Chris Seddon

Said the following about Fiona Ray:

“Fiona is the HSEQ Lead for our Consulting Rail South Account at Amey Consulting. During Fiona’s tenure, we have been focussed on delivering Core Valley Lines Transformation (CVL) for Transport for Wales in collaboration with Amey Rail. Fiona has relentlessly driven up safety standards and compliance, as well as leading on safety, wellbeing and diversity initiatives.

Fiona has worked tirelessly to improve reporting and close-out rates for close calls raised within the account. Her approach, which involves casting a wide net for close-call reports, which are robustly triaged and promptly addressed, has improved reporting across the board. She provides robust feedback at an individual and account level, ensuring that HSEQ concerns are heard and seen to be heard.

CVL Transformation is a fast-paced and complex project, taking place at a time when national factors have an increased impact on mental health. Recognising the elevated risk posed to staff within the account, Fiona pushed mental health up the agenda by drawing attention to stress-induced behaviours and their compounding effect on staff, work quality and output. Subsequently she has been instrumental in addressing these behaviours.

In addition to improving the day-to-day management of HSEQ within the account, Fiona has taken a leading role on:

- Developing a line of improved Personal Protective Equipment for women at Amey.

- Devising a powerful film covering the issue of taking risks while driving and the consequences on perpetrators, victims, and victims’ families.

- Championing assumptions vs knowledge and self-bias understanding throughout the account and detailing what the implications are if assumption/self-bias is not tackled.

- Championed the use of fatigue calculators, including advising on flexible working and compressed hours for staff across the account. Drafting a fatigue policy.

- Founding a Women’s Lean in Circle facilitating peer-to-peer support for women in the account.

Fiona’s understanding of the factors governing HSEQ related behaviours are a key reason for her success. As a result of this understanding, she knows when to stand her ground or change her mind, push an issue or let it lie. I have benefitted a great deal from Fiona’s guidance on behaviours over the last few years, and I know that several people within the business have benefited from Fiona’s mentorship.

I have no idea how she does it all.“

Lee Johnson

Said the following about Fiona Ray:

“In both support and agreement with the bona fide nomination by Chris, I’d add that Fiona is one of the most dedicated, zealous people I’ve ever worked with. Her tenacious commitment to health, safety and mental health is outstanding. Since joining our business, she’s become a highly respected leader, that has helped cultivate an inclusive, open and ultimately safe culture in Amey Consulting.

Fiona is a genuinely exceptional individual whom we are very lucky to have. I’m in no doubt that she’s inspiring the next generation on keeping rail travel and workers safe, and our rail industry a secure environment to work in.“