We are very fortunate that we have great support and guidance from our Board Members. Each is a specialist in their field and has extensive knowledge from within the rail industry.

Tim Shoveller   Managing Director North West and Central - Network Rail and RBF Chairman

 

Tim has 30 years’ experience in the rail industry, initially joining British Rail as a Guard at Guildford. Tim now leads the Network Rail North West & Central (NW&C) region, a role he started in 2019 after moving from Stagecoach, where he was MD of the rail division. Tim has been RBF Chairman for just over 7 years now and also sits on the Nominations and Remuneration Committee.

“The Railway Benefit Fund does incredibly important work in our industry, which is why I am so proud to be a trustee and help to support this fantastic charity.”

Jane English   People Director - Merseyrail

As People Director Jane leads the HR and Stations teams at Merseyrail, having started her career in rail in 1993. She sits on the RBF Benefits Committee and has been on the Board for over 10 years.

“The RBF is so important to our railway family, being there when people need it most. I am honoured to be able to support, promote and be a part of this dedicated railway charity.”

Frank Johnson   Formerly Managing Director, Investments - RAILPEN

Frank joined RAILPEN in 2004 as Finance Director and became Managing Director, Investments in 2009. He retired from RAILPEN in 2015 and became an RBF Trustee at that time. He also sits on the F&GP committee. Frank is a chartered accountant and holds a Commerce degree.

“Having spent a large part of my career in the rail industry I am aware of the critical role played by the RBF and am honoured to be able to support this wonderful charity.”

Janet Goodland   Formerly Director, Development Projects - Network Rail

Janet’s career in the rail industry has spanned the period of change from a nationalised industry to private sector companies. Her previous roles include Director of Network Development, Network Rail; Head of Business Planning, Railtrack and senior management roles in British Rail. Janet has been on the Board since 2015 and sits on the Benefits and Services committee and Nominations and Remuneration Committee.

“In my role chairing the Benefits & Services Committee I can see the real need there is for our services and grants in the industry, and am proud that we are able to  help so many people at a time of crisis in their lives.”

Mark Enright  Formerly Transformation Director - Network Rail 

Mark has recently retired from his role as Transformation Director at Network Rail, where he’s held several senior roles during 16 years with the organisation. Previous to his time with Network Rail, he held positions at British Airports Authority and London Underground where he started as a Signalling Engineering apprentice. Mark has been an RBF trustee since 2017 and sits on the Benefits and Services committee.

“What could be better than supporting a charity whose focus on helping those past and present members of the wonderful railway family.”

Paula Hayes   Formerly Head of Rewards & Benefits - Network Rail

Paula held the position of Head of Rewards & Benefits at Network Rail for over 8 years. She is now the Director at Alchester HR Consulting and an Associate at QCG Ltd. She joined the RBF Board in 2016 and is chair of the Nominations and Remuneration Committee.

“The Railway Benefit Fund is there to help those in need across the rail sector and it is a privilege to be able support the charity as a Trustee.”

Maggie Simpson OBE  Director General - Rail Freight Group

Maggie joined the Rail Freight Group in 2005 as Policy Manager and in 2012 became its Director General. She previously worked at the Strategic Rail Authority in their freight team. Maggie has been on the Board since 2018 and sits on the Fundraising subcommittee and Benefits and Services committee.

“Being a trustee of Railway Benefit Fund is a truly rewarding experience, seeing how much the charity is supporting people across our industry, and helping the charity grow and develop for the future.”

John Kennedy   Infrastructure Human Resources Manager - Irish Rail 

John joined Irish Rail in 1983 as an apprentice and moved in Human Resources in 1996. John currently leads HR technology and change programmes for Irish Rail. He has been an RBF Trustee since 2016 and sits on the Fundraising subcommittee and is chair of the Irish committee.

“I am extremely proud and fortunate to be a part of the Railway Benefit Fund.  My role as a Trustee is very rewarding for me personally, as we get to support our own family in times of need.”

Ciaran Barr   Formerly Investment Director - RAILPEN 

Ciarán has over 25 years of experience in financial markets across fund management, strategy and economics, including a transformational leadership role at the Railways Pension Scheme, one of the UK’s largest and most complex schemes. He began his career at Deutsche Bank and has also worked at the Bank of England. He is currently on the Board of B&CE, the manager of The People's Pension, a member of the Scottish Widows Independent Governance Committee and also on the Board of the arts company Studio Wayne McGregor. Ciarán joined the Board as a Trustee in 2018 and is also a member of the F&GP Committee.

"Railways are vital to the running of our economy and society. It is an honour to be a Trustee of an organisation that works to support railway people when they are in need."

Ian Jeffrey  Ancilliary Services Director- Abellio UK

Ian has over 30 years of senior commercial and operations management experience in the rail and bus industry. He is currently Managing Director Ancillary Services at Abellio UK and has been an RBF Board member since 2018. Ian chairs the Scottish RBF Committee and also sits on the Fundraising subcommittee.

“I’ve seen the incredible work done by the Railway Benefit Fund throughout my time working in this industry and it is a real honour to be a trustee and work alongside such dedicated colleagues.”

 

Kev Adlam    Formerly Business Development Director - Merchant Rentals Ltd and currently Fixtures Secretary - Branch Line Society

Kev retired in 2019 after 16 years in the payments industry. He is now Fixtures Secretary of Branch Line Society as well as member of the RBF Fundraising Sub Committee. Kev has been an RBF trustee since 2020.

“Being a trustee for Railway Benefit Fund is a real privilege, helping support current or former railway employees with a variety of problems and challenges. As the needs of the industry change, it's vitally important that we can respond to those needs and continue our amazing work.”

Kay Boyden    Head of Programmes - Racing Welfare 

Kay has been Head of Programmes at Racing Welfare, a charity for the racing industry, since 2019. She has previously held roles in the NHS and in the military. Kay joined the RBF as trustee in 2020 and sits on the Benefits and Services committee.

“I’m passionate about supporting the wellbeing of people which is why I’m a trustee of the Railway Benefit Fund, who do such fantastic work to support those working in the rail industry.”

Mick Cash    Formerly General Secretary of the RMT (National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers)

Mick has over 40 years of railway experience starting as Junior Railmen in the S&T department at Watford in 1978. He spent 23.5 years in the S&T department before leaving in 2002 to become the RMT’s Senior Assistant General Secretary and subsequently General Secretary in 2014. Mick retired as General Secretary in May 2021 and joined as an RBF Trustee in 2021.

“I have known about the good work the Railway Benefit Fund has done and have myself referred people for help and assistance in the past. I welcome the opportunity to bring my knowledge and experience to ensuring that this charity can continue to support railway workers, both employed and retired, when they face difficult times."

Emma Wasley    HR People Partner- GTR (Govia Thameslink Railway)

Emma joined GTR nearly four years ago as HR Advisor, quickly progressing to leading the HR team as Senior Advisor. She is currently the HR People Partner for Southern and Gatwick Express. Emma joined the Board in 2021 and brings a wealth of experience from aviation and retail.

“I am very excited to get the opportunity to help fellow rail workers. Joining RBF is a perfect chance for me to get involved.”

 

Any queries regarding the Board please email Claire Houghton, CEO.