Homepage - Connected Leaders

The overall purpose of this programme is to make the railways work better as a system in the interests of passengers, freight customers and the UK as a whole.

“Britain’s railways face challenges like never before. However, I hope we all agree that a prosperous, decarbonised and connected Britain, demands a highly efficient rail system. As leaders in our sector, we hold the keys to unlocking the potential of our railway, by growing a modern network that delivers for our customers and passengers.”

Andrew Haines

Network Rail Chief Executive, January 2023

“After unprecedented challenges in recent years, it is vital that industry leaders continue to collaborate and challenge themselves to ensure we create a simpler, better railway for everyone in Britain. We recognise the value and importance of rail in the 21st century, and we are constantly looking for opportunities to improve how rail operates so that we can effectively meet the differing needs of our customers.

As the demand for rail continues to rise, our leaders must continue to support the growth of the industry to give more customers the opportunity to travel by rail, connecting communities and economies with a sustainable mode of transport.”

Jacqueline Starr

Rail Delivery Group Chief Executive, January 2021

“What I love about Connected Leaders is that it does what it says on the tin. Connected Leaders provides the space and time to help build meaningful cross industry relationships and understanding. It's railway soft power at its best.”

David Leam

Group Director, Communications, Network Rail

“Being invited to participate in the programme felt like an amazing opportunity, and I still feel that way after completing it. The range of participants, in terms of what they do within the railway, their experiences and their backgrounds results in a very rich cohort. The whole system thinking concept is critical to the railway and Connected Leaders brings this to life and then demands that those in the room tackle it with vigour.”

Jo McPhail,

Deputy Managing director and HRD, West Midlands Trains

“Being a member of the Connected Leaders programme has presented me with opportunities to contribute towards the industry, increase my network, and gain a far better understanding of the whole system.

The initial 15 month programme was extremely informative and provided me with insights, updates and the opportunity to contribute towards industry change. The continuing alumni events allow all cohorts to come together and collaborate on initiatives which will benefit the system. I am now leading a cross industry working group which is supported by DfT.

You get out of it what you are prepared to put in, so I recommend investing your time and effort; it will be worth it!”

Chris Murray,

Project Director, Turner & Townsend

What are the aims for
participating leaders?

What kind of people are in
the cohort?

What it is

What it is not

What are the aims for
participating leaders?

Over the course of the programme leaders will

Identify shared challenges, collaborating to drive systematic improvement across the whole sector for the customer.

Develop real insights into how the rail industry works, understanding how the different parts contribute to operational effectiveness.

Build a trusted network of peers, establishing the sustainable relationships needed to meet future challenges.

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What kind of people
are in the initial cohorts?

Participants are senior leaders from every part of the rail sector.

They are managing directors, chief executive officers and senior directors from Network Rail, train operating companies, the Department for Transport, the large Supply Chain organisations and industry bodies.

All of the individuals have significant influence and decision making responsibilities.

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What it is...

A collective and collaborative programme that brings leaders together with purpose.

A positive response to multiple calls for a whole-system approach to running the railway.

A vehicle for leaders to come together on a regular basis, have shared experiences, identify collective challenges, and work collaboratively to resolve them.

A powerful way of reinforcing our emerging industry ethos of putting passengers first and building a culture of service excellence through the decisions and actions we take.

Recognition that rail leaders are part of a complex system with multiple interdependencies, operating in a rapidly changing landscape and sharing a common goal - operating a safe, reliable railway that delivers on its promises to passengers and freight users.

A way for leaders to develop real insights into the work of other organisations, appreciating how each contributes to an effective railway and how the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.