Matt Atkins

The railway industry is mourning the loss of East Midlands Railway (EMR) driver Shaun Burton following the tragic train collision near Bedford on Friday 19 June.

Readypower Group is a long-time supporter of the RailStaff Awards and this year has stepped up to sponsor a brand-new award.

Whether dispatching trains, assisting customers, or responding to emergencies, the nation's station staff play a vital role in ensuring a positive travel experience. The Station Staff Team or Person Award recognises the individuals and teams whose professionalism, dedication, and care make a lasting impression and keep passengers picking rail as a means of travel.

Thousands work across Britain's railway each and every day to keep passengers and freight moving safely and reliably. From drivers to engineers, station staff to security, and all that's in between, often their dedication goes unnoticed beyond the colleagues who work alongside them.

A pioneering internship scheme is opening doors for young people with special educational needs and creating pathways into employment.

Listen to this article More than 3,000 rail professionals descended on Birmingham as UK Rail 2026 made its debut.

The railway industry remains in shock following the tragic train collision near Bedford on 19 June. As investigators work to establish the cause of the collision, another recovery is already under way – supporting the railway professionals whose lives have been changed by the tragedy.

There are moments when the railway family comes together not to celebrate success or innovation, but to support one another through tragedy. The collision near Bedford on 19 June, which claimed the life of EMR driver Shaun Burton, is one such moment. Our thoughts remain with Shaun's family, friends, and colleagues, and with everyone affected by the incident.

Listen to this article The Tyne and Wear Metro train that Queen Elizabeth travelled on when she officially opened the system in 1981 has been donated to a local museum.

East Midlands upgrades to affect journeys in August - Travel