Southeastern Railway

The 200th anniversary of the modern railway has been celebrated with a commemorative poem from Poet Laureate Simon Armitage CBE. Titled ‘The Longest Train In The World’, the poem is published as part of Railway 200, a national celebration of the past, present and future of the railway, exploring how this British invention has shaped our lives and livelihoods. Rail’s bicentenary is inspired by the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway on 27 September 1825, a journey that changed the world forever. The Longest Train In The World   We stood in a northern field and witnessed it rocketing past, barrelled and chimneyed, towing an open-top truck, kicking up dust and chucking out sparks as it cantered the metal road. We gasped and it gasped back. It kept coming: we sat with our legs dangling over a stone bridge as it steamed along, cheeks and chest puffed out, lungs heaving, hauling the golden age and ragging a blue sky with silver clouds. We saluted – it hooted back. It kept on coming: from steep embankments and country platforms we whistled and flagged, tried to peek inside the upholstered Pullmans and catch the eye of important someones riding on plush cushions; we waved, hoping a gloved hand might wave back. It kept on coming: we clapped like mad when its diesel engines went like the clappers, gawped from city streets and apartments, smiled at hundreds of faces, as if the carriages whooshed entire towns of passengers station to station. It kept on coming, tunnelling under mountain ranges then vaulting ravines and canyons. When sleepwalking coaches shushed through curtained suburbs at night we wished them sweet dreams; when freight containers trundled and rumbled down branching branch lines we nodded a knowing wink to the rolling stock and it winked back. It just kept on coming: we fist-bumped and high-fived the sleek machines of the future, some bulleting here to there, some gliding on air. And we waited to clock the last guard’s van swinging its red lantern, but that didn’t happen: rounding the globe coupled nose to tail to nose to tail that train was two centuries long and still counting. Copyright 2025: Simon Armitage The poem is also conveyed in this reading by Simon Armitage, which was filmed in Marsden, West Yorkshire, where Simon grew up, watch the lovely, relaxing video here: #RailwayPoetry #Railway200 https://lnkd.in/epgMWQSd

We have been shortlisted for TWO categories at the Menopause and Menstruation Friendly Awards! ⭐Peer-to-Peer Category for our innovative Menopause Matters drop-in sessions - a grassroots initiative that puts colleagues at the heart of menopause support, creating safe spaces for conversations and shared experiences. ⭐Individual Recognition for Sally Busby, whose extraordinary dedication over the past six years has transformed workplace culture around menopause. As our menopause workstream lead and at the time - our women's network group vice-chair, Sally pioneered industry-first initiatives that made us the first transport company to achieve menopause-friendly employer accreditation. These nominations reflect our commitment to breaking down barriers and creating inclusive workplaces where everyone can bring their whole selves to work. From developing comprehensive policies to hosting educational sessions and establishing peer support networks, we've worked to normalise menopause conversations in a traditionally male-dominated industry. The results speak for themselves - we've seen improved colleague wellbeing, stronger workplace communities, and cultural change. Most importantly, we've demonstrated that powerful support often comes from within, from colleagues who really understand the journey. Congratulations to Sally and everyone involved in making these initiatives a reality. Fingers crossed for the 24th September! Menopause Friendly Accreditation #MenopauseAwards #WorkplaceWellbeing #PeerSupport #InclusiveWorkplace #RailIndustry #MenopauseFriendly #WorkplaceCulture

We're strengthening regional skills through a collaboration with Canterbury Christ Church University Career development for both colleagues and students is being boosted through our joint work, with the aim of tackling regional skills shortages, supporting regional employment opportunities, and driving economic growth. With a shared vision for life-long learning and creating a sustainable talent pipeline, our two organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will pave the way for closer collaboration across a range of initiatives. Key focus areas of our new partnership: ◾ Support for curriculum design ◾ Enhanced opportunities for students to learn on real-world projects or placements ◾ Mentoring and support for students, particularly those from underrepresented groups ◾ Building clear graduate pathways in the region ◾ Identifying and developing training opportunities for our colleagues – from apprenticeships to continued professional development ◾ Using the university's academic expertise and technical services to support collaborative research and knowledge activity to benefit Professor Rama Thirunamachandran, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Canterbury Christ Church University, said: "We're delighted to join in partnership with Southeastern, one of the busiest networks in the country. This collaboration presents an excellent opportunity to identify and develop initiatives that benefit both organisations and our wider region. From supporting the continued professional development of Southeastern colleagues, to providing our students with outstanding real-world experience, and career opportunities for our graduates. This partnership will also open doors for impactful research and business insight projects that will support essential services and regional economic needs." Steve Foster, People and Culture Director, South Eastern Railway said: "This partnership with Canterbury Christ Church University represents a significant step forward in our commitment to developing talent and addressing the skills challenges facing our industry and region. By working together, we can create opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in the rail sector while providing access to learning and development opportunities. "As we celebrate Railway 200 throughout 2025, this collaboration perfectly sits with the South Eastern Railway's goal to join track and train together, ensuring we have the skilled workforce needed to deliver excellent services for our customers and communities." 🎬 Watch our video to find out more about this exciting partnership! Video filmed and edited by our storytelling intern (and Canterbury Christ Church graduate) Jessica Allen. #Partnership #SkillsDevelopment #RailwayIndustry #Education #Railway200 #CCCU #RegionalGrowth #CareerDevelopment

Our Managing Director, Steve White, was delighted to appear on the latest Green Signals podcast from Cannon Street station earlier this month.    Steve discussed our integration with Network Rail Kent Route and how we are unifying under a single leadership team to run our railway for the benefit of customers, colleagues and taxpayers.    They also covered: ➡️Our plans for new rolling stock to improve passenger experience. ➡️How data and digital technology are helping us spot issues before they affect customers. ➡️Why a long-term focus on customer satisfaction, reliability and accessibility drives every decision we take. Thank you to Richard Bowker CBE for setting this up. Watch the full interview on the Green Signals Podcast here: https://lnkd.in/eabBCBxV

Yes, we're STILL talking about our open day... 😅 we know we've been going on about our Ashford Depot Open Day for a while now (sorry, not sorry!), but when more than 2,500 people have such an amazing time celebrating 200 years of railway history, it's hard not to keep the excitement going! 🚂 So here's one more post – this time with a lovely video that perfectly captures the buzz, the smiles and the energy of the day. A huge shout-out to our talented intern, Jessica Allen, who created this great film 🎬 and captured everything that made the day so special. Disclaimer: We can't promise this is our last post about the open day! https://lnkd.in/e_Wtxfyq #StillTalkingAboutIt #RailwayHeritage #TeamWork #Railway200

🚂 What an incredible day! Our biggest depot open day yet! Over 2,500 visitors joined us at Ashford Maintenance Depot on Sunday to celebrate 200 years of railway history and get a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of the southeast's busiest rail facilities. The highlights? 🌟 ◾ Historic locomotives including the magnificent Clan Line steam engine ◾ Our Railway 200 Class 395 'Javelin' train on full display ◾ Network SouthEast Networker heritage train ◾ Children's activities with Hornby displays and mini train rides ◾ The jaw-dropping moment when visitors saw trains lifted high in our maintenance sheds! The feedback has been phenomenal. One visitor said: "Your entire site was buzzing and there was not enough time in six hours to take in everything!" Our Managing Director Steve White said: "It was a superb event with great feedback especially about the number of exhibits, quality of organisation and attitude of our people." Head of Engineering Delivery South Ross Balcombe CMgr FCMI reflected: "I think everyone will still be on a high from the day. For me, it was a true testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone in building such a fantastic plan and then executing it so brilliantly. I was lucky enough to be able to immerse myself in the event without focusing on the delivery. Everywhere I went, people were clearly having a great time. One real wow moment for me was seeing the look of amazement on people's faces—young and old alike—when they stepped into the maintenance shed and saw a train lifted in the air. Everywhere I turned, there were smiles, laughter, and cameras flashing. Even the long queues in the baking sun—for the Clan Line steam train, the 395-cab visit, or even the food stalls—didn't dampen anyone's spirits. Everyone involved, both in the planning and on the day itself, should feel immensely proud of what we achieved together." A huge thank you to every colleague who worked tirelessly to make this happen – often alongside their regular duties – and to those who gave up their bank holiday to host our visitors. And another huge thank you to all of our lovely visitors 💗 Here's to inspiring the next generation of railway professionals! 🚆 #RailwayHeritage #TeamWork #Engineering #Transportation #Community #Railway200 #Trains Photo credit: Andy Jones

For one day only, we're offering something truly special - the chance to celebrate 200 years of Britain's passenger railway with an exclusive tour on our iconic Network SouthEast Networker train! 📅 Saturday 27th September - departing London Victoria 🎫 Just 250 tickets available 💷 £45 adults | £30 under 16s Join us for a unique 3-hour journey through railway history: ✨ Exclusive behind-the-scenes access to Grove Park Depot with a rare opportunity to experience the train washer 🛤️ Historic route via the seldom-used Lee Spur Junction 📸 Photo stops at stations spanning two centuries Southeastern Operations manager, Steve Higham-Gray, organised the tour said:  “We all look at the Class 465 Networker today and see its dated technology and lack of air conditioning, but in its day, it marked a revolutionary change in the experience of passengers on our railway. “It was the equivalent of replacing a Bakelite telephone with a smartphone. Alongside a more comfortable ride, better brakes and electrically operated doors, the Networker played a huge role in the development of Network SouthEast and, to this day, continues to connect our communities in London and beyond. “It is a pleasure to celebrate the role of the Networker and the communities it serves, and I look forward to welcoming passengers on our special train for this special journey.” 🎁 Every guest receives a special Railway 200 gift bag designed by 'Lisa Illustrations' ❤️ All profits donated to five railway charities: Alzheimer's Research UK, Railway Benefit Fund, Railway Children, RAILWAY MISSION, and Transport Benevolent Fund CIO Book now - tickets selling very fast! https://lnkd.in/eSJDxn9b #Railway200 #NetworkSouthEast #RailwayHeritage #TrainTour #RailwayHistory

On 12 August, our Southeastern team made recruitment history at the stunning Tonbridge Castle, hosting our very first local recruitment showcase for the Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells areas. Station Manager Damien Collyer partnered with our People and Communications teams to create something completely different – a face-to-face event where real colleagues could share authentic stories about life here at Southeastern. The results speak for themselves: ✅ 150+ visitors attended ✅ 91 people registered for application packs ✅ 61 online applications received ✅ 56 applications for local station roles alone ✅ September assessment days already scheduled What made this work? Our wonderful people. From Edward Hallford‑Nye and Katie Clayton from Recruitment, to station colleagues Samantha Pike, Sharon Jeffrey and Alexander Mills, plus managers David Atkinson and Clara Lewis – everyone brought their experiences to life. Special recognition to Lucy Bryant (Campaigns Manager) whose creative campaign reached everywhere from BBC local media to Google ads, schools to station platforms. As Damien put it: "We wanted visitors to see the real Southeastern – supportive, friendly and full of opportunity. Having our own colleagues on hand to share their journeys made all the difference." Find out more about working at Southeastern here: https://lnkd.in/emnWeKri #Recruitment #EmployerBranding #TeamWork #Innovation #RailwayJobs #Southeastern #TonbridgeJobs

Southeastern and TP have been shortlisted for "Best Customer Service Team" at the European Contact Centre & Customer Service Awards (ECCCSA) 2025! This recognition reflects the outstanding work of our Contact Centre team, who delivered exceptional service across one of the UK's busiest rail networks, handling over 420,000 customer contacts in 2024. What sets our team apart: ⭐ Streamlined processes - We've simplified our approach to complex queries, delivering faster resolutions for our customers ⭐ Digital transformation - Expanded support channels including Webchat, WhatsApp, and Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems for more accessible, convenient customer service ⭐ Industry-leading results that speak for themselves: Less than 10 Rail Ombudsman escalations – the lowest in the country 43% complaint satisfaction vs. 29% national average 60% Net Promoter Score 97% employee satisfaction Our success stems from combining innovative technology with a customer-first mindset, while ensuring our team members feel valued and supported. Our Customer Relations Operations Manager, David Banham said: "This shortlisting is a reflection of our team's unwavering commitment to putting customers at the heart of everything we do. By embracing digital innovation whilst maintaining the human touch, we've created an environment where both our customers and colleagues feel truly valued. I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved together." Congratulations to all other shortlisted organisations – here's to celebrating outstanding customer service across the industry! 🙌 #CustomerService #ContactCentre #RailIndustry #DigitalTransformation #CustomerExperience

"Let's keep this going." A year later, they're still meeting every eight weeks. What started as our Senior Female Leadership Program has become an ongoing community of women leaders who refuse to let the connection end. "It turned out to be the best program I have ever attended," shared Christine Heynes, Head of Customer Transformation. And the transformation speaks for itself: Lisa Taylor, Chief of Staff: “I told myself I didn’t have time and worried it wouldn’t be practical,” she admitted. “But I was wrong. I’ve grown in confidence and now challenge behaviours and speak up for myself in ways I never used to.” Natalie Sparrow, Head of Inclusion and Wellbeing: “It gave me the space to reflect and grow alongside a brilliant group of women who just get it,” she shared. “There was no need to explain or filter. That kind of community is rare, and it’s helped me immensely as both a person and a leader.” Maureen Dominey, head of Joint Performance Team: “I’ve done training before that didn’t give me much, so I was sceptical,” she said. “But this was different. It helped me stop hiding my vulnerabilities. Instead of seeing them as weakness, I now see them as the key to learning and connection.” The result? A network that became mentors, advocates, and a trusted circle - extending far beyond any program timeline. This is what happens when organisations invest in women's leadership with intention. The impact doesn't end when the program does - it multiplies. 👉 Read the full story below from WORK180 and see how we're supporting women in leadership. #WomenInLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #Work180 #WomenSupportingWomen #InclusiveLeadership #ProfessionalDevelopment