Awarded by Rail Minister, Wendy Morton MP, Great Western Railway is the first to receive the Safeguarding on Rail Scheme Accreditation.

The Safeguarding Rail Scheme initiative began in 2019 via British Transport Police (BTP) and the Department for Transport and is now a committed obligation for all rail operators.

Around 10,000 vulnerable children were identified by BTP during 2021 alone and Great Western Railway (GWR) were the first of the rail operators to take part in the scheme having recognised the attraction that stations hold for both vulnerable children and adults in crisis.

The last year has seen support from Railway Children which is a rail industry charity that has trained more than 5,000 GWR staff members and established 100 champions who make sure that vital assistance is accessible for those most at risk. GWR is currently looking to take on further training for onboard staff members during 2022.

Railway Children’s ‘Safeguarding on Transport’ training scheme saw a successful pilot with BTP during 2019 and has been specifically designed to support rail operators in making railway stations a safer place for vulnerable children, using the scheme so that rail staff members can support, identify and protect vulnerable people on the network.

From April 2019 to March 2020, the GWR route saw 448 children and young people identified as at-risk travelling on the network. This period also saw 625 customers approach GWR staff members who were in a mental health crisis. This time also saw 124 missing children found, 29 of which were found to be at risk of sexual exploitation.

GWR interventions over the last 10 months have seen more than 120 suicides prevented and 200 interventions including the protection of a 14-year-old girl who was making her way to meet an older man after being groomed online, an 11-year-old who had run away from home and was heading to her grandmother and a 12-year-old who was the victim of upskirting.

The railways are frequently used as an escape route for people in crisis and March 2020 saw GWR launch their Rail to Refuge scheme throughout its network, providing those fleeing domestic abuse free access to rail travel to get them to a place of safety. Since the inception of the scheme, it has been taken on nationally with 2021 seeing more than 2,200 survivors including 650 children helped to get to a place of safety.

Railway Children, Chief Executive, Terina Keene said: “The railways have always attracted those in crisis, especially our most vulnerable young people and children. At a time when the industry had numerous challenges, it would be easy for safeguarding to be a low priority. GWR has demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication to safeguarding vulnerable children and passengers using the railway.

“Trained and dedicated rail staff have a vital role in identifying and protecting those who are so often invisible and run the risk of falling through the cracks and facing further harm. GWR staff have already been instrumental in ensuring so many children and young people are protected from harm and get the help and support they need.”

GWR Head of Security Paula Durrans said: “Railway stations are often seen as warm, safe and inviting places for those who are lost or have no place to go. This specialist training helps our staff to be able to identify and, in partnership with the British Transport Police, help and protect those most at risk – making the railways a safer place for all.”

Mike Gallop, Network Rail Western route, and Strategic Operations Director, said: “I would like to congratulate GWR on being recognised for their efforts in this important area.

“At our Western route managed stations, which include Bristol Temple Meads, Reading and London Paddington, our station teams work very closely with our GWR and British Transport Police colleagues to ensure passengers and visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience.

“We are committed to making train travel and station environments as safe as possible and it is so pleasing to see the positive impact this training alongside other fantastic initiatives such as the Rail to Refuge scheme, is having on protecting vulnerable children and adults when using the rail network.”

Wendy Morton, Minister of State in the Department for Transport said: “I am delighted to award GWR with a Safeguarding on Rail Scheme Accreditation. The Secure Stations Scheme was set up to protect the most vulnerable within our communities and it’s fantastic to see how GWR is taking action by training over 5,000 members of staff to provide vital assistance to those most at risk.

We are committed to ensuring all passengers have the safest journey possible and this accreditation will reassure both passengers and staff that GWR’s stations are a safe and secure environment.”

Det Supt Richard Mann, head of BTP Public Protection and Vulnerability, said: “We would like to congratulate GWR on becoming the first train operator to receive this accreditation. It’s testament to the huge amount of work they’ve put into training thousands of staff members in helping those most at risk on our railways. Every day, people come to railway stations seeking support or help – this makes the network a safer place for those that need it most.”