Congratulations

Jonathan James wins Inspirational Man of the Year at the Women in Rail Awards 2024

On 16 May, Jonathan James, Head of Industry Co-ordination, was awarded Inspirational Man of the Year at the Women in Rail Awards 2024. Over the past eight years, Jonathan has made a significant impact to the quality of MTREL’s culture, sharing his expertise with new joiners and guiding them in their careers, speaking bravely about causes that matter to him to help others, while also continuing to dedicate his personal time to authoring insightful books about the railway.

A committed advocate for mental health and wellbeing at work, Jonathan has shared his personal story and personal challenges in the hope that colleagues, especially the younger generation and those faced with adversities, feel included, confident, and comfortable to speak up and seek support should they need it.

I have seen the challenges that my friends and family have faced due to their sexuality, ethnicity, sex, disability, and mental health. Just using public transport can be a real challenge for many people in society and I want to make sure that everyone can safely use our services, regardless of who they are.” – Jonathan James

We’re incredibly proud to see him recognised for his passion for the industry, championing positive change within it, and making a real impact to the way we deliver our services.

2024

National Rail Awards

Outstanding Personal Contribution: Suresh Gorasia
Shortlisted

National Rail Awards

Operator of the Year
Shortlisted

Spotlight Awards

Operator of the Year
Winner

Spotlight Awards

Training Excellence
Highly Commended

Spotlight Awards

Young Rail Professional – Scott McCloud
Shortlisted

Spotlight Awards

Delivering for the Customer
Shortlisted

Spotlight Awards

Best Use of Technology
Shortlisted

Rail Business Awards

Education & Training Excellence Award
Winner

Rail Business Awards

Rail Business of the Year
Winner

Rail Business Awards

Rail Team of the Year – Customer Experience
Winner

Rail Business Awards

Train Operator of the Year
Winner

2023

UK Customer Experience Awards

Best Business Change and Transformation
Silver

National Transport Awards

Rail Operator of the Year
Winner

Gold Award

TIDE Awards
Winner

National Rail Awards

Passenger Operator of the Year
Winner

Spotlight Awards

Corporate Social Responsibility
Winner

Rail Business Awards

Infrastructure Project and Station Excellence: Surface station improvements programme
Winner

Rail Business Awards

Judges Award
Winner

Golden Whistle Awards

Special award – Elizabeth line
Winner

Personnel Today Awards

HR Impact
Shortlisted

Personnel Today Awards

Health & Wellbeing Award – Smaller Employers & HR Impact Award
Shorlisted

Spotlight Awards

Best Use of Technology
Shortlisted

Spotlight Awards

Acting as One Team
Shortlisted

Railway Innovation Awards

Innovation award
Shortlisted

PFM Awards

Partners in Cleaning
Shortlisted

Rail Business Awards

Train Operator of the Year
High commended

Rail Business Awards

Rail Team of the Year: Train Service Delivery Team
High commended

Rail Business Awards

Customer Service Excellence
Highly commended

2022

National Rail Awards

Large station of the year – Paddington
Highly Commended

National Rail Awards

Medium station of the year – Abbey Wood
Highly Commended

Golden Spanners

Class 345s in the Second Generation new EMU category
Silver award

Golden Spanners

Class 315s in the Ex BR EMU category
Bronze Award

Rail Staff Awards

Richard Baker (Samaritans’ Lifesaver Award)
Highly Commended

Rail Staff Awards

Charlene Peirson (Customer Service Award)
Highly Commended

National Apprenticeships Awards

London Regional Winner
Winner

Customer Experience Awards 2022

Customers at the heart of everything
Highly Commended

2021

Modern Railways and the Institute of Rail Operators

Golden Whistle Award – Best On Time Performance
Highly Commended

National Rail Awards

Outstanding Personal Contribution: Rizwan Javed
Winner

National Rail Heritage Awards

National Railway Heritage Award for Operational Enhancement: West Ealing
Winner

Underground in Bloom

Garden of the year for mental health: West Ealing
Winner