Network Rail has announced that three employees have today been honoured in the Queen’s birthday honours list.

Ian Stevens, who is programme manager, has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for services to suicide prevention.

Scott Heath, who is a project manager, has been awarded a BEM (British Empire Medal) for services to the LGBT community.

Mark Carne, who is chief executive, has been awarded a CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for services to the railway industry.

What did the officials say?

Commenting on the awards to his staff, Mark Carne, chief executive said:

“Ian and Scott are tremendous role models and inspirations for our 38,000 employees and the difference we can make in our daily lives. Ian has transformed the rail industry’s approach to the difficult subject of suicide on the railway which has included the training of 15,000 railway workers in suicide prevention. His work has contributed to a reduction in suicides on the railway. Scott’s work has played a vital role as we strive to become an industry where everyone is treated equally and is able to bring 100% per cent of themselves to work every day.”

Commenting on the award to Network Rail‘s chief executive, Mark Carne, Sir Peter Hendy, chairman, said:

“Clearly the timing of this award is difficult given current industry issues and their effects on passengers, but we should take a step back and look at Mark’s whole career, and particularly his record over the past four and a half years and recognise, as this award does, his tremendous contribution to our railway.

“Mark has successfully transitioned Network Rail into public ownership, delivering the largest investment programme in modern times, successfully devolving the organisation to be responsive to customers, has made a 21st Century digital railway a reality, and his personal commitment to safety has made our railway the safest in Europe. His drive and passion have been inspirational as has his commitment to workforce diversity, dignity and equality. It’s right he is honoured just before he retires from one of the biggest and most challenging jobs in UK industry and alongside everyone at Network Rail, I congratulate him.”

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