Lorna Richardson

Said the following about Callum Stopforth:

“Described by many as 'the go-to person' who is 'passionate', 'honest', 'dedicated', 'proactive', knowledgeable’, 'supportive', 'a shoulder to cry on', 'teammate' and 'friend', Callum Stopforth is extremely well-respected and liked by colleagues and clients alike.

With a career spanning 40-years, Callum has dedicated his life to developing others and progressing innovative digital rail technology to keep the railway running safely and efficiently, improving workforce procedures, and enhancing passenger experience.

Industry-renowned and known for his ability to overcome the most challenging signalling projects, Callum dedicated many years to and was instrumental in leading the testing and managing the interfaces for the high-profile and pioneering Crossrail Elizabeth Line.

Adept at early prediction of, and with the experience, capability and reputation to overcome any technical or delivery challenge, Callum's expertise instils confidence in his team and clients, and he is frequently called upon...day and night. His measured and calm approach to challenges motivates and inspires those around him with everyone feeling he 'has their back' and projects are in ‘safe hands’. Callum is always available to offer support and advice to everyone.

"Having Callum working in our projects over the last decade has enabled us to deliver challenging projects with demanding milestones that would not have been possible without Callum's skills, knowledge, friendly willingness to share and help delivering the outcomes.” Darren Dykstra - Programme Engineering Manager Western (East), Network Rail

Passionate about staff development, Callum established Alstom’s centre of testing excellence, created a structured accelerated training programme and provides the opportunity for employees gain experience in all areas of signalling to increase the industries testing skill base.

Supporting and mentoring numerous colleagues through their grades and competence, Callum has personally developed several licensed Principles Testers from Functional Tester roles in just three years, a significant achievement that has helped to bridge the critical resource skills gap.

Leading by example, Callum has created an environment that encourages and facilitates colleagues to learn from one another, share best practice and lessons learnt and to drive for continuous improvement.

Committed to attracting the next generation of future testers, recognising and appreciating the comparable skills ex-military personnel can bring to the rail industry, Callum has championed the recruitment of many forces veterans since 2014.

"I was afforded excellent opportunities to progress which led to me gaining valuable experience, evidence and mentorships from some of the best testers in the industry and allowed me to gain my IRSE licences in short order. Even though Callum was full of encouragement for us to succeed, it was always with the proviso that it was done with safety, professionalism and standards at the forefront. If he believed you weren't ready, he would ensure extra mentorship was available and you would only be put forward for your next license if you were competent and happy to take the next step. Callum strives to develop the ex-forces and other personnel with an eye constantly on the future of the railway and what it will become. He is now actively encouraging us all to learn new skills such as SmartIO, Frauscher, ElectroLogIXS and other new technologies and skills." Alan Clarke (ex-forces), Alstom Assistant TIC

Consequently, Callum has created a high-performing team across principles, systems and trackside functional testing, helping to bridge the industry skills gap, especially in the highly skilled and finite signalling competence talent pool.

Passionate about creating a safer and more efficient working environment, Callum is a key member of the Network Rail Testing & Commissioning (T&C) Assurance group and collaborates with industry peers and supply chains, sharing best practice and lessons learned across the industry. Callum's unrelenting commitment and dedication to signalling is recognised by many:

"I and my fellow T&C Assurance group members would like to express our sincere thanks, utmost gratitude and appreciation for the excellent dedicated service Callum has given and provided over many years. His expertise gained over many years and across a wide range of signalling schemes, from mechanical and electrical interlocking through to the more modern types covering ETCS, is second to none and achieved though continuous professional development and direct interaction. Callum is the type of signalling engineer who is always there, available at the drop of the hat and one that takes pride in sharing knowledge with others, especially new signalling engineers who wish to develop and learn. Myself and my team have always considered Callum as being proactive, very supportive and his input has always been well-received." Les Biggs, Project Engineering Manager T&C Assurance Network Rail

Callum's professionalism, experience and expertise, combined with his can-do attitude, personable approach and easy-to-understand manner has earned him the respect and numerous plaudits from both clients and colleagues:

"Having worked with Callum as the client on numerous projects, I can honestly say that I have always found him able to not only deliver the end product but to also do it in a way that understood the client’s needs. I found his passion, honesty, knowledge, experience and ability to openly discuss issues in a manner everyone could understand a real positive and ultimately aided the successful completion of the projects we delivered together." Jeremy Jackson - Project Director Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU Central), Network Rail

With his extensive knowledge of legacy and digital rail technology, engineering expertise and delivery experience, Callum is the 'go-to' person not just for members of his team but the wider rail industry and is relied on to support and challenge issues or critical decision points.

A consummate professional, Callum's dedication to the rail industry is inspiring to all. Extremely knowledgeable and well-respected, Callum is committed to the development of others, exploring and progressing innovative digital rail technology to benefit and future-proof the railway is admirable. Callum always goes above and beyond, getting involved and supporting others to achieve the ultimate goal of keeping the railway running safely and efficiently to enhance the passenger experience. He is an asset to the critical signalling and finite testing discipline, where highly-skilled personnel are in short supply, and the railway.“