The RailStaff Awards 2024

Nominations for Rail Person of the Year

Donna Qualtrough

Said the following about Robert Lewis:

“It was a pleasure working with Rob (Senior Agent) and his team on the Lincoln Eastern Bypass Scheme (LEB). Rob drives himself and those that work alongside him to innovate, solve problems and set high standards on site; even to the point of painting the site offices and having window boxes with flowers in. This may seem strange, but it created a professional environment, and one that people took pride in and looked after.

Rob didn’t just focus on the programme and completing the work safety, but he also challenged the team to think about the environment and develop their skills. I believe that the apprentices on site benefitted tremendously from working on this scheme, and were encouraged to contribute and develop skills that will put them in a good position for their future careers.

On site there was an open and honest environment where everyone’s opinion was important, this was shown in the way close calls were encouraged, discussed and acted upon. People were encouraged to take ownership and have pride in the site, and the decision was made to allow one person to be responsible for tracking safety on a weekly rotation. This would allow them to step-back from the day job, and examine working practices to see where activities could be undertaken in a safer manner.

Rob interacted well with the other contractors working in the area, and even helped improve the safety practices of the team of archaeologists working on the site. This Included guiding them through the process of signing up to the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS). This is the first time a company of archaeologists have signed up to CSCS. Not only did the site sign up, but the company has too.

There was a blanket policy that everyone going on site had to be tested for drugs and alcohol, something which at times created an issue if people were turned away from site, but it sent a clear message about what this project was trying to achieve in terms of safety.

The team successfully ran a truly paperless worksite, something driven by Rob and which inspired many people that visited the site. Even during the main possession and under pressure, the team managed the process paperless (utilising iPads) without compromising the standards of the project; in fact, it may have helped.“

Darryl White

Said the following about Robert Lewis:

“I have worked with Rob on and off over the last 9 years and what impresses me most is his ability to constantly strive to better himself. But not only himself, but of all those around him at every level. He does not ask anyone to do anything he would not do himself and puts significant time and effort into encouraging and teaching young apprentices.

Rob looks to actively involve himself in all aspects of a projects lifecycle pushing boundaries along the way. Recently Rob introduced a paperless office and site, this meant changing the mind set of his colleagues along which involved significant upskilling introducing iPads to the workforce. This provided significant savings, both environmentally and commercially, but also creating efficiency with regards to document control.

Knowing that Rob is on site, provides me with confidence that the project is in good hands and being managed professionally and honestly.“