Caren Alderwick

Said the following about Jasmine Lazenby:

““Throughout the 3 months or so in the training school she grew and managed to successfully find a balance between really missing her family and the anxieties this did bring, and at the same time cope with the stress and anxieties of the course.

Some may say many people have to juggle home life and work life in this modern work environment, and yes, we at XC are very supportive of people's individual learning needs and styles. Upon reflection, I'm very impressed with Jasmine's whole attitude toward what is achievable despite barriers both personally and logistically.

Jasmine stands out for me in that she has looked, assessed, and actioned a plan to make nothing but a positive outcome both in the short and medium game. Jasmine was very open and honest with her peers in our class about feeling sad and torn between being here and missing her daughter. Also having to rely on others to help maintain a status quo both socially and psycho-socially. We talked about these impacts throughout her time in Derby, ensuring everyone was open and supportive. What impressed me was the cohort Jas was part of had quite a few new employees on this cohort, and their first roles on the railway.

This is quite a leap to a Safety Critical role...Jasmine was superb. In fact, became a mum to many of her peers sharing those long moments in the hotel and the training school, ensuring everyone supported each other where they felt able. Upon reflection, I smile to myself thinking that perhaps it's a little bit of something she was missing not seeing her daughter and family every day. Jasmine Lazenby grew to be the person we nominated today. Self-effacing, reflective, engaged and people focused... With this newfound confidence, she absolutely shone through our course.

The Rules and Operational weeks are very hard going and need total dedication and hard work. Jasmine showed she is that people person who can see others struggling, and yet still offer support...It's worthy of note that perhaps not all of her peers were aware of her turmoil and work-life balance...

The transition between first appointed to leaving us the training school and now ready to put herself out there so to speak as a newly qualified TM.

Both Customer Service Managers were reflective and happy to support this nomination. What did come back was that Jasmine wasn't the first of the group to sign off all her routes and throw themselves into their new role, despite being one the strongest of her cohort. She'd asked for just a little time more to ensure she was confident and felt competent to work her very first few trains over her new route.

Well, JASMINE LAZENBY we'd like to congratulate you on a decision and job well done.. By using your non-technical skills initially, and thinking to make the right and informed choices we salute you and wish you good luck.

Perhaps, Jas you've just laid the foundations for a great career with XC. And that end goal of fulfilling the job as a future Driver just got a little closer... If that's what you decide to do...Either way, whatever you decide it will be with great thought!!“