The RailStaff Awards 2024

Jessica Andrew

Said the following about Vital Trespass and Vandalism Patrollers:

“Vital have a team of 40 experienced and competent route patrollers, managed by Chris Gostling. Their dedicated role is to help decrease instances of suicide, trespass and vandalism across their working routes. Currently covering the London North East and East Midlands Route, 14 of the team are designated to the LNE north route, 18 to the LNE midlands route and 8 to the LNE south route. Since taking on the role of patrollers, they have all faced different kinds of challenges, as this is the duty of the job, including training, going above and beyond their duties and overcoming issues they have encountered through working together as a team.

Not only are the team working in partnership with Network Rail, they are also working closely in partnership with the British Transport Police and Samaritans. Our patrollers all go through Samaritans’ Managing Suicidal Contacts training so that they are fully equipped with a comprehensive knowledge of how to assist with any vulnerable people dealing with suicidal thoughts. They are being taught how to save lives.

As well as engaging day to day with the general public around the network, the patrollers are involved in supporting BTP and Network Rail awareness days within local communities. They help educate members of the public on the issues of trespass, vandalism and suicide on the rail network and also the impact mental health can have on an individual that may lead to suicidal thoughts. The information is delivered in a sensitive way but with real impact. Supporting communities has a really positive impact; imposing the patroller’s knowledge from Samaritans and BTP onto others can really have an impact on helping saves lives.“

Adam Smith

Said the following about Vital Trespass and Vandalism Patrollers:

“The Vital T&V Patrollers are a dedicated, caring team who make a real difference in the communities they operate within. Their roles are ever-changing and no one working day is the same. Specifically tasked with addressing a major yet highly sensitive issue to the industry, the Patrollers have been successful with multiple potentially life-saving interventions.

Working to improve the rail infrastructure for members of the public on a daily basis means they are worthy winners of Safety Team of the Year.“

Keith Woodcock

Said the following about Vital Trespass and Vandalism Patrollers:

“Have worked closely with Chris, Network Rail, BTP and all the patrollers ensuring that the correct vehicle and equipment will be available for them to carry out their duties.

Everyone I have spoken to are passionate about their work and how they can not only prevent issues but look to make the Rail network infrastructure a safer place to be for everyone“

Gary Hardaker

Said the following about Vital Trespass and Vandalism Patrollers:

“Fantastic work so far, very proud of everyone involved in the work.

In 2017-18 there was a 53% reduction in suicides on the Thameslink area covered by Vital who formed the backbone of operation Regatta the Joint NR-BTP-Vital-TOC operation in this area aiming to prevent suicide and trespass. This went from 21 to 9 in one year.

This increase in vigilant presence resulted in over 50 lifesaving interventions along the Thameslink lines of route with one patroller Iman Masoud doing 3 lifesaving interventions in this time. He was recognised by inclusion in an event on suicide prevention at Parliament.

In a year the Vital patrollers on the Thameslink area spent 157, 680 hours patrolling the most vulnerable locations.“