South Western Railway best in country for safeguarding passengers
They've scored 100% for their protection of customers and staff
South Western Railway (SWR) has received the highest possible score, when it comes to safeguarding vulnerable people on its network.
The British Transport Police (BTP) has awarded the train operator 100% in its accreditation scheme.
SWR was only the second train operator to achieve Safeguarding on Rail status, achieving a score of over 90% initially, and now increasing that to the top score of 100% for its reaccreditation.
Safeguarding on Rail was developed by the BTP and the Department for Transport to reflect the high numbers of vulnerable people on the rail network, and the responsibility that the industry has to keep them safe.
SWR has been working to 'embed safeguarding as business as usual’.
By December last year, almost 90% of staff had completed a safeguarding training course, with colleagues able to complete additional training to become a ‘safeguarding champion’.
Dan O'Riordan, Head of Security and Safety Assurance at South Western Railway, said:
“I’m incredibly proud of the team for achieving 100% for our Safeguarding on Rail accreditation. They do such a fantastic job protecting our customers and colleagues on the network.
“Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, which is why we have worked so hard to embed safeguarding as ‘business as usual’.
“If anyone is feeling vulnerable, anywhere on the network, we want them to know that they can talk to a colleague and will be in safe hands.”
Paul Furnell, Detective Chief Superintendent for the British Transport Police, said:
“South Western Railway achieved the pass mark of 100% which is a testament to the significant amount of work they have put in to protect and safeguard vulnerable people.
“It was evident both through interviews and with evidence provided that South Western Railway is dedicated to safeguarding and has a real desire to build on what is a great foundation to make this a success.
“I would like to congratulate South Western Railway for the work done to deliver the Safeguarding on Rail criteria.”