Double success in Rail Staff Awards

Two leaders at pioneering open access operators Lumo and Hull Trains have been recognised at this year’s renowned Rail Staff Awards – the annual celebration of rail professionals.

Deborah Birch, Head of HR at Hull Trains, picked up the coveted HR and Recruitment Person Award. She has been with the company for more than a decade, working tirelessly to promote diversity, long-term career development and colleague upskilling. The operator has been praised particularly for its industry-leading 55:45 male-female ratio across the team.

Meanwhile, Lumo’s People and Culture Manager, Lindsay Gauntlett, was ‘highly commended’ in the same category. She’s been part of the team since Lumo launched five years ago, growing from 20 people to 115 on the East Coast route since then, with a new team building up on the West Coast Main Line ahead of a service launching between Stirling and London Euston next year.

Held at Birmingham’s NEC, the Rail Staff Awards shines a spotlight on the people whose dedication keeps the railway running. Rail managers, customer service assistants, apprentices, training managers and many more were there, reflecting the industry’s wide range of skills and roles.

Deborah Birch, Head of HR at Hull Trains, said: “I was truly shocked when I heard my name read out at the awards ceremony, I couldn’t quite believe it! I’ve loved the past ten years I’ve spent at Hull Trains, particularly helping to build the inclusive and positive culture that we have here.

“The strength and adaptability of our team depend on different perspectives from across the spectrum of the people who make up our local communities. I’m proud to have played a part in ensuring we have a team who reflect that.”

Lindsay Gauntlett, People and Culture Manager at Lumo, said: “Building a team from scratch is such a brilliant opportunity and it’s something that we’ve really relished at Lumo, as we continue to grow five years on.

“I’ve never worked anywhere as supportive as here. If I’m struggling, there’s always someone ready to help. It’s not just me who feels that way - people are protective of this place, because they’ve helped build it.”

Lumo was recently awarded the Clear Assured Bronze Standard, a globally-recognised standard that’s awarded to businesses which can demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity and diversity. 

Stuart Jones, Managing Director of First Rail Open Access, praised both Deborah and Lindsay for their achievements: “I’m very proud of all our colleagues who put in their all every single day to ensure that we provide the best possible service for our customers. Debbie and Lindsay are a vital part of ensuring that everyone within Lumo and Hull Trains feels valued, supported and empowered to do just that. A huge congratulations to them both”

As open access operators, Lumo and Hull Trains don’t receive any government funding, with all their revenue self-driven. They typically operate in underserved places, with their loyalty only to their communities and customers.