Ganymede introduce “In Conversation With” featuring discussions with industry leaders who share insights into their experiences, challenges,

This is a transcript of a recent interview with Michael Dobson from Ganymede

What does your role consist of?

“A Train Presentation function does exactly what it says on the can.

Our primary job is to clean trains and ensure they go into service in the best possible condition for our customers and stakeholders. Our team varies in size, with sites across the country where we provide train presentation services.

I ensure we meet our standards and targets while keeping our teams trained, compliant, and working to their full potential. This involves focusing on current operations while also planning for future improvements in areas like innovation and development. At the heart of it all are the people who work for us (EMR).

They do a tough job, and my focus is on supporting them—ensuring they have the right mindset, that their well-being is prioritised, and that they are equipped to perform at their best.”

Any achievements / highlights within train presentation for 2024?

“I joined the business around two years ago, and at that time, train presentation didn’t really exist; it was part of the fleet function.

In the last 18 months to two years, we’ve developed a function within fleet, with its own structure, including management systems and procedures. This has created an environment where people share ideas and feel confident in what they are doing.

Despite all the challenges of implementing big change, we’ve achieved a lot in a short period of time. For example, we’ve seen a 27% increase in regional trains in the East Midlands fleet, and we’ve found ways to manage that effectively.

While it’s still a work in progress, we’ve made great strides forward, and in just 18 months, the whole management team, led by Simon Kelly, Head of our function, have accomplished a lot.”

What are the key challenges you have faced or regularly face within train presentation?

“One of the key challenges is adapting new ideas and concepts to fit into a very old system of work.

Coming from an industrial background, the railway was a shock to the system—it operates very differently and within its own parameters.

It’s fine to come in with new ideas and say, “we’re going to do it this way,” but that doesn’t necessarily mean it will work. Challenging the status quo takes longer than expected. However, I think we’ve done well so far, and the cultural shift has started. In the next 12–18 months, we should be heading in the direction we want.”

Ganymede and EMR have enjoyed a strong working relationship over the years. What has been the key benefit of this partnership to your role?

“Ganymede’s workforce solutions and staffing have been a massive help. They have supported us by providing additional resources, and a part of what we do relies on temporary recruitment.

Ganymede has played a key role in this by ensuring due diligence is carried out upfront, assessing individuals to ensure they are comfortable with what we’re trying to achieve and our expectations. This has made the process easier, with new staff ready to enter the training environment and integrating into the team seamlessly. Compliance has been fantastic, and they fit in well, coming onboard without preconceptions and fully understanding how we operate and what we want to achieve. This is helped by Ganymede and the processes they use to prepare them for working with us.”

What's next for train presentation in 2025?

“It’s about identifying incremental changes we can make going forward and exploring how we can utilise Ganymede’s services more effectively, potentially across the entire function, not just within my sector. As a fairly new team and function within EMR, it’s important to ensure the fit continues, providing value for our stakeholders and passengers while also maintaining the resources we need to succeed in day-to-day service provision.”

Any final comments?

“From my perspective, when I joined this industry, there was a prevailing mindset among the train presentation crew and carriage cleaners, that they were "just cleaners". Over the last 18 months, I’ve worked hard to change that mindset and culture, and I will continue to drive this message in the years to come. These individuals underpin the service we provide. Without their efforts, the rest of the business would likely struggle to function effectively.”

Ganymede extends its thanks to Mark for taking the time to participate in this interview. Mark regularly shares his insights into effective people management and train presentation initiatives on LinkedIn - connect with him here.