Raynor Pearce

Said the following about Richard Shotton - **HAS LEFT**:

“Richard Shotton for Lifetime achievement award

Now I’ll be honest, I don’t really know when Richard joined the Railway but what I do know is that it was long before privatisation. So, for all those reading this that like me who were born in the 80’s or later, this basically means a long time ago- sorry Richard but it’s the truth.

I am nominating Richard not because he has managed to survive the rail industry in the various guises that it has had during the last few decades but for the job he has done and continues to do now.

Many of you will know who I mean when I talk about Richard and if so I need not say anymore before you agree with my nomination, but for those that have not yet had the pleasure of meeting him, let me tell you a little more about the chap.

In past years he was a member of the BRB HQ Safety and Standards team and once within Virgin Trains he created the Virgin Trains Safety Management System and Safety Case where he led and sponsored the creation of Safety Case work for both of the Virgin Trains’ new train fleets. Whilst he was Station’s Director he was frequently out and about at Stations offering support and challenging where required.

Richard is modest and no politician but delivers time and time again great station improvements with great commercial and project leadership acumen as Station Project’s Director. Now, he has delivered many things over time, and I mean many, not just a few. For example not just minor station refurbishments, which are extremely important in their own right but also major station enhancements by dedication to the company and an acute understanding of what is not only best for the rail industry but the nation as a whole by delivering step changes in customer experience for passengers.

I thought I would list a few projects that he has been involved in. Apologies if I don’t cover them all but I’m sure there must be a word limit for these nominations somewhere along the line. So, here goes – Birmingham New Street Gateway project, Wolverhampton Interchange Station Project, Coventry Station Master Plan, Stockport Station Master Plan, ATG station rollout, station enhancements...

Richard is a mine of information and as a fellow colleague has told me ‘he’s always got an insightful opinion on pretty much anything, and as a fast thinker he delivers by turning thoughts into actions’.

As a leader he develops his team on a daily basis, not by dictatorship but by a mix of coaching and by example but mainly by believing in you.

In summary, he has achieved major reductions in safety incidents/accidents throughout his career, he is currently delivering projects on a near weekly basis and is a leader who engages and challenges colleagues to bring out the best in them and their achievements.

Quick CV highlights:

- Has a degree in Psychology (something to bear in mind)

- Begun his railway career as a Pway ganger

- Then became InterCity West Coast Head of Safety

- Then with Virgin Trains, Safety Director

- Then, Stations Director

- And now, Projects Director

To conclude, vote for Shotton as he not only has a great business mind but he also employs common sense!“