Our People

Support and guidance from industry experts

RBF is run by a small and dedicated team, based in Crewe and travelling throughout the UK. We are supported by a network of volunteers, a Board of Trustees and President.

Pete Waterman OBE, Charity President

Pete Waterman OBE, is President of the RBF. Best known as one third of the hugely successful music production and song-writing partnership, Stock Aitken Waterman and for his world-famous PWL label. Music is not his only passion – railways are in his blood. With an encyclopaedic knowledge of the UK Rail Industry, Pete built from scratch two successful train businesses and has an extraordinary determination to salvage and preserve steam locomotives in order to educate and to entertain future generations.

“I’m a big fan of the RBF, I have been for 25 years, and am proud to be their President and help raise the profile of the great work they do. The history of the charity is just incredible, some of its patrons in the past have included Charles Dickens. It’s just amazing to be a part of this important offering to the whole of the Rail Industry.”

Huw Merriman, Honorary Patron

Huw Merriman is Chair of Liverpool Manchester Railway Partnership Board and former Rail Minister. He is now focused on supporting the UK’s railway network working with the Rail Freight Group to boost the share of goods moved by rail, a key step for economic growth and decarbonisation. He joined Railway Benefit Fund as Honorary Patron in June 2025.

”It’s an honour to become the Honorary Patron for Railway Benefit Fund; an amazing charity which has supported current, former and retired railway people, and their families, for over 165 years. I’m looking forward to helping the RBF team with its fundraising, stakeholder activity and wider work to enable the charity to support more people.”

Jo Kaye, CEO

Jo Kaye brings an extensive background in rail leadership, having previously worked at Network Rail for 24 years, most recently as Managing Director of the System Operator. She has previous experience as a trustee of The Settle and Carlisle Railway Trust and in education settings, and is currently a Non Executive Director at Transport for Greater Manchester.

“I am delighted to be taking on this role and look forward to leading the RBF through its next stage of growth. Having worked in rail for my entire career, I know just how essential this charity is to the industry, and I will harness knowledge and contacts gained from my experience to further RBF’s impact.”

Our Board of Trustees

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.

David Horne

Chairman of RBF and Managing Director – LNER

David Horne has been Managing Director of LNER since its inception in June 2018. He has held senior positions with several train operating companies including Managing Director of East Midlands Trains from 2011 to 2015, and Virgin Trains East Coast from 2015 to 2018. David joined the Board in October 2024.

“I’m truly honoured to be Chairman for Railway Benefit Fund. It’s a privilege to support such a vital charity that makes a real difference in the lives of railway workers and their families. I’m committed to using my experience and knowledge to help ensure the charities continued success. No one wants to see one of our railway family struggling.”

Janet Goodland

Formerly Director of Development Projects – Network Rail

Janet Goodland’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.”

Paula Hayes

Formerly Head of Rewards & Benefits – Network Rail

Paula Hayes 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 Simpson OBE 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.”

Ciarán Barr

Formerly Investment Director – Railpen

Ciarán Barr 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.”

Mick Cash

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

Mick Cash 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 and also sits on the Fundraising Committee.

“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.”

Faye Scadden

Head of Marketing & Brand – Network Rail

Faye Scadden has a background in marketing and communications with 25 years’ experience across a range of industries including government, construction and the public sector. Faye is Head of Marketing & Brand and has been with Network Rail since 2019. She joined the Railway Benefit Fund in 2023 and also sits on the Fundraising Committee.

“This is a critical time for the services provided by the Railway Benefit Fund and I’m looking forward to using my skills and experience to benefit the valuable work that the charity does for the railway industry.”

Sam Turner

Finance Director – South Western Railway

Sam Turner is Finance Director at South Western Railway. Her previous role was for Network Rail as Finance and Commercial director (GBRX), having spent the previous two years at Virgin Media O2 as commercial director. Sam has done a variety of roles within the rail industry including heading up the commercial team for both network rail and the train operator with an alliance. Sam joined the Board in October 2024 and is also Chair of the F&GP Committee.

“It’s an honour to be part of a charity that provides vital support to our railway colleagues, both past and present when they really need it.”

Fiona Irvine

Head of HR – Elizabeth Line

Fiona Irvine is the interim Head of HR for Elizabeth line and an accomplished HR and Transformational Change Director with extensive experience operating at a statutory board level. Her impressive background includes generalist HR and the strategic design and delivery of effective HR strategies across diverse sectors, spanning transport, FMCG, local authority, and utilities. She joined as an RBF Trustee in May 2025, and sits on the Fundraising Committee.

“Being part of the railway family has always been something I have valued deeply, and to now be able to actively support its individuals through Railway Benefit Fund is incredibly fulfilling. The RBF’s dedication to helping railway workers and their families navigate life’s challenges is truly inspiring.”

Stuart Mackcracken

Head of Programmes – Rail Delivery Group

Stuart Mackcracken brings over 25 years of valuable experience within the rail industry. His career has progressed through roles in customer service and safety, leading to a 15-year specialisation in Information Technology and Programmes. Following senior positions as Head of Projects and IT at Virgin Trains, Stuart joined Rail Delivery Group in 2019, where he currently serves as Head of Programmes, spearheading the delivery of critical industry digital and technology initiatives. He joined as an RBF Trustee in May 2025 and sits on the F&GP Committee.

“It is a privilege to join Railway Benefit Fund as a Trustee. After spending over two decades in the rail industry, I am looking forward to the opportunity to support my colleagues and the wider railway community through the Fund’s essential work.”

Anna-jane Hunter

Partner – Winder Phillips Associates

Anna-jane Hunter is a Partner at Winder Phillips, an expert consultancy to the railway industry. Anna-jane is a Rail Operations Professional with a passion for problem solving and complex stakeholder relations. Having led teams in Network Rail, Train Operating Companies, and as part of multi-agency industry groups she brings with her a wealth of experience. She is a Magistrate and has been Chair on the Board of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT UK) since 2025, and on their Board since 2021. She joined as an RBF Trustee in January 2026 and sits on the Benefits and Services committee.

“I’m delighted to join this crucial part of the railway family. The RBF’s ongoing dedication to helping railway workers and their families is truly inspiring and I’m proud to be able to bring my experience on board to support their work.”