Rail Team of the Year

Name: Engineering Assurance Team
Job title: Engineering Assurance
Company: London underground
Location: Stations delivery

Why they should be this years rail team of the year?
"I would like to nominate the EAT for this award. Their determination and dedication to stations delivery teams, throughout the turmoil of several organisational and process changes from within the company, which has resulted in a much more user friendly, streamlined assurance process, has been exemplary. This has enabled projects to deliver more economically and efficiently than ever before. Obstacles, barriers and taboo's have been put to bed, where previously project delivery would have ground to a stop.
Their guidance, experience, initiative and proactive approach has won over the trust of the most arduous and fervent engineers and Project managers alike. The team is approachable, friendly and helpful, even when all seems lost they continually pull out all of the stops to find a solution that is agreeable to all stakeholders but without compromise to the priciples of Engineering or Safety. Their contributions to the Company Mangement System (PMF) has been an insparation and an example to all in how to cut through red-tape and needless paperwork. Their training sessions are unique and simple, one cannot leave these sessions and not have learned what is expected in such a simplified manner. This team deserves recognition for these achievements".

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"Productive, helpful and very Knowledgeable hard working team".

Date of event: 2-9-10

Name: Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulation (RVAR)
Job title: RVAR team
Company: London Underground
Location: LU network

Why they should be this years rail team of the year?
Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulation (RVAR)

RVAR is a legal requirement to reduce the platform train interface (PTI) (i.e. the gap between train and platform) to a maximum vertical 50 mm and horizontal 75 mm by 2020 or earlier where possible and where new rail vehicles are introduced. I.e. in this case the introduction of the new S8 and S7 rolling stock.

The S8 RVAR core Project team is Jonathan Fernandez (Project Manager), Lisa Manson (Sponsor), Stuart Knapp (Project Engineer), Kevin Walker (Lead Project Engineer) William Trevor (Assisting Project Manager), Patrick Murphy (Construction Manager), Sharn Forster (Premises Discipline Engineer), Peter Shek (Civil Engineer), George Bortnichuk (Project Planner), Bill Quinney (Commercial Manager) and Stuart Overton (Quantity Surveyor)

The RVAR team were assembled in May 2009. LUL Access & Inclusion were aware which platforms needed to be made RVAR compliant but were unsure which were feasible. An added pressure was that the meeting with the DfT to present LUL’s exemption paper was less than 3 months away. So the first task was to obtain some interim funding immediately (we didn’t have time to wait for our own funding) and get track surveys underway to validate the 2004 data provided to the project team. Close collaboration the LUL Track Engineering, the Survey team and Procurement and within three weeks; contracts were let and surveys underway.

The other major task was that the first batch of platforms had to complete construction by 31st May 2010, so with no scope, funding, programme or design it was going to be a real challenge to meet the exacting programme demands. The next focus had to be funding, so after many late nights from the Sponsor and Project Manager the funding paper and supporting documents were written, now we just had to convince CPMO’s external expert that all the requirements to ensure project success were in place. They diligently checked the financial assumptions and profile; the validity of the programme, risk register, Project Execution Plan (PEP).After two intense days of investigation review and conclusion they finally endorsed our funding paper and the team were then ready for FGM & PRG.

Funding in place and the surveys complete, it was time to hold a solutions workshop. The project manager assembled a cross functional team including designers, Track team Engineering, LUL Surveys team, Building control, Civils and Premises Engineering, Civil and Premises Maintenance, Access & Inclusion and S&SD. We needed resolution of the outstanding issues promptly. So it was agreed not to stop until all platforms were scoped. Once done Access and Inclusion could finally finish their exemption paper on time and the team could start design and creating the other deliverables of PMF (Project Management Framework). .

Design was carried out by “in house” resources to save cost and time. Within two weeks outline design was complete for the first two stations (Chalfont and Latimer and Chorley Wood), design reviews completed the team on to complete detailed design. In Nov09 just seven weeks after starting design we passed our first PMF gate 3 & 4 (combined) and were ready to construction.

The procurement strategy was simple but very effective; three suppliers forming a tailored framework for the project and contracted to construct 1 or 2 stations at any one time. Procurement was performance driven with focus on maximising site performance in terms of construction quality and speed, continuing cost efficiency and partnership working approach minimising contractual disputes. The performance incentive worked well to achieve the above and provide continuity of work to the successful contractors.
The team had been assembled to late to apply for its own closures, but with careful negotiation and planning they were able “to piggy back” and utilise other projects closures and realise approximately 30% reduction in costs and time... Every closure was crucial not only to save money but some of the designs would have proven extremely difficult to construct during engineer hours.

The team continued to push on designing and constructing platform after platform, until the winter weather kicked in .The effect was cancelled shifts and lost closures due to snow or temperatures to low for materials to cure. Thankfully by late Feb10 the weather was improving and the team was able to recover the lost time and programme slippage by increasing the number of construction gangs / productivity.

Through hard work, silo busting communication and cooperation between LU business groups ,combined with fantastic teamwork the team completed this project of 24 no platforms;
4 months ahead of original baseline programme (11 months from creating the team to BIU –“Bring into Use “of the last platform)
The project comprising of a total 32 platforms is forecast to complete £2.5m under budget (budget of £5.7 including risk and contingency vs. £3.2m COWD + Forecast for final 8 platforms)

Wayne Trevor, Accessibility and Inclusion manager says

“Nigel, Jonathan and the RVAR delivery project team pulled out all the stops for this important project. With an immovable deadline, multiple interfaces across varied disciplines and a new technical solution with unusually high tolerances- this was always going to be challenging. Yet the team’s approach of involving key decision makers and creating the right approach to consultation and sign-off ensured delivery ahead of time and under budget. Their work has ensured that the new S-stock vehicles would achieve the legal step and gap tolerances set out under the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations, and that the trains could enter service. This will provide a lasting legacy of a ‘turn up and go service’ for all users of the new trains, including those in wheelchairs”
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"For the determination and hard work in achieving the targets to complete the RVAR design. For developing an efficient design and always being proactive in adapting the design to meet the clients needs".

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“They get the job done safely, and to a very high standard. The whole team from top to bottom is highly motivated; the quintessential 'can do' team”.Hammersmith (H&C)

Date of event: 30-5-10

Name: Central Control Centre
Job title: CCTV Operators
Company: First Capital Connect
Location: Edmonton

Why they should be this years rail team of the year?
"I would like to nominate my team of CCTV Operators who work within our CCTV Control Centre at Edmonton.

The Central Control Centre (CCC) was officially opened in April 2008 and is unique within the industry for being the first centre of its kind whereby a Rail Operator works along side a local authority. First Capital Connects aim was to create a fully integrated CCTV centre of excellence capable of looking after the people and assets of First Capital Connect. The Centre has a compliment of 9 employees and a dedicated BTP Police Officer PC Kevin Fraser. It can view over 1300 CCTV cameras across 61 stations and is connected to over 170 Help points. It is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is indeed a centre of excellence.

Since its launch in April 08 the staff at the centre have answered over 50000 help point calls and have processed nearly over 3000 CCTV footage requests for a variety of stakeholders.

What make’s the centre more unique is the people who work there. The team are highly motivated individuals who are dedicated and committed to maximising the effectiveness of the centre. There is a strong desire within the team, to make our railway a safer place and through the proactive use of CCTV, they strive to do this with some fantastic results. All of the operators are flexible in there approach and in the early days when there were just 4 operators, made personal sacrifices to ensure the centre was staffed and operational. The team are:

Jason Hyams Elbert Cuffy Jermel Frith
Serena Varnava Wayne Spink PC Kevin Fraser
Desmond Rose Anneka Taylor Ade Showunmi
Tina Pandya (Evidence Gatherer)

I have gone on record as saying that the team are the best group of people I have had the privilege of managing, a statement I make with some pride.

In 30 months the CCC has established itself as a key component of the FCC operation and plays a big part in providing real time information to our customers and staff as well as giving a reassuring presence. The team are very well regarded within FCC and have for 2 consecutive years won the FCC Team of the year award for there contribution towards safety.

Our staff undertake numerous activities as well as monitoring CCTV and answering help point calls:

• Lone working welfare checks for staff at Welwyn Garden City & Hertford North

• CCTV camera/Help Point faulting

• Customer service visits to staff at stations seeking feedback from staff on how the centre can help them more

• Watching over staff as they empty ticket machines

• Downloading of CCTV onto disk and hard drive

• Control of administration process ensuring compliance with data protection

• Interrogation of recorded CCTV footage speeding up Policing process


Fundamentally the real success can be appreciated by the successes achieved through the use of CCTV:

1. CCTV footage played a key part in the successful prosecution of group of people accused assault and kidnap. Between them they were sentenced 35 years in prison. In recognition of the help provided by Jason and Jermel ref this case, the BTP are nominating them for BTP recognition. DC Steve Mcbride wrote, I would like bring to your attention the hard work and diligence of 2 of your staff members Jason and Jermal whom without their assistance we would not have been able to secure the conviction of 7 suspects for kidnap assault and robbery, resulting in 30+ year sentence for the gang responsible. The CCTV was crucial to the case.

2. Through proactive use of CCTV. The system was used to track the movement of 3 people wanted in connection with robbery. The CCC directed Police according who arranged a reception committee catching and arresting the 3 people.

3. CCTV footage led to the arrest of a serial robbery who targeted school children at Finsbury Park. The man arrested is wanted in connection with a string of robberies dating back to January 2008

4. A young man rang the help point and enquired when the next fast train was coming through Harpenden station. The Operator immediately became suspicious and did not supply the man with any accurate info. Using CCTV, the Male was located and through observation the operator was concerned as to his state of mind. Police were called who advised that a member of the public had also called to report the matter. Police attended the scene, a life saved?

5. Following CCTV footage supplied to the Police a serial stalker who lived locally to New Southgate Station has now been arrested. This suspect has been active at the Station since the middle of the summer and he represented a real threat to women passengers.

6. Hendon Station. Criminal damage to FCC property and attempt to break-in into a cash machine. 4 suspects arrested & charged. CCC oversaw the incident and contacted the BTP leading to the suspects to be charged.

7. Letchworth Garden City. Male observed hanging around bike shed, he then tried to steal bike, Incident observed by CCC. BTP called male was arrested and has been charged. Suspect has now admitted trying to steal bike. Passenger on return to bike will find a note from police advising of the incident. No damage to the bike.

Fundamentally the CCC operates on a pro active basis and maximises CCTV to its full potential and advantage. This is only possible because of the dedication and commitment of the CCC team and there desire to make our railway safe.

Supporting our Operators we have PC Kevin Fraser who is a full time resource allocated to the CCC. Kevin plays a valuable role in communication between the CCC and the BTP as well as assisting in the collation of evidence. Like the rest of the team, Kevin is highly motivated and has been known to carry out late night observations on the patch to assist in the capture of criminals. Kevin is very much part of our team and plays a key part in advising and supporting the team.

Finally, this team has been nominated because they are a team in the true sense. Each team member sharing the goal and working together to provide and safe and reassuring environment for our staff and our customers and as stated earlier, a team in which I am vastly proud of".

Date of event: 27-8-10

Name: Martin Simmerling; Richard Llewellyn; Ralph Goga; John Crawley; Stephen Maxwell; Justin Stickels; Browne Paul (PPP); Domenica Ruggiero, Dave Stuart
Job title: LU Stations Barbican IMR Relocation Team
Company: London Underground
Location: Barbican Station London

Why they should be this years rail team of the year?
"The team has taken on the mighty challenge of relocating an operational antiquated signalling room in the darkness beneath Smithfields Market to enable a 40m Crossrail shaft to be constructed. This technical and time critical project, managing the engineering design and construction spanning all engineering disciplines whilst navigating a network of interested stakeholders.

This Project is a first delivering critical enabling work by LU Stations on behalf of Crossrail to facilitate the major development in the Farringdon-Barbican area. The team is enthusiastic, friendly and professional, often dealing with unknowns and ever changing requirements to achieve this challenging relocation on an operational railway. The team lead by project Manager Martin Simmerling are resourceful and determined whilst maintaining good spirits during what is clearly a frustrating highly regulated operating industry".

Date of event: 26-8-10

Name: Resourcing and Workforce Planning
Job title: Resourcing & Workforce Planning Team
Company: London Underground
Location: London

Why they should be this years rail team of the year?
"The world class LU Resourcing and Workforce Planning team have worked in true partnership with the London Underground business to deliver outstanding results. Often working within tight and very restrictive agreement constraints, the team has had to challenge key stakeholders, unions and processes to deliver best value resource solutions to meet business targets. They enthusiastically deliver exceptional immediate and longer term efficiencies in vacancy management, staff movements, staff prioritisation, workforce planning, non permanent labour reduction / control and introducing innovative and resourceful ways to attract scarce skills. They have gone above and beyond their role, supporting other departments /the industry and have worked proactively to successfully redeploy personnel, collaborating with the broader rail industry to lead the way to sharing resource and are leading the rail industry discussion/action on scarce skills and information sharing. Their can do will do attitude is evident in the results acheived. Some of their recognised acheivements this year include: £16m cost efficiencies in resourcing movements, £15m cost efficiencies identified with effective resource modelling, utilisation and over establishme, talent management and resource movement, pan LU - working collaberatively with other departments and in the industry to deliver improvements to safety,
rostering and resource planning and delivery. Over 100 resourcing innovations have been identified this year– including a clearing house to ensure future effective pan GLA resource management".

Date of event: 10-6-10

Name: Oxo Escalator Project Team
Job title: Oxo Escalator Project Team
Company: London Underground
Location: Oxford Circus LU Station

Why they should be this years rail team of the year?
This is the team that delivered against overwhelming odds. When a rare window of opportunity arose to simultaneously replace three escalators at Oxford Circus, the Project Team met the challenge head on knowing that a monumental task lay ahead of them.

Escalators 1-3 at Oxford Circus station were some of the oldest on the network. They had been refurbished, rather than replaced, numerous times throughout their lives due to the many complexities and risks involved in replacement – it was the job that was just too hard and just too risky for everyone. The time window to complete the works was impossibly small, with the project needing to conclude in time for Crossrail works at Tottenham Court Road and Bond Street to begin, and for Oxford Circus station to be ready for the 2012 Olympics. Simply put, if the project failed to find a way to deliver the new escalators in record time, both Crossrail and the 2012 transport link would be undermined!

The challenges to designing a workable programme were immense, involving substantial negotiation with London Underground Operations, LFEPA, Transport For London Streets and Buses and Westminster City Council. The project would involve one of the largest, most complex civils schemes ever undertaken for an escalator replacement in arguably the most difficult location in Central London. The 5 metre escalator sections, weighing up to 4 tonnes each, would need to be transported to site during engineering hours and delivered into the station from street level. Throughout all stages of the works the Station needed to remain fully operational with no impact to passengers using it as an interchange between 3 of the most popular underground lines and to access the busiest shopping district of London.

Through tireless negotiation, reworking, novel thinking and a determination to succeed, the team forged disparate groups of hitherto competing stakeholders into a tight knit unit, all focussed on the same immensely challenging aim. For once partisan issues were set aside and a true multidimensional team of contractors, politicians, railway staff and officials chose to find a way to make the project succeed. The desire for success was palpable and the approach was a breath of fresh air – everyone unswerving in their desire to achieve a supposedly insurmountable goal. They successfully developed a scheme for the escalator replacements over a period of less than 6 months. This included a coordinated design of new Civils, steelwork, fire systems and electrical and mechanical assets. They agreed a method of delivery of escalator sections with minimal disruption to the local businesses, residents and general public with full and continued support from Transport For London and Westminster City Council. In conjunction with London Underground Operations, they devised a scheme for reconfiguring the station by removing gate lines and installing various hoardings; all undertaken with military precision by numerous contractors to enable Oxford Circus to remain operational throughout the early phase of the works.

The team has shown an unwavering determination, enthusiasm and commitment to get this project to site. They have overcome all obstacles that have stood in their way. The have challenged people and processes and seemingly sweat blood and tears to achieving critical milestones. They have made a measureable difference to central London and delivered that which the industry said was impossible. Rarely does such a disparate team form and drive with such clarity and focus. It has been refreshing to observe and this joint team deserves recognition for achieving that which was supposedly impossible. They just wouldn’t take no for an answer.

Date of event: 19-4-10

Name: Bridgeway Planning & Resource Team
Job title: Planning & Resource Team
Company: Bridgeway Consulting Ltd
Location: Nottingham

Why they should be this years rail team of the year?
“…The way they manage their staff and their ongoing commitment to safety is something that my team and I really admire…” a few kind words from a satisfied client.

Bridgeway’s Planning & Resource department has the most demanding stringent deadlines and extraordinary requests set to it than any other area of our business. The challenges that the team face on a daily basis are often immense, however our clients are always assured that the “impossible” is made “possible” by the dedication of Bridgeway’s Planning & Resource team.

The reason why? We have a dedicated team of people who work tirelessly to ensure that all our clients’ requests are met. They often work out of the normal office hours of 9am to 5pm to ensure that RIMINI plans are completed, site packs are distributed on time and all possession support staff is fully equipped with the equipment required to deliver over 100 possessions each week.

This may seem a relatively simple task, but when you account for almost 500 possession support staff spread across the country the magnitude of the task at hand becomes evident. In the adversity the team consistently manages to deliver all the necessary information and equipment to its entire staff. This commitment to delivery has enhanced the Company’s reputation within the industry to be one of the leading suppliers of possession delivery.

The team does just not work from the office; more often than not they all are trampling ballast as well, playing their part to meet our clients’ needs. The team is currently responsible for providing possession or AC/DC isolation support in the following territories:

• Thames Valley
• West Country
• Great Northern
• East Midlands
• West Coast Mainline (South)
• North East

In the last 12 months the Planning & Resource team has helped deliver almost 10,000 man hours on the railway. In addition to this they have been at the forefront of promoting safe working practices on the railway to all possession support staff within the business and have always made them self available to provide assistance to our clients whatever the time or day.

For these reasons we believe that our Possession & Resource team to be a worthy winner of Rail team of the year".

Name: Area North Team
Job title: Area North Team
Company: Northern Rail
Location: Cumbria

Why they should be this years rail team of the year?
“Managing disruption caused by severe weather is an operational hazard for transport operators but the extremely high rainfall and sustained, severe flooding during November 2009 presented an extraordinary challenge to the local team at Northern Rail.

In November 2009, Cumbria experienced its heaviest rainfall since records began, causing towns and villages across the region to be evacuated. Torrential rainfall at Workington – coupled with a surge of water off the fells of the Lake District - caused the River Derwent to burst its banks, resulting in extensive flooding and property damage. Within three days all the road and foot bridges across the river had collapsed or been closed by the police through safety concerns. The district was effectively cut in two and communities set adrift.

With the roads jammed and the bridges either down or closed, the railway became a lifeline for the people of the Workington district: the only way across the river. Without bridges, a car journey that would ordinarily take 15 minutes now took a round trip of an hour and a half or more.

The close working relationship between the rail companies in Cumbria and the local authorities has delivered significant improvements for passengers across the county in recent years. It was this relationship that was to prove vital as everyone worked together ensuring the railway kept communities and people connected.

The staff in Cumbria did an outstanding job following the devastation caused by the flooding.

Many of the team who work in Cumbria were personally affected by the flooding but that did not deter them from their duties, in fact they rallied around to ensure customers were looked after, stations cleaned, and trains kept running.

The railway became the lifeline for the town which had been divided with the collapse of the road bridge and many of the customers had never used a train before. Retail staff devised emergency rosters to ensure frontline coverage out at stations, helping customers, providing information and liaising with industry partners.

All staff cancelled leave to come into work and help out. Their commitment and dedication meant that many were making lengthy detours (with some individuals having to walk for over 2 hours just to get to work) to make sure they could help passengers now reliant on the railway.

The response by Northern employees to the floods was truly teamwork at its best and all involved delivered great customer service in very difficult conditions. The team in Cumbria are extremely proud of their railway and this was never as evident as during this crisis. They deserve to be recognised for their heroic efforts”.

Date of event: 18-8-10

Name: Peterborough Train Station
Job title: Platform staff and Information Controllers
Company: East Coast
Location: Peterborough

Why they should be this years rail team of the year?
“The staff at Peterborough are friendly, approachable, enthusiastic, safety minded, dedicated, calm and professional. They have a good rapport with regular travellers and infrequent travellers alike. Always on hand to help with a smile the staff are very knowledgeable and kind.

Patience is important in a customer facing role, and there is no lack of it at Peterborough.

During times of disruption, the team really comes into their own. Everyone knows what they need to do, and they do it in an efficient manner trying their best to run things as smoothly as possible and keep passengers informed.

One example of this is the disruption caused by a broken down train. With over 6 hours worth of delays, and hundreds of distressed passengers, the staff at Peterborough stayed on past their booking off time to assist in a calm, professional manner”.

Date of event: 14-8-10

Name: Craigentinny Stores Team
Job title: Store Men
Company: East Coast main line
Location: Craigentinny Depot Edinburgh

Why they should be this years rail team of the year?
"The team continually excel when audited internally and externally by all our customers. Their scores back from the audits are perfect and on a bad day near perfect. During our severe winter the guys where out clearing roads, walkways and ensuring safe access and egress to the depot. They even supported the fleet by taking material down to Heaton in Newcastle themselves when all our delivery suppliers refused due to weather conditions.

I couldn’t think of a team on the depot more deserving as they have consistently supported the depot in all depot activities whether associated with their day to day duties or not. This team have gone beyond the call of duty on more than one occasion and this award would be great recognition of their commitment to the depot and company".

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"They make a great team and always work to the highest standard".

Date of event: 18-8-10

Name: SI/GI Team
Job title: SI/GI Team
Company: Bridgeway Consulting Ltd
Location: Nottingham

Why they should be this years rail team of the year?
"Within the last twelve months the SI/GI team at BCL have developed beyond all recognition and have become known to clients as the place to come to when you need a challenging site delivered. Unlike other companies the BCL SI/GI team are railway people who understand the complexities of accessing the rail infrastructure; when this is combined with the extensive technical experience of the team it produces a winning combination. All lead drillers are safety critical trained to a minimum of Controller of Site Safety (COSS) standard with some having further Engineering Supervisor (ES) qualifications.

Testament to this attitude are the prestigious projects the team has been involved in which includes but is not limited to;

Evergreen 3
Nottingham Re-Signalling
Route 17 Improvements
Vauxhall Station Re-Development
Redditch Cross – City Link

This attitude and willingness to deliver has lead the team to organically grow to meet ever increasing workloads and build upon it’s successes. This has resulted in the team being one of the largest growth areas within the successful business Bridgeway Consulting Ltd".

Date of event: 16-8-10

Name: Civils Examination Framework Agreement Team
Job title: Civils Examination Framework Agreement Team
Company: Amey
Location: Nationwide

Why they should be this years rail team of the year?
"It is said, that when something looks right and feels right, it is ofen right. CEFA is no exception.

CEFA was conceived by Network Rail to consolidate contract and supplier interfaces in order to achieve improved consistency of civils assest management services and to improve safety, innovation and value for money. CEFA was awarded to Amey in 2009 and replaced some 20 separate contracts with 15 suppliers across 5 territories, constituting an unprecedented bold strategic move in the delivery of first-line civils asset inspection, assessment and rapid response inspection services on the Network.

The 450 strong CEFA team was mobilised between April and June 2009 following a novel phased TUPE approach from the wider consulting supply chain to Amey. A brand new templated national organisation was implemented to be efficient and flexible across Network Rail routes, but focussed enough to deliver to local engineering clients. The team was pulled together to deliver a £200m contract over a 5 year period.

From the very first workshop the Amey/Network Rail management team formed a close bond and understood the need to work together at a very high level. This was vital in order to prove all the industury sceptics wrong and demonstrate this this bold move was the right one.

The management team decided that the three main factors involved in the development of a good team, namely communication, team balance and leadership, would form the pillars of the project. This coupled with the team's common objective; "be a world-class asset management team that develops a culture that leads to the successful and safe operation of an asset management service, and enjoy the experience along the way", laid the foundations for what has been an extraordinary journey over the last 12 months.

The CEFA team work together, have respect for each other, and help one another when needed. They understand each others views and respect them.

CEFA is not a formal partnering arrangement, but the team has successfully adopted a unique 'partnering style' management approach, which is free of ambiguous understanding, instead taking robust ownership of contractual responsibilities.

Post mobilisation, this newly created organisation has delivered the annual volume of circa 120,000 asset inspections in 11 effective periods and within budget. Everybody from the newly trained Examining Engineer, right up to the Directors has formed a very close bond, and all team members help each other to deliver the contract. Recent real-life examples of this include:

* "Richard, thanks so much for your email detailing your initial findings and undertaking the site work at short notice. Brilliant job."
* "I wanted to make you aware that I have been very impressed and grateful for Amey's support at short notice."
* "I'm impressed with the speed at which things have progressed, many thanks for your efforts."

What really makes the team outstanding is the desire to go the extra mile, to make the extra effort and deliver something not just good, but fantastic.

Going forward, the team has devised and progressed strategic initiatives to lay the foundation for achieving further, safer developments for the future railway, including:
* Military style dynamic risk assessment training for all site operatives
* Cutting edge lone-working technology development
* Vehicle tracking applications to develop logistical planning, carbon consumption and fatigue analysis
* PRINCE2 management processes and Asset Data system development.

A good team consists of people who are communicative, cooperative, pragmatic and respectful. The CEFA team members have all of these qualities, with the added bonus of being good listeners, which helps achieve a solution quickly and with less stress!

The cultural shift in this team over the last year is remarkable and provides a good blue print for other teams to follow. The CEFA team outputs are the primary source of Network Rail's asset knowledge to ensure safe performance of assets for their whole life cycle. The CEFA team's hands-on approach to asset stewardship, safety and technical compliance by being the frontline 'eyes and ears' on the network ensure compliance to ORR requirements, and are fast approaching best practice within its class".

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"I would like to nominate the CEFA team at Amey for their commited drive and enthusiasm to deliver all aspects of work on time and budget to the satisfaction of the client. Also for going that extra mile to accommodate every request from the client".

Date of event: 13-8-10

Name: Bridgen Rail Team - Valerie Thomas, Paula Palmer, Lynn Coysten and Clare Payne
Job title: Training Co-Ordinators
Company: Bridgen Training Services Ltd
Location: West Horndon, Essex

Why they should be this years rail team of the year?
“I would like to nominate the girls at Bridgen Training as candidates for Rail Team of the Year. These girls have been working together over 12 years, firstly with Cannon Training and have stayed together when the company changed to Bridgen Training and nothing is ever too much trouble for them. Few companies can boast of staff remaining as a group for this period of time. They are all well known individually and as a team to clients across England and whatever is thrown at them regarding Network Rail, London Underground, safety courses or any unusual courses they constantly go out of their way to ensure that they do everything possible to try to get the training done. They will assist in out based training and course to be held at difficult training times.

The team at Bridgen are without fail polite, always ready to have a laugh and joke and all the girls cover every aspect of running the school, so that whenever anybody is away they will step in to take over, whatever the role. You are never kept on hold and if they haven't got the course required planned they will put one on for you. They have been known in the past to go beyond their roles, for example on one particular occasion a candidate collapsed during a course and they immediately contacted the emergency services and a First Aider. They made them comfortable and helped calm them and ensured privacy until the ambulance arrived. The candidates company later passed on their appreciation for the assistance given. If candidates are distressed they will spend time with them whatever the circumstances.

The four girls that run the office are constantly challenged with new courses. Recently they have had to gain knowledge regarding Signalling & Testing, Overhead Line and NVQ courses. They have also attended training in identification of fraudulent passport and documentation. They are encouraged to sit on courses like PTS, Manual Hand and First Aid to give them a greater understanding of exactly what the courses entail.

Bridgen Training is a close knit and very sociable school and the girls enjoy partaking in a whole range of charitable events. In the past year they have hosted various functions in aid of Cancer which have included the Bake A Cake Day for Breast Cancer where all the girls and trainers baked cakes and sold them throughout the day to raise money. They have joined in various fun runs and had a Fun Day for staff and families for the local hospice.

They regularly decorate the school for various occasions such a St. Georges Day, Christmas and most recently for the World Cup.

There is no greater team out there as they are all great friends and are worthy contenders for Team of the Year”.

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“The whole team at Bridgen Training are friendly, efficient, cheerful and, above all, flexible. The team are supremely flexible in amending course dates, putting on extra courses at a moments notice and I can honestly say that they are, without doubt, the best training company I have experienced in my 16 years in the Rail industry”.

Date of event: 13-8-10

Name: Perth Delivery Unit
Job title: Perth Delivery Unit
Company: Network Rail
Location: Perth

Why they should be this years rail team of the year?
"Scotland Route experienced some of the worst winter weather in the last 30 years. This started on 18/12/09 and continued in many areas until early March, comprising temperatures consistently below zero to -22 deg and many days of prolonged snowfall, up to 3” of snow over a 24hr period, resulting in road and airport closures and transport disruption of an unprecedented scale.

Due to the extreme weather a freight train derailed on 4th January 2010 at a set of catch points at Carrbridge following probable break failure, closing the Highland line between Inverness and Aviemore. Despite the horrendous weather conditions the Maintenance teams battled the conditions and effected repairs to get the line open again in nine days.

This was a team effort across Maintenance and Operations with the assistance of the TOC and FOC to reinstate the track, signalling and telecoms infrastructure extensively damaged by the derailment.
David Simpson, route director Scotland, said: “The weather presented an enormous and relentless challenge to our people across the rail network but the Highlands saw more snow and lower temperatures than anywhere else in the country. I am full of admiration for the job our people did across the region.
“The derailment was the biggest challenge we faced over this period and I think our resilience was demonstrated throughout.”

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"Dedicated, determined and for going above and beyond their role".

Date of event: 12-8-10

Name: Scotland route maintenance team
Job title: Scotland route maintenance team
Company: Network Rail
Location: Scotland

Why they should be this years rail team of the year?
"Scotland Route – August – it rained, and rained and rained. Then came December, and it snowed, snowed some more and then it really snowed! Temperatures plummeted to -22 degrees, consistently being below zero until March, and beyond in many areas. Conservative reports had it as the worse winter in 30 years. In the far North snow was still falling at the end of May.

Despite this extreme weather the valiant efforts of our Maintenance teams endeavoured to keep the railways open achieving amazing levels of success, often being the only mode of transport available, indeed putting on additional services to accommodate air and road users trapped by the conditions. Incredibly we still managed to achieve a weekly average Public Performance Measure above 60% during the worst of the weather. The conditions our teams worked in were more akin to Artic explorers yet they defied the conditions to provide a service to our customers. When the snow eventually cleared the ground the performance recovery of our teams bringing the asset back to condition was nothing short of phenomenal. To coin a phrase: “never in the field of railway history was so much owed by so many to so few”!

Date of event: 1-12-09

Name: Revenue Protection Officer's
Job title: Revenue Protection
Company: Virgin Trains
Location: London Euston

Why they should be this years rail team of the year?
"I would like to nominate the Revenue Protection Officers for an award in recognition of their complete professionalism whilst working under extreme pressure.

On a normal working day between the hours of 08:30 and 14:30 the team were dealing with an overcrowding situation on the London, Lancaster and Glasgow routes.

On this day the team performed to the highest standard to prevent overcrowding in a very hostile situation, taking a lot of customer feedback and abuse.

Once the trains had departed the team then professionally processed and dealt with the many customers that were left behind that required forward travel. The same situation was repeated for every xx.30 departure between 09:30 -14:30.

I was actually involved on this day from start to finish and I was so proud to see how professional and calm the team reacted to the situation and how they relished the challenge when a plan was implemented, which benefited their on board colleagues.

Many times my staff were verbally abused but each time the situation was defused and that is a creditable considering the volume of customers that they faced over the time period".

Date of event: 24-6-10

Name: Appleby LOM Area Team
Job title: Appleby LOM Area Team
Company: Network Rail
Location: Cumbria

Why they should be this years rail team of the year?
"As the Appleby local operations manager, I would like to nominate the signallers at Blea Moor, both the resident signalling staff and relief signalling staff, along with the Appleby mobile operations managers.

Blea Moor is the most isolated signal box in the country with a 20 minute walk over the moor to reach the box.

Last winter the area experienced six foot snow drifts and temperatures recorded at -17ºC. Through sheer determination and teamwork, all the signallers reported for duty for all of their booked shifts. Some even had to sleep in their cars just so they could make it to work while others left in the early hours of the morning to make sure they were at the box for the start of their shift. As if this was not enough, the arctic-like temperatures resulted in all the water pipes freezing in the box. The signallers carried on however without a single complaint.

Where do the mobile operations managers come in?

Blea Moor is a single line railway and due to the amount of snow the team of mobile operations managers attended the location, driving and walking through the snow drifts, to help make sure the rail service could continue. The team could be found scraping snow out of the points on a daily basis as well as shovelling snow away from the signalling wires. All this work was carried out in temperatures well below zero.

I believe that if it wasn’t for the determination of each of these people, the excellent teamwork between themselves and respect for all passengers, then there would not have been any services running on the Settle – Carlisle line.
To me the team have shown, beyond all doubt, pride in their jobs and I am proud to say that I am their manager".

Date of event: 1-1-10

Name: Framework Team Scotland
Job title: Framework Team Scotland
Company: Carillion Civil Engineering
Location: Bishopbriggs, Glasgow

Why they should be this years rail team of the year?
“I would like to nominate the Network Rail Framework Team Scotland for the Rail Team of the Year Award for their speedy and professional response to emergency works. They are a dedicated team who constantly who go over and above what is required of them to ensure that there is minimum disruption to Network Rail Infrastructure and Services in Scotland. Two examples of the some of the emergency works they have faced in 2010:- Following the derailment of a freight train on 4th January at Carrbridge train station, the team worked around the clock in temperatures as low as -21°C to remove the train. Due to the extraordinary effort by the team, services re-commenced on the Inverness to Perth route on the 12th January. Following a train derailment on the Glasgow to Oban service on Sunday on 6th June which left carriages precariously balanced over the edge of an embankment, the framework team came to the aid of Network Rail assisting with the removal of the carriages. Under all types circumstances the team continues to be committed to working collaboratively to ensure professional delivery”.

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"For their dedication, professionalism and for going above and beyond their role with the derailment on the Glasgow to Oban service in june 2010".

Date of event: 6-6-10

Name: GCS Learning and Development
Job title: GCS Learning & Development Team
Company: TfL
Location: London

Why they should be this years rail team of the year?
“I would like to nominate the Transport for London Group Customer Services Learning & Development Team as Rail Team of the Year 2010.

Though only a small team, they have a massive impact on the development of their colleagues and the effective implementation of major projects helping to deliver fantastic world-beating customer service to the capital’s public transport users. The team of just 4 people administer and either design and deliver or source the training needed or requested by over 500 staff in departments such as; the Lost Property Office, The Oystercard Helpline and Travel Information Centre’s. If you’ve used any of TfL’s travel information services odds are the people responsible have been trained by them!

The team constantly works at ensuring the service they provide is tailored to those who need it and never turns away an enquiry and are always in contact with the business to make sure their materials are up-to-date and relevant. They are innovative and proactive and have won awards for initiatives such as introducing an ‘eco-model’ to staff induction training.

As well as the regular work of bringing recruits effectively into the business, there’s a long list of projects where they have supported the introduction of new technologies, ensuring users are fully trained on time and to the highest possible standard: When in late 2009, the National train operating companies agreed to accept the Oyster Card, the team were tasked with training over 350 staff including some from outside their organisation in the relevant workings of 10 external companies in less than a month whilst delivering temp staff induction training and customer service workshops for other departments. The materials and plans won praise from London Travel Watch. In the spring of this year the team designed a bespoke package to help develop staff selling techniques resulting in improved sales in some cases of 10%-20%.

The team of Rob Burlace (Manager), Nino Amoroso, Ushwin Pai and Simon Lee (Trainers) really contribute to always improve the standards of TfL customer service and develop the skills and opportunities of those they support”.

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Rob Burlace leads a strong team for Training and Development, his team has provided full support and training within many modes of Transport for London (TfL) one of the latest projects his team was involved in was the Oyster Expansion on National Rail (OXNR) this was in relation to Oyster pay as you go expanding onto National Rail (NR) the Training Team had put together and exceptional training package that was launched to TfL colleagues who work in relation to Oyster and Associated Train Companies (ATOC) colleagues within a very small time frame, the training was successfully rolled out before the launch, the Training Team also provided full support to all modes of colleagues after the launch and informed them of any changes if necessary.

Rob’s team has also provided away day training sessions for colleagues and courses that colleagues can go on to excel their skills, knowledge and experience in the work place. The Training Team has always endeavoured to provided colleagues with training sessions to help drive their motivation and build on their collaboration skills, it is a necessity for all modes of colleagues to work together as a whole which will benefit the company and this is one of the aspects that the Training Team has provided.

"The Training Team has helped colleagues in the Oyster call centre evolve in their interpersonal skills and this has helped colleagues communicate with each other, colleagues are become more proactive and seek to find answers themselves if they cannot answer the customer enquiry".

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"I am in the lucky position of having being trained by each member of this team (Rob, Nino, Ushwin and Simon). Not only have all of these staff been professional and thorough in their work, they have all gone the extra mile to ensure that my needs were met before, during and after the sessions that they wrote and organised.

They provide the training needs for a massive department of over 600 staff (circa) and never shirk from these needs and any extra work needed. They have been praised at all levels of the business and are relied on by many diverse departments and staff from customer service to directorial as subject matter experts and counsel with regards to best practise.

These guys are an essential section of Transport for London, and without them the various departments and customer service centres would not function at the capacity that they do. I have not experienced a team of this quality in any other business I have worked in, and as a consultant for a large prestigious firm, I have seen a lot of these teams and am able to judge.

They are truly worthy of this prize"

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"I would wholeheartedly like to nominate the TfL Customer Services Learning and Development Team for the Team of the Year Award.
As a project manager at TfL Customer Services many of my projects start and end with the L&D Team. They begin with their knowledge and expertise of in the work we do here – Oyster cards, ticketing, travel around London – and end with the team delivering training to our 400+ customer-facing staff.
Led by the formidable Rob, spearheaded by the forthright Ushwin and supported by the charming Nino, the troops deliver training to no less than 600 staff in Transport for London’s Customer Service teams every year.
At the start of 2010 the ability to use Oyster Pay As You Go to travel was introduced across London’s national rail network. This represented the largest change in services since the introduction of Oyster cards back in 2003. Our customer base doubled over night and this massive increase in complexity demanded not only training but a specialist fares application to help us service customers.
Rob’s team, and in particular Ushwin, led the way in preparing and delivering the training to the Oyster Helpdesk and the Travel Information Call Centre (400 people).
Preparation for the big day had been happening for many months and the Herculean effort put in by the L&D Team has to be commended for helping it all go off without a hitch.
It all went live, Londoners have been going about their business ever since and we were ready. Job done".

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"I would like to wholeheartedly endorse the GCS L&D Team for Rail Team of the Year. In 2009/2010 I have worked for TfL and for South East Trains and whilst at both companies I have seen the influence of the excellent products that this team has produced.



Once Oyster cards were to be used on National Rail, I was employed to work on the transfer and to ensure that all customer facing staff were equipped to deal with it.

This team not only provided all the materials necessary, but did the research, the creation, the networking, and acted as subject matter experts on rail travel, Oyster card usage, and went out of their way to ensure training material was available and disseminated in not only TfL, but the various NR companies in London. They truly worked for Transport for London with no boundaries of company stopping them putting the customer first.



The unbelievable amount of work put into this project in a relatively short amount of time was evident in the exemplary materials created, and the success of the entire project so far is largely to do with the solid ground work that this team provided. They were working extremely long hours outside of work hour for no extra pay or benefit, bar the success of the project, and the comfort for the millions of Londoners who needed a successful transition to a new ticketing method.



Teams like this are a rarity to come across and should be held up as a beacon to others. GCS L&D I salute the dedication and care you show with everything you task yourselves to do, and I am sure that if it were possible, the 3 million Londoners who utilise the rail network daily, would thank you for your exceptional work, diligence and modesty - I know I do. You deserve the recognition, and praise"

Date of event: 30-3-10

Name: Saltley Depot Team
Job title: Depot Team
Company: Amey Colas
Location: Saltley

Why they should be this years rail team of the year?
“I would like to nominate the Saltley Depot team for the Rail Team of the Year Award in recognition of their maintenance of an impeccable safety record and consistent delivery of a quality product to the client.

A year ago, two ACJV depots were merged, with both separate teams being brought together in the new location of Saltley. Despite facing a massive re-organsation and budget cuts, the team has continued to work to an exceptionally high level; pulling together to ensure that projects continue to come in on time and under budget. One particular example of this is the first S and C installation using the Modular method which has taken place this month.

The team has continued to achieve great things despite the many challenges facing them in this tough economic period, and for that they really do deserve to win this award”.

Date of event: 23-5-10

Name: Amey Colas Team
Job title: Amey Colas Team
Company: Amey Colas
Location: Bristol Parkway

Why they should be this years rail team of the year?
“I would like to nominate the Amey Colas team in the Rail Team of the Year Award as they constantly go above and beyond what is required of them.

For the past five years the Amey Colas team has volunteered to help with the Wildlife Trust, with this year's activity taking place at Whelford Pools Nature Reserve, near Fairford. Eleven members of the team, ranging from Receptionists to SEQ Managers helped to clear shrubs and improve habitats in the area so that wildlife and visitors alike can continue to enjoy the reserve.

The efforts of the Amey Colas staff in this project demonstrate perfectly what kind of team they are. Their willingness to work together on all projects is impressive, and their desire to serve the wider community is apparent in everything they do”.

Date of event: 23-6-10

Name: OTM Team, Logistics
Job title: OTM Team, Logistics
Company: Amey
Location: Sutton Courtney, Oxon

Why they should be this years rail team of the year?
"Every member of the OTM team works extremely hard on a daily basis to provide safe and efficient OTM services to Network Rail. This excellent team consists of over 100 people and includes individuals working in a wide variety of areas, from admin and management roles, to operators and planners. The one thing everyone has is common is that we all live and breathe the Amey values to ensure the current and future success of OTM. Consequently, it is the most profitable business sector of Amey Logistics, turning over £12.5 million per year".

Date of event: 24-5-10

Name: Baker Street Station First Aid Team
Job title: Fist Aid Team
Company: London Underground
Location: Baker Street Underground station

Why they should be this years rail team of the year?
“I am nominating the station staff team at Baker St Station for the dedication to delivering high levels of customer care and responding to the specific needs of customers.

In December last year, a customer suffered a fit on a train and suffered a serious facial injury and bleeding. A letter from a doctor present stated 'The station staff appeared almost instantly with first aid equipment protective gloves etc., and were utterly efficient in clearing the public from the scene, sealing the platform and ensuring the privacy of the casualty and the safety of public. After checking with me that it was appropriate and safe, they removed the casualty from the train and gently placed him on a blanket on the platform. Nothing was too much trouble and they clearly had a good knowledge of first-aid and the need to keep the casualty's airway safe. Their calmness and gentleness were exemplary.

I have to say that you should be proud of the team at Baker St and Londoners can be reassured that they are in good hands should things go wrong'.

Date of event: 1-4-10

Name: Paul Haynes & Team
Job title: Premises and structures Manager
Company: London Underground
Location: Templar Hse Holborn

Why they should be this years rail team of the year?
“Following the demise of Metronet Paul and his team continued to maintain a consistent helpful service in respect of the Minor Works. Paul is always on hand to assist and nothing was too much trouble for the team that works for him. When help was needed he was always on hand. I needed a solution for safety issues for Victoria station and Paul immediately found a solution through his team”.
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"Paul’s team (of four people that manage the interface between London Underground Operations and the LUL Maintenance team), not only seek estimates and quotations they also co ordinate and manage the works effectively from inception through to completion, whilst meeting all LUL and Statutory requirements.

The Minor works team facilitates jobs requested by LUL Operations staff, this could be anything from a new shelf to brand new staff accommodation requirements.

Paul and his team also manage the Company’s graffiti eradication programme which has not only delivered great improvements in the appearance of our track line side areas but has also resulted in the receipt of a European Graffiti Management award last year.

The team have been very successful over the past seven years developing new ways of working, offering improved services and meeting their customers needs and requirements.

Their nomination for this award is well deserved…..”

Date of event: 29-3-10

Name: Project Management Office
Job title: Oyster Program Manager
Company: Transport for London
Location: Albany House, London SW1H 0BD

Why they should be this years rail team of the year?
"The Project Management Office (PMO) team have brought Oyster forward into the next generation they have initiated changes for Oyster Helpline on system applications, computer upgrades, refunds processes... PMO have initiated changes of Oyster pay as you go onto National Rail (NR).

PMO have initiated many changes within Oyster to improve the efficiency of the service provided to customers, they have also spotted colleagues within Oyster who have the ability to excel and given them the opportunity to learn different skills and experiences within Transport for London (TfL) Oyster, colleagues have been seconded for Project Management, Testing, Floor Walking for new system applications...

Even to this date now they are still implementing changes that will evolve Oyster even further, which will improve the efficiency of the service provided to the end users (customers)".

Date of event: 6-4-10