The rail industry is no stranger to awards ceremonies, but few capture the mood quite like the RailStaff Awards. As the 2026 event approaches, it once again offers something refreshingly different: a celebration not of companies or balance sheets, but of people.

At its heart, the RailStaff Awards exists to recognise the individuals and teams who keep the railway moving every day. From frontline staff and engineers to behind-the-scenes specialists, these are the people whose efforts often go unseen, yet whose impact is felt across the entire network.

And that human element matters more than ever. As the industry continues to evolve, responding to changing passenger expectations and navigating complex operational challenges, it is people who make the difference. The RailStaff Awards provides a moment to pause and recognise that contribution.

Recognising excellence

For 2026, we’re delighted to unveil a wide range of award categories, each offering the opportunity to acknowledge and nominate your colleagues and peers for their outstanding contributions:

• Charity Award
• Customer Service Team or Person Award
• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Team or Person Award
• Health & Wellbeing Team or Person Award
• Innovation & Technology Team or Person Award
• Learning, Development & Investing in People Award
• Lifesaver Award
• Lifetime Achievement Award
• Project Team or Person Award (over £5 million)
• Project Team or Person Award (under £5 million)
• Rail Ambassador of the Year Award
• Rail Engineer of the Year Award
• Rail Manager of the Year Award
• Railway Depot Team or Person Award
• Safety Team or Person Award
• Station Staff Team or Person Award

We’re also especially excited to receive submissions for the following new awards:

Emerging Talent Team or Person Award – Recognising the newcomers and apprentices who are already making a significant impact on the future of rail.

People & Workforce Team or Person Award – Celebrating those dedicated to HR, recruitment, and the overall development of our industry’s greatest asset.

Small Business Team or Person Award – Highlighting the vital contributions of SMEs and independent contractors who keep our network running.

Community Impact Team or Person Award – For those who go above and beyond to provide social value and support to the communities we serve.

Nominate today!

With nominations now open, anyone can put forward a deserving individual or team, whether that’s colleagues, managers, friends, or even members of the public who have experienced exceptional service firsthand. The only rule is simple: no self-nominations. This is about recognising others.

Once nominations are in, the process becomes a shared celebration. Public voting allows the wider rail community to show its support, before an independent judging panel reviews the top entries to select winners and highly commended finalists. It’s a balance of popular recognition and expert assessment, ensuring that every story is given the consideration it deserves.

Join the celebration

Of course, the RailStaff Awards is known for its unique atmosphere. More than just a ceremony, it is an experience – an evening that combines recognition with celebration, bringing together colleagues from across the industry for a night that is as memorable as it is meaningful.

Guests can expect an exquisite dining experience, exhilarating entertainment, and the heartwarming glow of having championed their peers.

This unforgettable night wouldn’t be possible without the support of the industry. As ever, there are a range of exciting sponsorship opportunities available – a chance to showcase your brand while supporting the heroes of rail.

Initial sponsors for the 2026 RailStaff Awards include:

HALOS Body Cams

RailwayPeople.com

ReadyPower Group

Train’d Up

Transport Benevolent Fund CIO (TBF)

Our thanks go to all for their early support in helping bring this event to life. If your organisation is interested in sponsoring an award or supporting the event more broadly, we’d be delighted to hear from you.

Get in touch at www.railstaffawards.com