Southeastern Railway

At Southeastern, we’re committed to supporting the communities we serve. In late 2024, we teamed up with the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust (DKHT) to fund and deliver their Get on Track programme in Ramsgate. This life-changing initiative empowers 16-to-25-year-olds from diverse backgrounds, helping them build confidence, resilience, and employability skills, while improving their wellbeing. The programme, hosted at Ramsgate Football Club, brought together 26 young people referred by Virtual School Kent, Kent Police, and the Job Centre. Over 20 sessions, mentors Claire Bennett (Commonwealth Gold medallist) and Hannah Beharry (former GB champion boxer) guided participants through personal development workshops, team building, leadership training, and CV-writing sessions, all delivered in a safe and inspiring environment. While some participants faced challenges completing the programme, six achieved 100% attendance, with some securing employment by the end. Our Youth Safety Manager Katie Lee-Williams said: “We partnered with the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust to deliver the Get on Track mentoring programme in Ramsgate, aimed at supporting young people at risk of not being in education, employment, or training. “With funding from Southeastern, the Peter Harrison Foundation, and Virtual School Kent, the programme ran from September to December 2024 at Ramsgate Football Club, led by athlete mentors Claire Bennett and Hannah Beharry. Over 20 sessions, participants engaged in team building, personal development, leadership training, job skills workshops, and wellbeing activities in a safe and supportive environment. “The programme enhanced confidence, resilience, and employability skills, connecting participants to their peers and the community. It proved empowering, with many gaining confidence, valuable skills, and even employment by the end of the course!” Ruby’s Journey: From Self-Doubt to Confidence: At just 18, Ruby faced unemployment and uncertainty. She described her initial fear of joining the programme but revealed how the support of mentors helped her gain confidence, improve her time management, and secure a full-time job she now loves. "It’s helped me open up about my problems. I feel less alone and more supported. I’m so much more confident now—both socially and professionally," Ruby shared. Lead mentor Claire Bennett praised Ruby’s commitment: "Ruby stepped out of her comfort zone, took part in every activity, and set incredible goals for her future. I couldn’t be prouder of her journey." Making a Difference with DKHT Founded by Dame Kelly Holmes, DKHT is dedicated to transforming young lives by pairing retired athletes with disadvantaged youth through mentorship programmes. Their goal? To empower 10,000 young people by 2028. At Southeastern, we’re proud to have supported this initiative. Seeing young people like Ruby thrive reminds us of the power of collaboration to create brighter futures.

Do take a look at this great role - we are looking for a Stakeholder Engagement Manager! See below for further details from Paul Hayler's post. #railwayjobs #railwayfamily #careerinrail #newjob

As the rail industry celebrates its 200th anniversary, DfT Operator (DFTO) brought together over 300 senior leaders from its train operators with leadership teams from Network Rail, GBRX and DfT in Manchester this week. Joined by the Rt Hon Heidi Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport, attendees focused on promoting collaboration, nurturing innovation, and driving reform to put passengers back at the heart of the railways. Delivering her maiden rail reform speech, the Secretary of State outlined her vision for Great British Railways, comparing it ‘in scale and impact’ to the National Health Service, while highlighting the significant role DFTO will play in the transition, dubbing it the ‘the most exciting place to work in the industry' and one that’s ‘influence and importance is growing faster than any other public body’ with the Public Ownership Transfer Programme in full swing. Alongside the Secretary of State, DFTO welcomed metro mayors from across the North - Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, Oliver Coppard, Mayor of Sheffield City Region and Peter Kilbane, Deputy Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, to discuss devolution, the opportunities of rail reform and how partnerships can deliver real change for passengers. Thanks to everyone from across DFTO’s TOC family, DfT and Network Rail for coming and engaging so positively. You all played a critical role in laying some of the early groundwork for a reformed railway that works for everyone, everywhere. Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom, London North Eastern Railway, Southeastern Railway, Northern, TransPennine Express, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority #RailInnovation #RailAwards #Collaboration #TravelbyTrain #Railway200 🚂

🚆 GEN Z’S DREAM JOB? 💬 "HUSTLE CULTURE IS DEAD - YOUNG PEOPLE ARE PRIORITISING A 'CONSIDERED CAREER' THAT RESONATES WITH THEIR HOBBIES" The days of hustle culture are over, and Gen Z is leading the charge toward intentional, values-driven career paths 👏. Forget office cubicles and rigid 9-to-5s—today’s young professionals are prioritizing roles that align with their hobbies, values, and aspirations 🌍✨. New research commissioned by us to celebrate Railway 200 - railway's 200th anniversary - shows what really matters to this new generation of workers: 📊 Gen Z’s Top Priorities for the Workplace: ✔️ 73% value work-life balance 🌿 ✔️ 47% prefer non-desk-based roles 🛠️ ✔️ 55% research environmental impact before accepting a job 🌎 ✔️ 34% prioritize mental health support 🧠 ✔️ 26% prioritize diversity and inclusion 🤝 For a generation passionate about travel, sustainability, and meaningful work, Southeastern is stepping up to offer opportunities that tick all the boxes ✅. With 82% of Southeastern roles based away from the desk, free travel perks, and a commitment to green initiatives, the railway industry is ready to speed ahead as the perfect career choice for Gen Z 🛤️♻️. 💡 Whether you’re a problem-solving gamer, a people person with strong social skills, or someone who dreams of exploring new places, there’s a role for you in rail. Careers at Southeastern include everything from train driver and engineer to digital manager and station staff—roles that align perfectly with how Gen Z wants to work and live. Steve Foster, our People Director, said: “We are working hard to change the perceptions around rail and that means doing everything we can to attract young people to choose a career in rail’s exciting, digital and green future.   It is clear from this research that the variety of roles Southeastern - and the wider railway - can offer matches really well with the things which are important to young people - such as companies with sustainability focuses, support for all backgrounds, free travel as well as the opportunity to get out from behind a desk and working hours which suit your lifestyle and interests. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never worked in rail before or haven’t been on a train - the important question is ‘can you move people?’ if so - we would love to hear from you!” Curious about a career in the rail industry? Learn more here: 🌐 https://lnkd.in/emnWeKri 💬 What are your priorities for your career? Let us know in the comments 👇 Thank you to our colleagues Zak O'Keefe and Khadiija Mohamed for letting us use their photos for the press release 🙏 #GenZCareers #ConsideredCareer #SustainabilityMatters #FutureOfWork #RailIndustry #Railway200 https://lnkd.in/eGviRKE4

☕ Life’s Brew-tiful: Let's Check In on #BrewMonday! ☕ Next Monday, 20 January, is Samaritans’ Brew Monday, a day dedicated to taking a moment to connect over a cuppa and check in on the people who matter most to us. ✨ While the third Monday of January has been dubbed ‘Blue Monday’—a day often thought to be ‘the most difficult day of the year’ (a total myth, by the way!)—Samaritans have flipped the narrative into one of positivity and connection through Brew Monday. The aim is simple: grab a tea, coffee, or your favourite brew and spend a little time catching up with friends, family, or colleagues. It’s a small gesture, but one that can make all the difference. 💛 Samaritans provide invaluable support to those struggling to cope through their non-judgemental listening service and campaigns, and Brew Monday is a great reminder of the importance of checking in with loved ones regularly. Better latte than never! ☕💬 If you’re around, join us at one of these Brew Monday events at our stations: 🕡 Tunbridge Wells: 06:30 to 08:30 🕖 Rochester: 07:00 to 09:00 🕗 Ashford: 08:00 to 10:00 🕣 Abbey Wood (joint event with Elizabeth Line): 08:30 onwards 🕘 Gillingham: 09:00 to 11:00 🕓 Orpington: 16:00 to 18:00 Take some time to stop by, share a cup of tea or coffee, and have a chat with our colleagues, Safeguarding team members, Suicide and Trespass reduction ambassadors, and our amazing Health and Wellbeing champions. Together, we can turn “Blue Monday” into something far more meaningful. 💙 Let's brew a brighter day! #BrewMonday #Samaritans #ConnectionMatters #RailwayFamily https://lnkd.in/di8e2xi

🎉 Happy 152nd Birthday to Maze Hill Station! 🎉 We’re thrilled to kick off the Railway 200 celebrations with a fantastic tribute to Maze Hill’s history and community, thanks to the dedication of our colleagues Georgina Power and Megan Moles. 🚂✨ Georgina created a remarkable history display, gathering insights from customers and residents to bring the station's rich legacy to life. From nostalgic photos to fascinating facts, her work has transformed the booking hall into a hub of curiosity and conversation. Megan joined the fun with a sweet giveaway that customers of all ages loved! 🎁🍰 The best part? Georgina’s display will become a permanent fixture, continuing to entertain and inspire for years to come. As Georgina says: "Working at Maze Hill for nearly 7 years, I feel like part of the station. So, to research and gather information on the station was fascinating … My hope was to create something that showed the care and pride we take in the station and give something back to the community … I’m pleased with the outcome – how welcoming the station looks, and at the interesting distraction it offers for those waiting. Thank you to Lisa Jobson, for giving me the opportunity to create and display my vision " If you're in the area, stop by Maze Hill to check it out for yourself! #Railway200 #MazeHillStation #HappyAnniversary #CelebratingHistory #CommunityPride #RailwayHeritage

We are carrying out a major refurbishment of our Class 376 trains, in collaboration with Alstom and Eversholt UK Rails Group The transformative programme will enhance customer comfort, improve operational efficiency, and refresh a fleet that has been a cornerstone of our Metro services since its introduction in 2004. The work is getting underway at the Ashford Maintenance Centre, with the first units to receive the new blue livery and LED lighting scheduled to be in customer service from the spring. The interior refresh, which includes refurbished seats and a full re-paint, will start later in the summer at the Grove Park depot, with the first units due into customer service before the end of the year. Keep an eye out for them on our network.

🚆 Taking a Southeastern train is already one of the most sustainable ways to travel – but we want to go further and continue to reduce our impact on the environment. It was great to work with the team at Treeva – and the other start-ups – during the Future Labs programme to identify innovative solutions to issues facing our industry. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dU4MRvqK.

✨ Blowing the starting whistle on a year of Railway 200 celebrations Passengers and railway workers came together on New Year's Day to blow whistles and horns to mark the start of a year of events to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the modern railway. We're proud of the important role our railway continues to play in connecting people with places, work, and education – and we can't wait to celebrate with you over the next 12 months. 💬 Our managing director Steve White said: "Every one of our stations and depots has been synonymous with the growth of the railway in the south-east, and we really hope our customers and colleagues can celebrate this throughout the year. "One of our aims with Railway 200 is to showcase our industry to a whole new generation of talent by signposting our proud history, while looking ahead to a bright future." Find out more about our plans here: https://lnkd.in/e_3SDejc. Thank you to the Knoll Residents Association for sharing this video from Orpington 💙

✨ Celebrating an Incredible Honour for Our Mental Health Champion! ✨ We’re absolutely delighted to share some truly wonderful news – our very own Lee Woolcott-Ellis BEM, Mental Health Lead at Southeastern, has been recognised in HM The King’s New Year’s Honours list and awarded the British Empire Medal for his exceptional contributions to mental health in the transport industry! Lee has not only been a passionate advocate for mental health support but has also transformed how it’s approached across the railway industry. Through his dedication, thousands of lives and workplaces have been positively impacted, reducing stigma and fostering wellbeing. Key milestones include: 💡 The Railway Mental Health Charter, launched in 2021 in collaboration with the Rail Safety and Standards Board. This game-changing framework has now been adopted by over 130 organisations across the rail sector. 💙 The Mental Health Advocates Programme, implemented at Southeastern in 2022 under Lee’s leadership. Through this initiative, over 110 colleagues have received vital mental health support during difficult times, including traumatic workplace incidents. Reflecting on this momentous recognition, Lee shared: “I’m passionate about helping people, and I’m very proud of everything we’ve achieved since launching the Railway Mental Health Charter.   “I was at work when the letter about the honour arrived, and I was totally surprised when I opened it. It’s a privilege to have been recognised by the industry that I care so much about and that’s been an important part of my life for many years.   “I am genuinely honoured, and profoundly grateful to be acknowledged in this way. This recognition means a great deal to me, and it truly warms my heart to know that my efforts have been appreciated.” A valued member of Southeastern since 1990, Lee’s career has spanned operations, safety, engineering, and mental health. His contributions have made an indelible mark not just here at Southeastern but across the entire rail industry. Our Managing Director, Steve White, said: “Lee is a very special person. He has made a huge contribution to mental health on the railway and colleagues across the industry have benefited from his work.   “We are incredibly proud of everything he’s done so far. He is a huge credit to Southeastern, and we are thrilled that his achievements have been recognised in the New Year’s Honours.” Natalie Sparrow, our Head of Inclusion and Wellbeing, said: “Lee is a pioneer in mental health and has created a mental health-aware culture with programmes that support colleagues in Southeastern and beyond.   “His drive and inspiration have inspired colleague engagement and increased resiliency. There has long been stigma about mental health at work that’s changing thanks to people like Lee.” Thank you, Lee, for all that you’ve done—and continue to do—to make our railways and workplaces better, kinder places for everyone. 🙌 #MentalHealth #NewYearsHonours #Wellbeing