ALONGSIDE its core operation of running, maintaining and developing Britain’s railway infrastructure, Network Rail has a committed ethos surrounding charitable work and volunteering.

Employing more than 5,500 people across a range of disciplines, and with York the home of its London North East & East Midlands Route headquarters, Network Rail believes in giving back to the local community.

Michelle Athey, senior HR business partner at Network Rail, said: “We have been working closely with our local charities and community projects on a number of initiatives to support our local community.

“We have worked closely with six local charities and our contribution has significantly impacted on the strategic direction they have chosen to take.”

Network Rail has been supporting charities through training and mentoring, specifically in strategic visioning and business planning.

One of the workshops ‘A Vision of the Future’ was attended by four charities; RSPCA York Animal Home, Poppleton Road Pre-school, York Danceworks and KYRA.

Network Rail staff have also supported a charity business review for York Playspace, a charity promoting play and providing opportunities for disadvantaged children in York, and the latest charity business review Network Rail is supporting is a café and heritage centre in West Bank Park, York. Also playing a part in the business community, a speed-networking event hosted by Network Rail led to a series of ‘Enterprise Evenings’ where business volunteers spoke on topics relevant to the voluntary sector.

Network Rail has also been involved with many York Cares projects.

Ms Athey added: “In conjunction with York Cares we actively support our local community through charitable team building activities. Additionally, we have been engaging with local schools, providing insights into working at Network Rail, organising behind the scene tours for care leavers and teaching basic signalling modules, which have inspired over 175 primary school children, encouraging the next generation into the railway industry.”

Through its charity panel, Network Rail has also provided charity funding to support a number of charities across its route which are nominated by our employees.