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