SWR awarded accreditation to look after vulnerable people on the railway

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South Western Railway (SWR) has become the UK’s second train operator to achieve accreditation with the British Transport Police’s Safeguarding in Rail scheme, recognizing the need to support the most vulnerable members of society on the railway.

To secure the accreditation, SWR said its approach to:

Promoting the wellbeing of vulnerable people who need help and support;
Reduce and prevent the likelihood of harm where possible;
Reduce the impact and effects of harm;
Training colleagues in ways to detect vulnerable people.

Key elements of the program include clear guidelines, responsible management and a dedicated and ongoing training program for all colleagues.

The announcement comes on White Ribbon Day (November 25), which promotes the White Ribbon Campaign’s mission to end violence against women and girls. As part of its overall approach to protecting vulnerable people, SWR has joined others in the rail industry to support the campaign.

Claire Mann, Chief Executive of South Western Railway, commented: “We are proud to have achieved British Transport Police’s Safeguarding in Rail accreditation, which reflects the important work that so many colleagues have done to ensure we are doing all we can to protect vulnerable people on our railways.

“Safety is something we take incredibly seriously, which is why we are also delighted to support the important work of White Ribbon UK to end violence against women and girls this White Ribbon Day.

“It was fantastic to meet colleagues from SWR and across the rail industry and beyond, to discuss how we can do as much as possible to protect vulnerable people from all backgrounds.”

Chief Executive of White Ribbon UK, Anthea Sully, joined Claire Mann at London Waterloo today for an event highlighting SWR’s commitment to ending violence against women and girls in the industry.

Also present at this special event were the Chief Executive of the Department for Transport, Peter Wilkinson, and Detective Chief Constable of the British Transport Police, Paul Furnell.

At the event, participants discussed SWR’s approach to security with the company’s ‘security champions’. In support of White Ribbon, SWR dressed its Desiro trains in bespoke White Ribbon Day colors to help spread the message about domestic violence across the rail network.

Claire Mann, along with her other colleagues and volunteers from the rail industry, as well as members of the public, also signed a pledge to help end violence against women and girls. The pledge can be signed here.

More information about SWR’s leading approach to protecting vulnerable people, including the extensive collaboration with partner organisations, can be found here.

Anthea Sully, Chief Executive of White Ribbon UK, commented: “We were thrilled to see South Western Railway promoting the White Ribbon and encouraging passengers to take the White Ribbon Pledge to never use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women.

“It was great to see the White Ribbon branding on the Desiro trains. This is a special way to demonstrate SWR’s commitment to the women in their teams, as well as those who use their services.”

Paul Furnell, Detective Chief Constable for British Transport Police, commented: “It is only together that we can ensure that the most vulnerable members of society are protected while traveling by rail.

“I would like to thank South Western Railway for their strong commitment to safeguarding and congratulate them on achieving their accreditation for the Safeguarding on Rail Scheme. This commitment is clearly visible through their significant work in promoting the White Ribbon’s campaign to end violence against women and girls.

“Your support, the work of our partner organizations and the efforts of our officers will help ensure the railway is safe for everyone.”