Recruitment
“I only met Patrick back in June this year, at Hayes station when he attended a Metropolitan Police Neighbourhood panel meeting with myself and his station manager. Patrick attended on his rest day, such is his commitment to understand the local issues that may impact one of “his” stations and colleagues. Patrick was an inspiration that day and it was no different the next time we met.
Patrick has worked as a station colleague for Southeastern Railway for over 15 years, working across our metro area, from Brixton to Hayes and many places in between. Patricks will spend his final year on our line of route between Elmers End and Hayes.
Patrick described his role to me as his “best job ever” and is loved by customers and colleagues alike. Patrick’s zest for life and passion is inspiring. While on station with Patrick recently, Patrick had a smile and kind word for every passing passenger, which in turn brought a smile to their faces.
Colleagues describe Patrick as a true gentleman, recalling countless times when Patrick has gone above and beyond to help passengers and colleagues alike, once such colleague memory recounted a time when Patrick had seen a group text message on his rest day about resourcing issues and came into work to help out.
Speaking to Patrick’s management team, their faces all light up just at the mention of Patrick’s name, it’s clear to me, we all need a Patrick Palmer on our stations and we at South-eastern are proud to call Patrick one of our own.
Line manager Terry Childs comments below
I first met Patrick this year we met over a cup of coffee as I wanted to get to know him as a person, what I learned was that Pat had been through a very tough time in his personal life losing the love of his life but Pat's outlook on this was he was thankful that he got to look after his wife, straight away I just thought wow how strong is this man, what I realised shortly after is that this is in Pats DNA everything he does is positive and his outlook on life is he sees everyday as a blessing and his positivity is infectious
I want to nominate Pat as I feel he is the perfect example of our values - He cares passionately about people and passengers - he supports his colleagues by listening but having a positive mindset I have personally seen Pat on several occasions giving not just customer service but giving a great customer experience making the service personal and putting a smile on passengers faces
We make the difference together - Pat does this leading by example and leading change for the area
We aim to be the best - This value sums up Pat perfectly everyday whatever he does he gives 100% and wants to be the best he can be and encourages others to do the same
Thank you Pat“
“Patrick is the biggest inspiration to all of us. After losing his wife this spring, he returned to work after a few weeks of the funeral to tell us the importance of life and how we should keep going no matter how difficult life situation is.
Fourth stage cancer suffer, Patrick is more supportive, motivated and determined than all of us because he says he has learnt from his own experience the impermanence of life and how we should use every second of it for the use of others.
His way of thinking is- "It's nice when someone smiles but it's even nicer if we can be the reason for someone's smile".
He is the reason for many Southeastern customer's and colleague's smiles and therefore I am nominating him.“
“I first met Patrick 12 years ago when I first started out on the railway, he was my mentor, and he has taught me everything I know about the job, the railway and everything in between. He has been my biggest supporter as my career progresses and always makes sure he looks out for me if I’m driving down the Hayes line. He is a wonderful human being with a heart of gold, having time for everyone no matter the circumstances, his commitment and dedication to the job are second to none. He has been the biggest influence on my career and even as a driver now, the advice that he taught me 12 years ago will still ring true in everyone I meet on the job. After everything he’s been through, he’s still at work day in and day out with that infectious smile and wonderful sense of humour, he just brightens everyone’s day from the moment you say hello to him. I owe my career to this man“
“I first met Patrick this year we met over a cup of coffee as I wanted to get to know him as a person, what I learned was that Pat had been through a very tough time in his personal life losing the love of his life but Pat's outlook on this was he was thankful that he got to look after his wife, straight away I just thought wow how strong is this man, what I realised shortly after is that this is in Pats DNA everything he does is positive and his outlook on life is he sees everyday as a blessing and his positivity is infectious
I want to nominate Pat as I feel he is the perfect example of our values - He cares passionately about people and passengers - he supports his colleagues by listening but having a positive mindset I have personally seen Pat on several occasions giving not just customer service but giving a great customer experience making the service personal and putting a smile on passengers faces
We make the difference together - Pat does this leading by example and leading change for the area
We aim to be the best - This value sums up Pat perfectly everyday whatever he does he gives 100% and wants to be the best he can be and encourages others to do the same
Thank you Pat““
“Pat is just the most positive, kind, caring man I have ever met.
He is one of my closest friends at work and I would trust him with anything, he has always been kind and always listened to me whilst also trying to make me laugh even when his days have been upsetting.“
“Patrick is an asset to the Southeastern team and a true gentleman who is extremely passionate and committed to his role.
Patrick always goes the extra mile for passengers and all his colleagues.
I first met Patrick 8 years ago when I started at Southeastern and without Patrick's help and support I don't think I would be where I am today.
Patrick took me under his wing, shared his knowledge and experience and encouraged me to progress in my career.
Patrick is a role model for all Southeastern employees especially those who are lucky to work with him.“
“Patrick is the kindest and most wonderful person I have ever met. He is devoted to our company and passengers, He has helped me a few times with my charity work where I have raised thousands. He is an inspiration to us all, and if anyone is more deserving, it’s this guy. He has been through so much and still he continues to serve and go out of his way for our passengers, such a remarkable man I wish him all the luck“
“His soul shines through“
“Well done last Saturday, an excellent evening for which a great deal of planning and hard work had gone into the event and thoroughly enjoyable.”
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