Embedding Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability at Network Rail

RHG colleagues Beth and Kylie were thrilled to be invited to visit their Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability apprentices, Alice and Emily, David Bassett the Graduate & Apprentice Programmes Manager, and their colleagues at Square One, Network Rail offices on 6^th August 2024.

Let’s hear about their day…..

The day started with a health and safety briefing, followed by an explanation of the team structure and a tour of the offices. It was interesting to learn about the complex way in which projects are structured at Network Rail and all the factors that Alice and Emily must consider when delivering socially responsible projects.

Several of Alice and Emily’s colleagues took the time to deliver presentations that gave us insights into the work that Network Rail are doing to improve their operations through the TransPennine Route Upgrade (TRU), including increasing biodiversity by 10%. Illuminating case studies were shared on the social value projects being delivered by the TRU that are having a positive impact on local communities.

TRU launched the Community Fund in August 2024, which will support schools, charities and community groups across the TransPennine route. For every £1 TRU spends on construction they give 50p back to the local community – a great example of social impact. They have also developed innovative ways to measure and report on the social impact that they deliver through their projects, using a Geographic Information System.

Social and environmental impact looks different in every business and industry, so it was great to see in context what this looks like for the rail industry.

Alice and Emily did a brilliant job of organising the day while working hard to deliver high-quality, impactful projects. The visit to Network Rail/TRU really contextualised their projects that they discuss on their apprenticeship and in their assignments. We found the day inspirational, giving us the chance to see behind the scenes at some truly innovative best practice corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Alice, Emily and David will be sharing their work, including case studies in forum discussions with other RHG CR&S apprentices, which will provide our CR&S apprentices with insights into the rail industry and a range of responsible practices that their organisations could deliver.

Thank you to Alice, Emily, David, and the rest of the team for making us feel so welcome and for an extremely informative day.
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