Skip to Content
Home > News > UK > Rail industry unites to celebrate Safeguarding Champions protecting vulnerable young people

Rail industry unites to celebrate Safeguarding Champions protecting vulnerable young people

Rail professionals from around the country attended Railway Children’s Safeguarding Champions event, celebrating their commitment to supporting children at risk on the network. 

Author: Suzi Lawrence | Date: 17th October 2025

Protecting children at risk together

Staff from across the UK rail network came together last night to celebrate their dedication to protecting vulnerable young people at the inaugural Railway Children Safeguarding Champions Celebration Event, held in Manchester.

More than 70 representatives from across the rail industry attended the event, which recognised the collective efforts of organisations and individuals who have undertaken specialist training and support from Railway Children to better identify, understand, and respond to signs of vulnerability on the network.

Opening the evening, Rina Dabhi, UK Programme Director at Railway Children, thanked attendees for their unwavering commitment:

“In the last year alone, over 11,000 vulnerable children and young people were reported to British Transport Police across the rail network. These figures underline how vital it is that rail staff know how to spot vulnerability — and know who to report it to.”

Rina also reflected on the transformative progress made over the past decade, as Railway Children has worked closely with train operating companies (TOCs) and industry partners to embed safeguarding best practice and help organisations achieve Safeguarding on Rail accreditation.

The event was proudly sponsored by Carlisle Support Services (CSS). Taking to the stage, Marc Greaves, Training Manager at CSS shared how the company has embraced a culture of safeguarding awareness:

“At CSS, we want every team member to feel confident and supported when it comes to safeguarding. Our partnership with the wider rail community reflects our shared commitment to keeping the network a safe environment for everyone.”

Safeguarding awards

Recognising excellence in safeguarding, awards were presented to individuals whose exceptional efforts have helped drive safeguarding progress across the rail sector:

Outstanding Contribution to Safeguarding – presented by Carlisle Support Services

  • Winner: George Mitchell (Amulet)
  • Highly Commended: Ash Hulse (TransPennine Express) and Niall Caddy (TransPennine Express)

 Unsung Hero Awards – presented by Railway Children Youth Ambassador Janet.

  • Winners: Mabs Alom (Carlisle Support Services), Janine Kilbride (Northern Rail), and Adrian Brown (Greater Anglia)
  • Highly Commended: Jenny McArthur (Amulet) and Marie Jones (Amulet)

 

 

Amplifying young voices

A special presentation was made to Railway Children Youth Ambassador Corey, who received an Outstanding Contribution to Railway Children Award for his three years of dedicated service to the programme.

Now beginning his new role as a train dispatcher with Carlisle Support Services, Corey shared how his experience has shaped his future:

“The support from Railway Children has helped me build confidence, open doors, and live out my passion on the railway. It’s so important that staff know how to engage with and respond to vulnerable young people.”

Sign up for safeguarding training

Railway Children continues to offer a range of training, resources, and consultancy designed to help rail organisations meet their safeguarding goals and strengthen their response to vulnerability across the network.

For more information, contact Louise Thornton, Business Development Manager, at l.thornton@railwaychildren.org.uk.

Latest stories

Rail industry unites to celebrate Safeguarding Champions protecting vulnerable young people

Rail professionals from around the country attended Railway Children’s Safeguarding Champions event, celebrating their commitment to supporting children at risk on the network. 

Date: 17/10/2025

Over £130,000 raised in three major fundraising events

Rail industry professionals from across the UK have raised more than £130,000 for Railway Children through three recent fundraising events.

Date: 09/10/2025

UK government announces crackdown on ‘honour’-based violence

The UK government is implementing new measures to crack down on ‘honour’-based abuse.

Date: 02/9/2025

How a sewing machine brought hope to a struggling family

Martha’s story shows the amazing change girls can create when they’re given the chance. 

Date: 10/10/2025

How to cope with constant crisis events in the news

If the news is getting you down, you’re not alone. Here are some tips to help you cope.

Date: 09/10/2025

Unlocking potential

As September rolls around, many are getting ready for a new school year – new books, new friends, and the excitement of learning and working toward their dreams. But for a lot of children, that’s not a reality. 

Date: 28/8/2025
Close

Image collage showing young people in the UK, India and Tanzania

Join us

Sign up to receive email updates about our work protecting children around the world, and how you can help to change lives.

You can unsubscribe at anytime.

Sign up

Translate »