Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which operates Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern and Thameslink trains, has created a new role of Safeguarding Manager to support passengers and colleagues.
GTR previously employed a Suicide Prevention Manager, the first person to be appointed to this position across the UK rail network. This role has now been broadened in scope to encompass safeguarding of all passengers and staff.
New Safeguarding Manager Rebecca Butler brings more than 20 years of experience working with young people and adults facing challenges such as criminal and sexual exploitation, care experience, mental health needs, and disabilities.
In her previous role with Brighton & Hove City Council, Rebecca led three teams and was responsible for safeguarding, practice management, safeguarding audits, service accreditation, launching new services, and contributing to strategic boards to drive positive outcomes and meet national contract standards.
At GTR, Rebecca works with operational managers on a range of safeguarding issues including suicide prevention, County Lines, homelessness, violence against women and girls and more.
She does this in collaboration with Network Rail, local authorities and the British Transport Police, as well as charities such as the Samaritans and Railway Children and this, in turn, can help reduce antisocial behaviour across the network.
Rebecca said:
“I'm thrilled to have joined GTR as Safeguarding Manager. I’ve been truly inspired by the work I’m completing around the reports our staff submit every time they’ve worked to help a member of the public on the tracks or someone they’re concerned about, and the Life Saver Awards we present to our colleagues.
“The dedication to passenger and colleague care, both on board and at stations, is truly impressive. I’m hoping to build stronger collaboration between the different agencies, such as social services and the British Transport Police, to ensure we do everything we can to avert a personal crisis.”
Safety, Health and Security Director Samantha Facey said:
“This appointment underscores our industry-leading commitment to improving overall safety and wellbeing for our passengers and colleagues. As a society, we are facing increasing challenges including mental health needs and criminal and sexual exploitation and violence against women and girls. Rebecca’s appointment ensures we have the best person in place to work towards keeping everyone safe on our network.”
Railway Children
The creation of the new role comes after representatives from Railway Children met with Angie Doll, GTR Chief Executive Officer, at East Croydon station to discuss the vital work being carried out to support vulnerable children and young people across London’s rail network and beyond.
This important initiative is being supported by GTR’s “Your Station, Your Community Improvement Fund”, which has awarded a grant to strengthen Railway Children's training, community engagement and direct intervention programmes along GTR routes. The funding will enhance the ability of station staff to identify and support vulnerable individuals while fostering stronger partnerships within station communities – see press release.
