Ade has responsibility for supporting and promoting community rail development through the continued delivery of the Community Rail Development Strategy and engaging with key stakeholders.

After 12 years as the Executive Director, Andy retired from employment with the Railway Heritage Trust in 2023, but was promptly appointed as its Chair. Andy’s long involvement with the RHT has involved not only the restoration of the industry’s built heritage but also finding new uses for redundant railway property. Andy is also Chairman of the National Railway Heritage Awards, of which he has been a Trustee for 13 years. Previously Deputy Chief Inspector of Rail Accidents, Andy has always had an interest in railway heritage, with well over fifty years working on the Ffestiniog Railway, nearly forty of which were as a director.

Barbara is a consumer consultant and past board member of Passenger Focus (now Transport Focus), which represented passengers in the bus and rail sectors. She has considerable experience of complaints handling and regulating professions. Barbara is currently a trustee of the Association of Nutrition and the Academy of Nutrition Sciences. She brings an independent and analytical approach to the judging process.

Dominic has worked in transport policy since 2012, on a variety of challenges, both customer and strategy focused. As a person with lived and professional experience, Dominic focuses on inclusive solutions that empower customers to control their journey with confidence and dignity. Recent projects include the Passenger Assist Improvement Programme and supporting Greater Anglia with the design and implementation of the new Stadler Flirt vehicles.

With a career in transport spanning more than fifty years – public and private sectors, bus and train – Peter has been active in community rail at all levels for the past twenty years. Awarded an MBE for services to rural transport, he was chair of ACoRP from 2003 to 2018. As a writer and historian, he continues his research and publications on rural transport.

Jim has been involved with both tourism and community rail for many years. When working as tourism manager for Lancaster City Council, he was heavily involved with the Leeds-Morecambe Community Rail Partnership and spent over seven years as an ACoRP (Community Rail Network) board member. In 2010 he became the Community Rail Officer for the Furness and Lakes lines, working closely with local station groups, councils, and Cumbria Tourism. Jim retired in April 2018, but remained involved for another couple of years as the vice-chair of the Lakes Line.

Vicki’s curiosity in railways rests with the stories of social change and how public transport has altered our sense of space and surroundings.

Vicki is the co-creator of All the Stations, author of The Railway Adventures, and Great British Railways: 50 Things to See and Do. She is also a regular columnist for Modern Railways, with a focus on Community Rail.

When not writing about or travelling on trains, Vicki works in the wonderful world of museums where she has produced cutting edge programmes, activities and exhibitions with a diverse range of audiences. She has trained and managed teams, and collaborated with artists and communities from around the world.

Chris has been the stations and community rail policy manager at the Department for Transport since May 2021. He previously worked as the policy lead for the Veterans Railcard and has also advised on HS2 policy. Before working in rail, Chris worked at the Department for Education, advising on academy funding policy.

Alice coordinates Community Rail Network’s annual Community Rail Week and Days Out by Rail campaigns, advising members on how to amplify their key messages and further raise the profile of community rail. Alice is also responsible for supporting members in the promotion of tourism and leisure travel on community rail lines, sharing her 18 years of tourism experience. Alice also manages Community Rail Network’s tourism website, Scenic Rail Britain.

Geoff works for Transport Focus, the independent statutory passenger watchdog, representing passengers across the West Midlands primarily with West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern but also more widely. He is a member of the Grand Railway Collaboration supervisory board, and represents passengers on the North-West and Central Passenger Challenge Panel. Prior to joining Transport Focus, Geoff was the Head of Volunteering for British Gymnastics across 3 Olympic Games.

Nicky has an extensive background in developing business and marketing plans for railways. In 2018 she completed a PhD at the University of York which explores how rail industry managers know what they know, and why new timetables fail in implementation. Alongside her continued research she teaches marketing, business planning and entrepreneurship at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Paul is a well-known photographer and writer whose career spans 21 years. He works for both the national and international media and companies within the rail industry.

Mark is a career railwayman now retired after lengthy service, latterly as client & stakeholder manager for Northern Rail. He is now chair of Cheshire Best Kept Stations, a group that recognises, promotes and rewards the work of volunteer and community groups at stations in the former county of Cheshire.