more accessible for autistic passengers, and in features highlighting the work being done to create a more inclusive railway for employees and customers alike. From Alstom’s supported internship programme to the activities of the Jewish Rail Network and Muslims in Rail, this issue demonstrates that inclusion is not simply about policy – it’s about creating an industry where everyone can thrive.
Elsewhere in these pages, we examine the vital contribution small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make to Britain’s infrastructure projects. Andy Ridout of Advance TRS explains why these businesses continue to provide the specialist skills, innovation, and agility that major programmes rely upon, despite often facing barriers to procurement.
We also report on a new entry to the industry conference scene. More than 3,000 rail professionals gathered in May at Birmingham’s NEC for the inaugural UK Rail exhibition, where collaboration, digital innovation, and sustainability dominated conversations. For a first event, it made an impressive statement and suggested there is plenty of appetite for a new meeting place for the industry.
There are also encouraging signs that confidence in the sector is growing. We speak to ABM, the global facilities and infrastructure services provider as it continues to expand its presence in the UK rail market. Its story highlights the opportunities that continue to exist across Britain’s railway and the investment being made in its future by organisations of all sizes.
Our regular contributors are back with fresh insight and expert opinion. We meet the new chief executive of Young Rail Professionals as he outlines his vision for the organisation’s future, while Colin Wheeler returns with his latest reflections on safety, reminding us that there is always something new to learn on the railway.
Finally, with nominations now open, we continue our countdown to the 2026 RailStaff Awards.
Every year, the awards celebrate the people whose commitment, professionalism, and compassion make our railway what it is. If you know someone who has gone above and beyond, please take the time to tell everybody about their achievements.
Recognition means more than a trophy – it reminds people that their hard work, often carried out behind the scenes, truly matters.
Image credit: iStockphoto.com/FotografiaBasica
