The RailStaff Awards 2024

Harriet Sergent

Said the following about Joseph Hards:

“Joe's dedication to his team, the DU and to the people using the network are second to none.

His leadership is so effective because he is knowledgeable, hard-working and always happy to help and to teach others.

Joe has lead the team during huge incidents that effect the Main Line in to Paddington - the kind of events which are instantly all over the news with a calm head and encouraging nature.

Whether on call or not, he is always on hand to lead and to guide. Without his dedication to the railway these failures would not have been resolved within the timescale that they were causing huge delays for the company and disruption for passengers.

He also worked with project team to deliver technical resolution to allow new Hitachi rail fleet to successfully run on the patch and is always keen to be involved when it comes to encouraging the work force of tomorrow. He has given his time to educating young people about the potential careers available to them in the industry, this will strengthen the workforce of tomorrow.

Without Joe the depot would not be the same, both in terms of the work he does and the influence of his positive attitude.“