Our People
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, President and Honorary Patron.

Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, Honorary Patron
In July 2021, Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill and Chairman of Network Rail, was appointed as Honorary Patron of the Railway Benefit Fund. Lord Hendy has been the Chair of Network Rail since July 2015, and Chair of the London Legacy Development Corporation since July 2017. Lord Peter was previously Commissioner of Transport for London for nearly 10 years. He is a trustee of London’s Transport Museum and of the Science Museum Group. Lord Peter was knighted in the 2013 New Year’s Honours List, having been made CBE in 2006. It was announced in October 2022, that as part of the 2022 Special Honours, Hendy would receive a life peerage.
“I am delighted and honoured to have become a Patron of RBF to support fundraising efforts and help to raise awareness of the charity’s crucial work in the rail industry. The last year has been particularly difficult for the Railway Family, and staff have worked tremendously hard to keep Britain moving during this time. The RBF have been there to help many railway workers through tough situations, which is why I am delighted to show my support.”

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.”
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.

Tim Shoveller

Jane English

Frank Johnson

Janet Goodland

Mark Enright

Paula Hayes

Maggie Simpson OBE

John Kennedy

Ciarán Barr

Kay Boyden

Mick Cash

Emma Wasley
