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

“Covid-19 has seen many challenges for the railway, but it also presents an opportunity to do things differently and accelerate the reform that industry leaders have long been calling for to create a better railway for our customers.

The aftermath of the pandemic should see our leaders promote and implement change that will encourage a more diverse and inclusive railway which represents the customers we are here to serve, and attracts more people to travel by train.”

Jacqueline Starr

Rail Delivery Group Chief Executive, January 2021

What are the aims for
participating leaders?

What kind of people are in
the initial 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.