By Ganymede
People at the Heart of Britain’s Railway
Britain’s railway is delivered by people. Every day, operatives across the network work in demanding environments to keep the railway running safely and reliably, often out of public view. Their experience, skill and commitment underpin every successful shift on track.
At Ganymede, listening to those voices is essential. One person who spends significant time on track speaking directly with operatives is Louise Parker, Ganymede’s Workforce Champion. Through her own career journey and regular site presence, Louise provides insight into how today’s workforce views the future of the industry and what is needed to deliver work safely and effectively.
Developing Skills for the Future of Rail
Louise’s conversations with operatives consistently highlight the importance of competence, experience and progression.
“From gaining PTS in 2015 through progressing to Lookout, Site Warden, DC Strapper and eventually COSS, my own journey reflects how the workforce believes the future lies in developing competent, experienced people who can safely deliver renewals, re-rails, sleeper changes and other essential track work.”
There is a shared understanding across the workforce that investing in skills and people on the ground is key to building a safe, capable and sustainable railway.
Safety. Practical, Consistent and Led from Site
Safety remains central to every discussion Louise has on track.
“Speaking with Operatives on site shows that safety is strongest when it’s practical, consistent and led by those doing the job.”
Operatives value clear planning, realistic workloads and the confidence to stop work if something is not right. Strong communication, practical application and leadership from site continue to underpin a culture where everyone feels empowered to challenge unsafe situations and go home safe at the end of every shift.
Commitment and Everyday Pressures
Spending time on site provides Louise with a clear understanding of the realities operatives manage day to day.
“Being out on track with teams in real working conditions provides valuable insight into the realities operatives manage alongside their roles.”
Louise consistently sees a highly committed workforce, motivated by supporting their families and meeting everyday responsibilities. While work patterns and shift changes can present challenges, operatives continue to demonstrate resilience and adaptability. These insights help shape the support Louise focuses on as Workforce Champion, including clearer forward planning and greater consistency to help operatives stay engaged and deliver safely.
Women on Track and a Changing Industry
Louise’s time on track also reflects how the makeup of the workforce has evolved.
“When I first started working on track, I was often the only woman on site, which felt unfamiliar at the time.”
As working relationships developed, respect was built through competence, teamwork and a strong safety mindset.
“Over the years, I’ve seen a noticeable increase in the number of women entering operational roles, which reflects a positive cultural shift.”
The growing diversity across operational roles reflects an industry moving in the right direction and recognises that a broader workforce strengthens the future of the railway.
What Operatives Want the Public to Understand
Finally, Louise highlights what operatives most want recognised about their work.
“Operatives want the public to understand the hard work, skill and teamwork that goes into keeping the railway safe and running smoothly. Much of what we do happens behind the scenes, often in tough conditions.”
At Ganymede, operatives are at the heart of everything we do. Their experience, skill and commitment are what keep Britain’s railway moving safely every day.
Through her role as Workforce Champion, Louise Parker plays a vital part in ensuring those voices are heard, understood and acted upon. By spending time on track and listening to real experiences, she provides a direct link between the workforce and the solutions we deliver.
By championing the needs of operatives, Louise helps shape the tailored people solutions we provide for our clients. This focus on people, safety and long-term support allows us to strengthen today’s workforce and help prepare the railway for the future.