Two months into a new year, it feels as if we’ve only just wrapped up 2025’s spectacular RailStaff Awards, but preparations for the next event have already begun!

Held each year at Birmingham’s NEC, the RailStaff Awards celebrate the people whose commitment keeps the railway moving day in, day out. Filled with energy, pride, and genuine emotion, the event is far more than a glittering ceremony – it is a sincere tribute to the individuals at the heart of Britain’s rail network.

A record-breaking evening

On 27 November last year, a record 1,063 distinguished guests gathered to celebrate the extraordinary hard work of those employees who always go the extra mile. On arrival, guests stepped into a snow-dusted Alpine village high in the mountains, where an end-of-season après ski party was in full swing. The ceremony attracted an unprecedented 855 nominations and 6,050 votes cast. 

Broadcaster, journalist, and former politician Michael Portillo led the celebrations, putting guests at ease with his warmth, wit, and unmistakable flair.

“2025 has been another year of challenge and progress in the industry,” he said. “From infrastructure upgrades to customer service innovations, the railways are always evolving. And through it all, it is the resilience and the commitment of the people in this room tonight who keep the wheels turning.”

He proved the perfect host for an unforgettable evening.

Heroes of 2025

As ever, the full breadth and depth of the industry’s superb staff was represented, and our team of judges faced some very tough decisions. Finally, to much applause, the names of 2025’s award-winning employees were announced:

Apprentice of the Year Award

Rohan Mannion, Hitachi Rail

Graduate of the Year Award

Yasha Siddiqui, Alstom

HR & Recruitment Team or Person Award

Deborah Birch, Hull Trains

Railway Depot Team or Person Award

Jack Farley, Great Western Railway

Safety Team or Person Award

Paula Hilliard, Network Rail

Health & Wellbeing Team or Person Award

Colleen Johnston, Arriva Rail London

Rail Manager of the Year Award

Richard Tandy, GTR

Lifesaver Award

Dorothy Omovbude, Carlisle Support Services

Project Team or Person Award (Under £5 Million)

The Greatest Gathering, Alstom

Project Team or Person Award (Over £5 Million)

Westbury South Renewal Team, South Rail Systems Alliance

Charity Award

Dave Bateson, Network Rail

Sustainability Champion of the Year Award

Advanced Hydrogen Technology (AHT), K2C Rail, RSK 1stinrail, DB-ESG, HNRC-Swietelsky

Learning, Development & Investing in People Award

Mark & Natalie, Transport for Wales

Customer Service Team or Person Award

Customer Relations Team, Grand Central

Station Staff Team or Person Award

Emma-Jane Kennedy, Great Western Railway

Innovation & Technology Team or Person Award

Southern Safer Isolations Team, Network Rail

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Team or Person Award

Charlotte Briers, Alstom

Rail Engineer of the Year Award

Mark Walsh, Hitachi Rail

Lifetime Achievement Award

Tim Shoveller, Freightliner

Rail Ambassador of the Year Award

Maro Sakpere, GTR

An event beyond compare

Year on year, the RailStaff Awards continues to grow – drawing wider attention, more nominations, and an ever-increasing wave of positive feedback. But what truly sets it apart from other awards evenings?

Quite simply, every RailStaff Award is reserved for the people at the heart of the industry – the frontline individuals and teams who keep the network moving. It celebrates those who go above and beyond: supporting colleagues, improving safety, serving their communities, or simply brightening someone’s day. These awards recognise the people who exceed expectations, give their time generously, and show outstanding care for both customers and co-workers.

“The RailStaff Awards is a one-of-a-kind occasion, shining a light on the people in our industry who continually go above and beyond,” says Rail Media Managing Director Adam O’Connor.

“It is inspiring and humbling to organise this event, and it’s a privilege to see the positive impact it has on our remarkable workforce. Every winner and highly commended individual deserves real recognition, as do all the finalists and nominees.”

Looking ahead

Now comes the challenge of making this year’s celebration even more memorable than the last. After the success of 2025, expectations are high – but we’re determined to deliver another truly spectacular evening. If you’ve yet to experience the RailStaff Awards, you’re missing something special. Yes, it’s a remarkable occasion – but it’s more than that. The event is a heartfelt celebration of the people who make our industry what it is. It’s one night of the year when the entire railway family comes together to recognise its brightest stars.

Join us this November and don’t miss the railway’s night of the year.

www.railstaffawards.com