Ian Puckrin

Said the following about Richard Chongtham:

“Richard ran a successful business teaching Latin and Afro dance before joining Network Rail’s HR Team in September 2020.

Recognising the principles of dance inclusivity, and bringing together people from different backgrounds to become better at something they love, Richard applied his core dance principles in Network Rail to create happier, healthier more productive teams!

Richard became the lead for employee engagement strategy for Network Rail’s North East route, striving to understand what is required to make the North East route a truly great place to work.

Over the past 18 months, Richard has used the data from engagement surveys to support managers in making a difference in the field of mental health and physical health which benefits employees and the business equally.

In terms of promoting a more inclusive working environment, Richard pioneered the SPOT working group (Support/Promotes Out Talent). SPOT brings together people from all backgrounds, promoting ambition, recognising individual achievement, and creating a support network to help people be the best that they can be!

Under Richard's leadership, the SPOT group has operated continuously for nearly 2 years and has introduced people from all parts of Network Rails North East route that would never have met under normal circumstances.

Recently Richard has demonstrated the values of SPOT by taking on a new challenge, out of the HR field, leading the data analytics team for Network Rails Transpennine Route Upgrade programme.

In his new role, Richard will introduce a whole new team of people into the SPOT initiative, and further promote the joys of Latin and Afro Dance!“