The RailStaff Awards 2024

Nominations for Rail Engineer of the Year

Said the following about Paul Walker:

“Paul is an outstanding engineer in the field of E&P Distribution & Plant. He is a shining example of what someone can achieve in this industry if they followed his attitude, approach, demonstrating the company values in in the business and driving power engineering to a whole new level. He has overseen the introduction of new technologies to the business such as the portable UPS units from concept to product approval to installation and operation and the end user in “Mrs Smith” is seeing improvements in her journey North of Derby but she has no idea who this simply brilliant engineer is who has made that difference. Paul has driven the apprenticeship for Distribution & Plant apprentices into a whole new field and is one of the leading engineers in the development of the D&P apprenticeship programmes. He is a mentor to some very privileged individuals who we are seeing continuous improvement in. He has on times been the last man standing during incidents, example being an incident on signalling power where he with the local MOM were lifting troughing lids searching for the cut cables he correctly predicted resulting in finding these and changing the response plan meaning train services were back on faster and quicker than originally predicted so Mrs Smith once again unbeknown to her has her on personal knight in shining armour protecting her journeys on East Midlands route. Paul is just simply in the brilliant engineer category, there is no one else like him I have known is this business. 2018 has been a significantly difficult year for Paul, he lost his sister to cancer early this year and his own wife is expecting their 2nd child soon and thru all of this he has continued to defend “Mrs Smith”, he has continued to drive improvements in the infrastructure, improvements in the reliability of power engineering systems and continued to operate at such a high level & standard that a lot of other people in this business could learn a lot from. Paul is just that person, he is the defender of the infrastructure, he is a natural leader of the army of brilliant people who work on the infrastructure, he is a custodian of the safety & performance principles and lastly he is the knight of “Mrs Smith” and who, through the RailStaff Awards, should be recognised for his outstanding contribution to the East Midlands route power engineering. Arise Rail Staff's Paul Walker Rail Engineer of the Year 2018“

James Fletcher

Said the following about Paul Walker:

“I would like to nominate Paul Walker as rail engineer of the year. Paul shows commitment, courage, dedication, integrity and loyalty to his role. He provides sound advice to his colleagues with a degree of accuracy that is not rivalled by any other E&P engineer. Paul is always available to offer his advice at any time of the day or night and is dependable to respond to any electrical emergencies. Paul seems to thrive in high pressure situations, always delivering the desired outcomes and always to a high quality and professional standard.

Paul is generally regarded as the most knowledgeable D&P engineer on the route, if not the country. He is an inspiration to all his peers and someone that every electrical engineer aspires to be like. Paul's leadership ability is second to none. He took me under his wing when I joined Network Rail and has always ensured that he helps with my development, but above all, he offers support whenever it is required.

Paul is dedicated to improving technology in the E&P discipline, regularly leading from the front and thinking outside the box for solutions to complex engineering tasks. Recently, Paul got the first compact PSP on to the route to resolve power blip issues which could potentially save hundreds of thousands of pounds in the future. Paul is Network Rail through and through, he believes in the business and is always achieving well above the required standard for improving standards and practices. I have personally witnessed Pauls 'challenging the norm' culture, ensuring that Network Rail leads the way in safe designs, construction and hand backs. Paul has the ability to motivate everyone he comes in to contact with and always drives quality and improvement.

Paul is an asset to Network rail and should be placed highly, if not cream of the crop in the capable engineer’s category of Network Rail.

In addition to his unbelievable day to day work ethic, Paul has also contended with the stress and pressure from a recent bereavement of a close family member, preparation for the arrival of a new born child and has accomplished attending his IEng interview.

I am proud to work alongside Paul and would like to see his hard work and dedication awarded formally by Network Rail.“

Sam Black

Said the following about Paul Walker:

“Paul is an outstanding Engineer and a role model to all. Paul's attitude and commitment to improving the rail network is a shining example. Having worked with Paul for four years I have seen first-hand his dedication and drive to achieving a safe and reliable railway for the end user. Paul truly deserves this nomination and the award!“

Oliver Heyhurst

Said the following about Paul Walker:

“Paul has been instrumental in the successful development of the London to Corby (L2C) Electrification Project. With his vast knowledge of E&P and approachable, helpful demeanour, Paul has facilitated a collaborative approach between Project Team and Route Asset Management Team. Paul has guided the project through many value management opportunities relating to scope efficiencies and design development for a better solution across several key areas. Many hours per period have been dedicated to ensuring the success of this critically important project for the people of Great Britain.“

Ben Taylor

Said the following about Paul Walker:

“I have known Paul for just over 2 years now. I work within Network Rail Infrastructure Projects and Paul is an electrical engineer working within the local RAM team. When I joined the railway, I was new to rail engineering, and the business. After introducing myself, Paul offered help and assistance wherever he could to aid my knowledge and understanding of not only the railway, but to also see things from a RAM team perspective. He offered guidance and assistance, and his collaborative approach has ensured Projects like Derby Remodelling and the L2C Electrification programme are built on concrete, rather than sand during GRIP stages 3 and 4. His considered and pragmatic approach to electrical engineering on the railway has streamlined the way the local IP Signalling team understand requirements from the E&P RAM team. This has helped me put into practice my recent LEAN qualification as part as the NR drive for efficiencies. I really enjoy working with Paul and I have no doubt Paul will go from strength to strength in making the Railway safer, more reliable, and cost effective.“

Chris Morgan-Jones

Said the following about Paul Walker:

“Paul is a professional and knowledgeable Engineer, he draws on his broad experience to effectively support asset management and project activities. I have worked with Paul on a number of projects and appreciate being able to talk through concepts and solutions with him. His pragmatic approach to management and delivery ensures that resources are efficiently used, waste is minimised and solutions are fit for purpose. Paul is an effective manager with great interpersonal skills, he is a good communicator with an amicable, collaborative style. Paul is committed to the Rail industry and the IET, he actively promotes and supports the development of his staff and encourages his colleagues to be professional, well rounded Engineers and Technicians. Paul is a highly effective, well respected Engineer. For Paul Engineering is more than a job, it is his vocation.“

Ben Darling

Said the following about Paul Walker:

“As a Distribution and Plant Section Manager, Paul has given me a vast amount of support and guidance to achieve expectation from the E&P RAM. Paul has a fantastic work ethic and is very professional in all aspects of his career. Paul Values Network Rail and wears the company logo with pride at all times. Paul has a great deal of knowledge for all aspects of the E&P discipline. I believe Paul works well with Maintenance, HQ and Infrastructure projects. There have been many occasions where Paul may not have the answer to a query straight away, but will put the effort in to research and use what he does know to gain the result in a very punctual manor.

Back in 2015, I was a very young and new Section Manager and Paul took the time out of his busy schedule to mentor me and guide me through techniques and processes that made me a higher skilled employee, with help from Paul’s mentorship. This Mentorship has now been passed on the D&P Section Supervisor, which is still on going.

In summary, Paul is a very dedicated, knowledgeable and hard worker and always puts 100% in everything he does, which is why he deserves the Rail Engineer of the Year Award.“

James Palmer

Said the following about Paul Walker:

“Paul is an extremely hard working and committed individual whose infectious positive attitude spreads far and wide. Paul is a very dependable person who will always go that extra mile to help the business in achieving positive goals. This has been evident in his willingness to lead and help improve the E&P apprenticeship training programme through constructive collaboration. This doesn't just stop for new entrants but also seasoned railway men and women whom he is determined to help develop.

Whether it be a standard, working practice or potential new product, Paul is keen to embrace new ideas so that ultimately the customer will have a far better experience.

If anybody deserves this award, it is Paul Walker.“

Sanjay Kumar

Said the following about Paul Walker:

““As a project engineer, as delegated authority for E & P RAM Paul has given me a vast amount of support and guidance to me to help me achieve as Project Engineer. Paul has a fantastic work ethic and is very professional in all aspects of his career. Paul Values Network Rail and wears the company logo with pride at all times. Paul has a great deal of knowledge for all aspects of the E&P discipline. There have been many occasions where Paul may not have the answer to a query straight away, but will put the effort in to research and use what he does know to gain the result in a very punctual manner.

In summary, Paul is a very dedicated, knowledgeable, innovative and hard worker having excellent interpersonal skills, which is why he deserves the Rail Engineer of the Year Award.““