British Transport Police has awarded ‘Safeguarding on Rail Scheme’ accreditation to London North Eastern Railway for its work in identifying vulnerable people on and around the railway.

This is the third year running that the ‘Safeguarding on Rail Scheme’ accreditation has been awarded to the train operator, and this achieved a score of 92 per cent.

In an in-depth, two-week assessment programme, specialist British Transport Police safeguarding officers worked with London North Eastern Railway colleagues to discover what steps the operator took to help keep people safe.

Over 2,500 London North Eastern Railway colleagues have been trained to identify vulnerable people, and what they should do to request help for anyone in need.

So far this year, London North Eastern Railway staff have been involved in locating 126 missing people and referring over 500 people to local authorities, social services, GPs, and mental health services for further help.

Preventative work it has carried out with charities such as the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), The Railway Children, and St Giles Trust, and the ‘Be Kind’ campaign which challenges anti-social behaviour, was also recognised by British Transport Police.

London North Eastern Railway’s recent White Ribbon accreditation and its work in raising awareness around violence against women and girls also came in for praise.

Further recognition of the ‘White Ribbon accreditation came on White Ribbon Day on 25th November when it named one of its services ‘White Ribbon’.

It is also working at York station with North Yorkshire Police at York station to promote the charity and its cause.

Last July, West Midlands Trains also received White Ribbon accreditation for its work in eradicating violence against women.

A British Transport Police spokesperson commented that a 92 per cent pass mark is a testament to the significant amount of work the operator has undertaken to protect and safeguard vulnerable people who travel on its network.

“Every day our staff are vigilant, looking out for vulnerability and to help make sure people who travel with us and pass through our stations are kept safe. It’s thanks to their eyes, ears and positive action that we have been able to help more than 500 people this year alone. We take our safeguarding responsibilities incredibly seriously and recognise the role we play in helping to keep the railway safe and secure railway for everyone.”

Jim Rawcliffe, London North Eastern Railway Security and Emergency Planning Manager