Recruitment
“In 2019 the Driver training deficit at Cross Country Trains' Birmingham New Street Depot was a challenge following a major change to the link structure. Birmingham New Street Depot is XC's largest Train Crew Depot for all grades. The link change was designed to make the Depot more efficient and ultimately deliver a reliable train service for our customers. Entering into a pre-Covid-19 position there were circa 2500 outstanding training days.
Then the Covid-19 pandemic happened. Driver training was limited during this period and the 'training bubble' concept was created to allow Driver training to continue during a challenging period where social distancing was a massive consideration in everyday life.
Stuart steered the ship from a training perspective during the Covid-19 period, but coming out of the pandemic, Birmingham New Street Depot had accumulated circa 9500 outstanding training days. During this challenging time, the Depot had taken on 37 Trainee Drivers, a massive challenge. During this time, Stuart managed all the Trainee Drivers and all the extra workload and TLC that comes with Trainee Drivers.
As we came out of the pandemic, XC lost their rest day working agreement, so delivery of the train service versus tackling the training deficit became an intense challenge. Through this period, with the support of others, a fragile training plan was delivered and the training deficit started to reduce but very slowly. XC agreed on a RDW agreement in July 2023, so the training was ramped up and again Stuart delivered this whilst considering train service delivery. When XC entered into a RDW agreement in July, the outstanding training days stood at 6,000 days. Today we are at 4500.
Stuart has always led on the Birmingham New Street Depot's training requirements and has done a fantastic job. The resilience and determination he showed during the Covid-19 pandemic when delivering Driver training is a testament to the individual. This was a massively challenging time.
When the pandemic ended, the challenge stepped up when considering XC had no RDW agreement. Stuart had to step up also. XC and train cancellations at this time were a real concern and XC were under considerable Department for Transport scrutiny. I introduced Stuart to some high level meetings so he could articulate the challenges of Birmingham New Street Depot and Driver training. These meetings were at the Director level and Stuart was able to challenge decision making appropriately. Although out of his comfort zone, he had to adapt quickly and learn by some early mistakes.
Stuart has been on a massive journey as a Driver Team Manager from a pre-pandemic position to the current and I've seen him grow as an individual. Challenging decision making at the Director level and effect change makes me proud of Stuart.
Why have I nominated Stuart as Rail Manager of the Year? Stuart has made a difference. He has grown as a leader, learnt from mistakes in the process and adjusted, but ultimately made a huge impact on our customers. In short, Stuart has made a difference under extreme pressure.“
“I have the pleasure of nominating Stuart.
Stuart is a very valuable and respected member of our team at Birmingham.
He is super helpful and committed to his role.
He personally helped me, being my mentor. he's given me support and guidance in my role. I thank you Stuart for everything you have done and really hope you win this award, you are extremely worthy of it!“
“I started with XC at Birmingham in December 2019, previously at GWR Paddington as a qualified driver, so most of my ongoing training has been led primarily by Stuart Field. In all honesty, I've never known a more efficient, organised, energetic driver manager in my 10+ years of driving. Stu is an absolute machine, and a huge (perhaps greatly under appreciated) asset to CrossCountry. To see the progress being made with driver training, especially since our rest day work agreement was reinstated, is seriously impressive. Additionally, he was a true professional in how he navigated the challenges of training bubbles during Covid including my own. A gentleman most certainly worthy of praise at industry level.“
“Since working within the Driver Management Team in Birmingham, Stuart has consistently supported me within my current role and has guided me to be the best manager possible. Stuart has a vast knowledge of the railway and always goes above and beyond to ensure smooth running of training is achieved within the depot. Not only is he an amazing manager, he is also a role model who I look up to every day.
Well done Stuart!“
“Thank you for Saturday night at the awards. My wife & I had a great time.”
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