The RailStaff Awards 2024

Anthony Battrum

Network Rail Certification Body (NCB)

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Shane Andrews MBE

Said the following about Anthony Battrum:

“Anthony has been instrumental in creating and embedding a training programme called 'Archway Allies'.

Archway Allies is a training programme for colleagues who are allies of the LGBT+ community. It allows them a chance to be up-skilled on the issues facing their colleagues who identify as LGBT+. The one day ground breaking course has been developed specifically for Network Rail, led by Anthony and a team from a charitable organisation called 'Inclusive Employers'.

Anthony has orchestrated delivery of the course in each of Network Rail's routes, including locations such as Milton Keynes, Manchester, Swindon, Birmingham, London, York, Glasgow and Cardiff.

Feedback is positive from the 100s who've attended the course so far, one that stood out in particular was a colleague in Cardiff who said "As someone who really detests courses I found the day flew by and I'd rate today 10 out of 10!"

Without Anthony's commitment and diligence, this programme being created, launched and embedded within the business would not have been possible. Thanks Anthony!“

Harry Levey

Said the following about Anthony Battrum:

“Nominating Anthony Battrum for this award has been a very easy decision. Anthony has consistently brought dedication, enthusiasm, and passion for improving LGBT+ equality to his voluntary role as an Allies’ Officer for Archway - Network Rail’s LGBT+ Staff Network.

Anthony has channelled this passion for LGBT+ equality into developing, trailing and implemented an industry-leading Allies training course for Network Rail and the wider rail industry this year. Anthony was instrumental in bringing the course to fruition and has given up a significant amount of personal time, regularly working evenings and weekends to ensure the course’s success. The course itself educates attendees on issues faced by their LGBT+ colleagues in the workplace, provides a safe space for attendees to explore what being an ally means, and empowers them to create an inclusive workplace for LGBT+ colleagues. As a result of Anthony’s dedication and enthusiasm, 42 Allies have been trained since the course went live, with a further 150 colleagues set to be trained over the next 6 months.

Aside from developing the Allies training course this year, Anthony has regularly advocated for the importance of LGBT+ Allies by holding ‘lunch and learns’, talking to senior leaders, presenting at conferences and talking to the Network Magazine - Network Rail’s company magazine – to encourage others to become LGBT+ Allies. Anthony’s efforts have helped to increase the number of LGBT+ Allies within Network Rail and the wider rail industry.

Anthony regularly works additional hours in his full-time paid role to ensure that he can attend Archway leadership meetings during working hours. Whilst on the leadership team, Anthony has consistently been an integral part; always offering a positive attitude and encouraging us in our own committee rule.

On a personal note, I joined Archway’s Leadership team shortly after joining Network Rail as a Graduate, where I was introduced to Anthony Battrum who instantly made me felt welcomed and accepted. Furthermore, Anthony has consistently reached out to me, offering his time to help mentor me and provide advice which has made my time in the role far easier.

It's clear, Anthony’s dedication and hard work has helped to successfully develop the Allies Training Course, continually advocated for the importance of LGBT+ Allies, and has helped to grow the number of Allies within Network Rail and the Rail industry. The time and effort Anthony has put into, and continues to put into, his Allies Officer role is inspiring and a reflection of how much he genuinely cares about LGBT+ Equality and improving the lives of LGBT+ colleagues within the Network Rail and the wider rail industry.“