The RailStaff Awards 2024

Nominations for Rail Person of the Year

Jenny Ericson

Said the following about Robert Mickleburgh:

“I would like to nominate Robert Mickleburgh for Rail Person of the Year as he has been extremely supportive of me since I started with Southern as a trainee driver. On my first day of cab experience I arrived bleary-eyed at Victoria at 5am but the driver I had been assigned to couldn't take me in their cab. Rob very kindly stepped in and offered to take me with his trainee so I wouldn't miss out. Ever since then he has gone out of his way to help me settle in at Southern, introducing me to other drivers and colleagues, and making me feel welcome. This meant a lot to me as I was a little nervous about changing my career and entering into a male-dominated environment.

Rob has given me lots of help and encouragement along the way, initially with cab experience and hints on route learning, where I feel he went above and beyond what is expected by going through extra things, for example activation of emergency alarms and traction problems.

Later on in the course Rob became my Driving Instructor. I found Rob to be very calm, confident and precise in his instructions, leading me to feel confident in my own driving and associated knowledge. It was also extremely helpful to witness Rob dealing with common incidents on the railway (passcomms, passengers taken ill etc.), again displaying calm confidence and dealing with problems efficiently and professionally.

Thanks again for all your help Rob!“

Stefano D'alessio

Said the following about Robert Mickleburgh:

“Rob has been helping me through a transitional period of my life of becoming a father. He's helped me from a professional and personal way supporting me every time I needed help, that's why I think he deserves this award!“

Gabriel Ibobo

Said the following about Robert Mickleburgh:

“I would like to nominate Robert Mickleburgh for the Rail person of the year as he is a people's person and very supportive of me. Every other trainee of Rob Mickleburgh’s that I have spoken with, all have fantastic stories about Rob. Rob helped me to settle in very well as I came into the Railway from a different career. I was introduced to many other members of staff by Robert which was very helpful and helped me to settle into a new work environment and career fast.

Robert is very easy to talk to and helpful. He has helped me on many occasions for example. At a point I was learning a very complex route and Rob helped me by drawing the route Map on a board and showing me points on that route where trains can be crossed over from fast to slow or vice versa and the method used by Rob was very interactive. Robert would ask me route related questions at different occasions when I am around him and this helps me very much. Robert is very happy to help even at this stage when I am already an established driver. For example when I had an incident I called him for advice and he supported me. He also helps me with my action plan at work and sometimes suggested an extra in class session where we can discuss non-technical skills which was not even part of the action plan. Rob will incorporate extra ideas as long as it helps me.

I have also witnessed Roberts’s professionalism to members of the public and I must say that Rob definitely has a very good customer service and an all-round very helpful person.“

Stefano D'alessio

Said the following about Robert Mickleburgh:

“I would like to nominate Rob Mickleburgh to the Rail Person of the Year Award as he has been an invaluable support to me and my family during the last 5 months. I started my 225 hours with Rob in January when my baby girl was only 6 weeks old. It was a challenging time for me on both professional and personal level. Rob really went out of his way to support me and help me achieve my goals. Rob is really dedicated and enthusiastic about his job as well as being friendly and approachable. His professionality and attention to details place him to be the very best instructor anyone can have. Rob is always happy to answer any questions and very keen to teach me the best and the safest way of driving. Being a driver instructor and assessor means that Rob was occupied with other drivers at times, but he made sure that I would get my hours done not matter what. I believe Rob really deserves the acknowledgement and recognition not only for his technical skills but also for his attitude towards his role.“

Carl Garrett

Said the following about Robert Mickleburgh:

“Robert is an exemplary Driving Instructor that goes out of his way to assist drivers.

He takes his role seriously and whether helping drivers to develop new skills or strengthen best practices he does so with a personal touch.“