Strengthening Compliance to Drive Safety and Excellence in the UK Rail Sector​The UK rail industry operates in one of the most safety-critical environments in the country. With thousands of lives and billions in infrastructure at stake every day, the sector has undergone significant change over the last decade to improve how it manages risk, competency, and supplier assurance.At Ganymede Solutions, we recognise that meeting these ever-evolving requirements means investing not just in systems, but in people. That is why the continued development of our compliance function has remained a top priority.​The Role of Compliance in Supporting Railway 200Railway 200 is a UK-wide initiative celebrating 200 years of the modern railway. It aims to inspire a new generation of pioneering talent to pursue careers in rail and to highlight the diverse range of roles available within the industry.Effective compliance management is vital to the safe and successful operation of the railway. Ganymede’s compliance team ensures that all regulatory obligations are met, risks are proactively identified and mitigated, and that continuous improvement is embedded into our daily operations.At Ganymede, this is demonstrated not only through our RISQS accreditation but also through our ongoing commitment to a suite of ISO certifications, covering Quality Management, Health & Safety, Environment & Sustainability, and Information Security.In addition, our compliance approach ensures we remain committed to fair, transparent, and responsible employment practices, from how we support our people to how we manage our supply chain, upholding the highest ethical standards across all our operations.​Building a Strong Compliance Team to Meet Railway 200 Standards at GanymedeSince Lauren Bradford joined Ganymede, she has played a key role in developing the compliance team to support the company’s commitment to high-quality compliance standards. The team has grown to meet increasing regulatory demands and to ensure that all aspects of Ganymede’s operations uphold the highest standards of governance.​Developing a Comprehensive Compliance Function in Response to Industry ChangesWhen Lauren joined Ganymede in 2013, the HSEQ function was a small, three-person team responsible for Health & Safety, Compliance, Training, and Fleet Management. As the business has grown and the rail industry has evolved, Ganymede has developed dedicated teams for each of these areas, including a standalone Health & Safety team and a separate Fleet team, each focusing on their specialist disciplines.​Over the last decade, the compliance function has expanded its focus to key areas such as regulatory adherence, risk management, and assurance. During this period, the team has successfully navigated several significant industry changes, including:The transition from the National Competence and Certification Authority (NCCA) to the Sentinel system, which marked a move from manual, paper-based Personal Track Safety (PTS) cards to a smart ID and digital platform for real-time competency verification.The transformation of the supplier assurance scheme from Link-Up to RISQS (Railway Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme), a change led by Network Rail to enhance transparency and governance, transferring management to the Railway Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), a not-for-profit organisation owned by and serving Britain’s rail industrySignificant updates to Fatigue Management standards aimed at further mitigating fatigue risks across the industry, alongside enhanced Drug and Alcohol standards designed to better protect the safety of those working in the rail sector, in line with Network Rail’s Life Saving Rules.The compliance team remains responsible for staying up to date with these evolving requirements and ensuring Ganymede’s continued regulatory compliance in a rapidly changing industry landscape.​A Collaborative Approach to Regulatory ExcellenceUnder Lauren’s leadership, the compliance team at Ganymede works closely with our internal Health & Safety and Fleet Management teams to ensure a joined-up approach to risk management and operational safety. But our collaboration doesn’t stop there.We also work proactively with industry bodies, clients, and suppliers to stay aligned with best practices and emerging standards across the rail sector. By engaging with key stakeholders and remaining actively involved in industry-wide initiatives, we are able to continuously build on our capabilities, respond to regulatory changes with agility, and help shape a safer, more sustainable rail network.This collaborative mindset supports not only our internal compliance goals but also contributes meaningfully to the broader vision of Railway 200, rising to new challenges and championing a stronger, safer rail industry for all.​Read our previous blog Railway 200 blog: Mental Health Matters: 200 Years of Rail, 200 Years of People

​Celebrating 20 Years of Success: Colin Earp’s Journey with Ganymede​This year, we're celebrating a major milestone as Colin Earp marks 20 incredible years with Ganymede. Colin has made a lasting impact through his hard work, team spirit, and commitment to delivering for clients and candidates alike. To honour the occasion, we sat down with Colin to reflect on his two-decade journey, his proudest achievements, and what’s kept him motivated over the years.​Reflecting on Two Decades of ExcellenceWhen asked what he is most proud of over the last 20 years, Colin shared“I’ve been awarded Top Consultant twice and Top Contract Consultant several times during my career with Ganymede. These are the achievements I am most proud of. We employ excellent Recruitment Consultants here at Ganymede who build fantastic relationships with clients and candidates, so to be the best of the best is as good as it gets for me.”​Andy Pendlebury, Chairman and CEO of RTC Group Plc and Colin​Why Ganymede? It’s All About the People“There are so many reasons why I enjoy working for Ganymede, but the most important one for me is the people I work with. We support, encourage, advise, coach, and have a laugh with each other every day to ensure we offer the best service to our clients and candidates.The management team plays a huge part in that, and the support I have been given, both in the workplace and in my personal life, has been incredible.Added to that is the fantastic commission structure, systems, and IT that make the job easier and mean we can fill vacancies quicker — and a head office that is a great place to work from.”​Staying Motivated After 20 Years“Everyone knows that recruitment has lots of highs and lows, but placing a candidate is what drives and motivates me every day.”Evolution of Colin's pictures through the years​Key Milestones and Turning Points“I was promoted to Assistant Recruitment Manager back in 2014, where I was managing a team of three recruitment consultants.As it turned out, this was a turning point in my career because I struggled to handle the pressures of managing a team and maintaining my own performance.So after a period of 22 months and with the support of the management team, I decided to return to my role of Principal Consultant.It shows that at Ganymede, the support is there to ensure you develop your career how you want to. If there is a route you take that doesn’t work out, then you can discuss and decide on an alternative — and I’ve never looked back.”​Chris O'Connor, Operations Director in Recruitment commented:​It has been my absolute pleasure to have worked alongside Col for his entire 20-year tenure with the group. I vividly remember us both joining the business back in 2005 – two fresh-faced and perhaps slightly naive recruitment novices eager to forge a career in a sector we knew precisely nothing about! Fast forward two decades, and despite the few extra wrinkles acquired along the way, Col's enthusiasm remains as infectious as ever. More importantly, throughout these years, he has consistently proven himself to be one of the very best in our field.You will be hard-pressed to find anyone with a negative word to say about Colin. He takes immense pride in delivering the very best for his customers, candidates, and colleagues alike. Past and present colleagues will undoubtedly tell you that it is a genuine pleasure to be on his team.Well done, Col – the recognition you will receive for this milestone is richly deserved. Here's to the next 20 years… and who knows, maybe in that time, we'll even see Manchester United challenge again!​This is what Owen Hughes, Divisional Manager, had to say about Colin's anniversary:​I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Colin every single day of my time here, and I can honestly say: anyone would be proud to do the same. He’s the first in, the last to leave, and sets a shining example of what it means to be a top-tier recruiter. His results speak for themselves.Call him the postman: Colin delivers, week in, week out, with unwavering consistency and high-level performance. In fact, he holds the record for the most contract recruitment margin billed by any individual in RTC Group history. He is not just a key member of the team; he is a cornerstone, a benchmark for what great recruitment looks like.Beyond the numbers, Colin is a true gentleman. His professionalism, humility and integrity have earned him the utmost respect and admiration from his colleagues. It is rare to find someone so highly thought of within the workplace.So here is to the man, the myth, the Red Devil, with form far better than his team. Congratulations on smashing through this incredible anniversary, Col. Legend status: well and truly secured.And remember… You’ll Never Walk Alone.​Colin’s 20-year journey is a fantastic example of loyalty, passion and the value of finding the right environment to thrive in. A huge congratulations to Colin on this remarkable milestone. Here’s to continued success and many more achievements still to come.

Mental Health Matters: 200 Years of Rail, 200 Years of People​As the UK celebrates 200 years of the railway, much of the spotlight rightly falls on achievements in infrastructure, innovation and growth. But behind every milestone are the people who keep the industry moving. This Mental Health Awareness Week, Ganymede is focusing on the wellbeing of those individuals by highlighting the work of its Mental Health First Aiders and the value of everyday support within the rail sector.​Listening First, Supporting Always​For Victoria Richards, Office Coordinator in Rail, trust is at the heart of her role as a Mental Health First Aider. Her colleagues often come to her because they feel safe opening up. Victoria explained that when asked to take on the training, she was glad to accept. She said, "Being a lady of a certain age, the operatives see me as a mother figure. When Gary asked me to attend the course, I was happy to expand my understanding of mental health further."Gary Lobue, Head of HSEQ, brings a broader perspective from across the business. He believes mental health support is essential in rail due to the unique pressures faced by the workforce. "Shift patterns, fatigue and job uncertainty all add pressure. People are often afraid to speak up, especially in a male-dominated industry."Suzanne Thorpe, Health and Safety Manager, agrees that support is critical, especially during periods of uncertainty. "Change can be a major trigger for mental health issues. Providing support helps people cope through uncertain times."​Training That Makes a Difference​Each of Ganymede’s Mental Health First Aiders has undertaken recognised training, but the true value often lies in listening and being present.Gary described a moment that left a lasting impression. "He needed someone who would listen, and I was that person." Taking time to truly hear someone’s experience had a positive impact when it mattered most.Victoria recalled when an operative turned to her shortly after a personal tragedy. "He sat with me and talked for two hours. I helped direct him to support, and he was so grateful."Suzanne added that even small actions carry great weight. "It is not always about grand gestures. Sometimes it is just taking the time to genuinely listen."​Shifting Attitudes​Progress is visible across the industry. Dave Carter, Head of Technical Resource for Rail, noted the shift in awareness and openness. "There is far more awareness now than there was 20 years ago. People are more open and self-aware."At Ganymede, mental health is now introduced as part of the induction process. Victoria shared, "It’s become normal to have conversations about it."Suzanne emphasised that lasting change depends on everyday leadership. "Support has to be consistent through line management, not just at the top."​Looking Ahead​The hope for the future is clear. By the time rail celebrates 250 years, Ganymede’s Mental Health First Aiders want to see an industry where stigma no longer prevents people from seeking help.Victoria put it simply. "Ideally it would be lovely to be rid of the stigma."Gary added that while mental health issues may never disappear entirely, awareness and openness will make a difference. "We will never eliminate mental health issues, but we can keep promoting awareness so people feel safe to speak up."As the rail industry looks toward the future, progress will be measured not only in miles of track or technical advancement, but also in the strength of its people. Supporting mental health today lays the foundation for a healthier, more resilient workforce in the years to come.​Read our previous blog: 200 Years of Rail: A Frontline Focus