In today’s fast-paced professional landscape, investing in career development isn’t just a perk – it’s the backbone of employee engagement and long-term organisational success and fostering a sense of value within an organisation. Career-driven employees are always seeking opportunities to enhance their skillset, take on new responsibilities, grow into leadership roles, and confront new challenges as they climb up. By investing in clear pathways for progression and continuous learning, companies not only unlock individual potential but also strengthen motivation, drive loyalty, innovation, and performance of staff members.

The Learning, Development & Investing in People Award honours individuals or teams who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to developing talent within the rail industry. It shines a light on initiatives that go beyond the basics, enhancing knowledge and career progression, as well as honouring those who invest in training, mentoring, apprenticeships, and professional growth.

Meaningful contribution

As part of its mission to drive industry standards and develop exceptional people, Carlisle Support Services has stepped up to sponsor this year’s award and recognise the contribution of other companies that prioritise people development.

Carlisle supports the majority of UK train operating companies with key people-based services such as cleaning, security, customer service, revenue protection, possession management, vegetation, car park management, crowd control, as well as soft and hard FM. The firm partners with clients in long-term relationships to deliver sustainable service innovations and operating efficiencies, having retained a considerable 95% of its customers across the last five years.

“At Carlisle Support Services, we believe that people are the foundation of every great service. Sponsoring the RailStaff Awards presents a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the individuals who drive real progress across the rail industry,” says Steve Cere, director of rail strategy at Carlisle Support Services.

“We are proud to support an initiative that champions innovation, dedication, and the transformative impact of investing in people. We remain deeply committed to nurturing talent, creating opportunities, and supporting individuals to grow and thrive; today and into the future.”

Carlisle is committed to developing exceptional people, offering staff members countless opportunities to work across multiple contracts and learn from the very best to help them achieve their true potential. In fact, 58% of newly created salaried roles over the past year have been filled by internal candidates.

Worthy winners

In 2024, the Learning, Development & Investing in People Award was claimed by the City & Guilds / HMP Highpoint Rehabilitation Team.

In partnership with HMP Highpoint, City & Guilds has developed a rail centre of excellence that gives prisoners the chance to access a range of railway engineering training with a focus around employment on release. The project aims to build bridges into the workforce by partnering with companies to provide training, equipment, and job opportunities to the prisoners upon their release to create life-changing outcomes.

On accepting the award, Holly Brown, business support/project manager at Intertrain, a City & Guilds business, said: “This award means so much to us all. It’s been a very long journey, but we can say we have a real centre of excellence at HMP Highpoint. We’re providing prisoners with the opportunity to change their lives and go into a job, which feels great.”

The Learning, Development & Investing in People Award recognises those who strive to deliver the best experience for staff new and old, guiding them toward their educational goals. Our judges will be looking for innovative programs that empower employees and contribute to a highly skilled workforce.

If you know someone who fits the bill, nominate them today at railstaffawards.com.