Winner: Network Rail

Finalists: Benenden Health, York Racecourse

THE company behind the operation, maintenance and development of Britain’s railway infrastructure was rewarded for the time it sets aside for community involvement.

The Best Business and Community Link was presented to York-based Network Rail.

Judges said they were impressed by all three entries, especially their enthusiasm for the awards and their genuine commitment to business and community engagement, with each a worthy winner.

But it was Network Rail that tipped the balance in its favour with its involvement with community including practical hands-on action – working with ex-offenders, involvement in York Cares, working with children and the railway museum to encourage safety, and working across the country to engage children from deprived backgrounds.

Judges said they were most impressed by Network Rail’s gifting of expertise which is shared across a wide range of disciplines to enable voluntary groups to better help themselves. Michelle Athey, senior HR business partner at Network Rail, said: “It’s very important for us to give something back, and to give our employees the opportunity to give back to the community.

“We are passionate about being committed to that ethos, and are honoured to receive this award as a result.”

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.

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.