Greater Anglia has appointed Georgia Payne as its new safeguarding and trespass prevention manager.
Georgia joined the train operator from British Transport Police, where she worked as a vulnerability researcher.
The newly created role will focus on prioritising safeguarding of vulnerable individuals who travel on the network and work towards accreditation for the Safeguarding on Rail Scheme.
Georgia Payne said: “I’m really pleased to join the railway. My previous role gave an overview of vulnerability across the UK, and I am now able to focus on a specific area.
“Working closely with partners including Network Rail, charities and the emergency services, we want to make sure everyone uses the railway as safely as possible and signpost anyone to access any help they may need.”
“Vulnerable individuals are unable to take care of or protect themselves from harm or exploitation due to their situation or circumstances.
An individual could be vulnerable for a variety of reasons, they could be missing from home, fleeing from domestic abuse or struggling with their mental health. It is crucial that we can spot the signs and know how to respond to those who need help and support. “
Matt Wakefield, Head of Safety, Security and Sustainability, Greater Anglia, said: “We’re very pleased to welcome Georgia. We are committed to making train travel and station environments as safe as possible and Georgia’s valuable experience is very much welcomed to help us work to ensure that we protect vulnerable children and adults when using the rail network”
“Trespass is also a very serious issue on the railway and anyone who acts inappropriately near the railway is risking their own life and the lives of others.”
Greater Anglia recently implemented additional measures to help keep people safe at some railway stations on its West Anglia route, after figures from the past year revealed trespass incidents caused almost three days’ worth of delays.
New measures have been installed at some of Greater Anglia’s busiest railway stations between Cambridge and London Liverpool Street to help keep people away from the tracks, after figures showed trespass incidents delayed trains by more than 65 hours over the course of a year.
Additional fences, gates and witches’ hats – rubber spikes on the ground which deter people from accessing the track – have been introduced at several stations, to help keep people safe.
Photo credit: Greater Anglia
