Dynamic Great Western Railway duo take top prizes at prestigious RailStaff Awards

Emma-Jane Kennedy, who works at Weston-super-Mare, won the Station Staff Award, while Jack Farley, based at Reading Train Care Depot, took the Railway Depot Award.

The RailStaff Awards celebrate the incredible individuals who help to keep our railways running smoothly, safely, and innovatively.

GWR was nominated in seven categories for the ceremony at the NEC, Birmingham, with Lucy Fawkes-Grey and Lee Bladen highly commended for the Health & Wellbeing Award after introducing a new call, support and welfare procedure for colleagues.

Emma-Jane, a Service Delivery Supervisor at Weston-super-Mare, said:

“I never expected this. I’m so grateful that someone recognised what I do. I was literally filming the stage, then realised they said my name. This award isn’t about me but the team I work with at Weston-super-Mare.”

Jack, Depot Engineering Manager at Reading TCD, said:

“This is a huge surprise and I’m so grateful to my colleagues at Reading Depot – Gareth Storton and Graeme Smith – for their mentoring and leadership so far in my career.

“The depot is one big team, making sure we play our part in delivering a safe and reliable railway for our customers and it’s amazing to get recognised like this.”

GWR Managing Director, Mark Hopwood, said:

“We’re incredibly proud of all of our staff who go above and beyond in helping to deliver the best possible service for our customers.

“Congratulations to Emma-Jane and Jack and all of those who were nominated for a RailStaff Award. Their names were put forward by fellow GWR colleagues, demonstrating the level of respect they clearly hold within their teams.”