The RailStaff Awards 2024

Jade Southwell

Said the following about Ian Watts:

“Ian really takes action to make an impact. As a Manager, he goes out of his way to cultivate an open and safe space for all colleagues, whether that be his team based at London Victoria, those who work across the whole network or those who find their way to him as they know they can be themselves with him. His behaviour shows others he can be trusted and he is a natural-born leader.

A passionate advocate for all things fair and right, he has taken on more responsibility within the LGBTQ+ Network, sending out frequent relevant posts on our internal Yammer and strategically planning the next 6 to 12 months for the Network. He is leading upcoming activities that are to be undertaken with the other Employee Networks for National Inclusion Week, including speaking on the GTR panel on 28/09, this is a great achievement.

Ian is a fantastic ally and is just a generally all-round lovely man who has made a lasting impression, not only on myself. He fights for the rights of his colleagues and always offers a listening ear, making time for colleagues to feel welcome, valued and safe. He embodies the culture-changing values that are so important, such as willingness to evolve, learn and grow and this rubs off on those he communicates with regularly. He’s working on shifting perceptions of Management and the work he does as advocate is so valuable to so many. I think those who work hard out of the spotlight to bring about change deserve to be celebrated and that is why I’m nominating him!“