Back to HomeGeneral NewsRailStaff Awards 2026: why recognition matters for the next generation of rail
RailStaff Awards 2026 voting opens!
Every year the RailStaff Awards bring the rail community together to celebrate the people who keep the network moving. Since 2007, the awards have shone a light on the work that so often goes unsung, from frontline colleagues and engineers to the teams behind the scenes. This year's ceremony takes place on Thursday 26 November at the NEC in Birmingham and public voting is open now!
At Young Rail Professionals, recognition sits close to the heart of what we do. Our own YRP Awards exist because we have seen the difference it makes when someone early in their career is told their work matters. It builds confidence, it opens doors, and it shows others coming into the industry what is possible. The RailStaff Awards do the same across the whole railway, and we are proud to see so many of our members, volunteers and partners recognised each year.
What's new for 2026
This year there are twenty categories, including four new awards: Emerging Talent, People and Workforce, Small Business, and Community Impact. We are especially pleased to see Emerging Talent join the line up. It recognises the energy and fresh thinking that people new to rail bring. We see that every day through our regional events, mentoring and national projects.
The People and Workforce and Community Impact awards also reflect conversations we are having across the industry. Rail faces a real skills challenge, and the organisations and individuals investing in people, supporting their communities and widening access to careers deserve to be celebrated.
How the awards work
Anyone can nominate a colleague, team or organisation they believe deserves recognition. Once nominations close, the public vote gives the wider rail community a chance to show its support. An independent judging panel then selects the finalists and winners. Public voting closes at midnight on Monday 5 October, and the finalists will be announced on 7 October.
Whether or not you are nominated, we would encourage every member to take a few minutes to look through the nominees and vote. It is a simple way to back the people and teams making a difference, and many of them will be friends and colleagues from across our network.
Our nominations
We are delighted to share that Young Rail Professionals has been nominated for the Charity Award, and that our very own Richard Harmer has been nominated for Rail Ambassador of the Year.
As a charity, everything we do is powered by volunteers. Our regional committees, project teams and national executive give their time to run events, mentor early careers professionals and open doors into the industry. This nomination belongs to every one of them, and to the members who come along, get involved and bring others with them.
Richard's nomination recognises the time and energy he has put into championing rail and the people in it. Whether he is speaking at events, supporting new members or flying the flag for YRP across the industry, Richard shows what a rail ambassador looks like, and we could not be prouder to see him recognised.
Public voting closes at midnight on Monday 5 October, and it only takes a minute:
Thank you, as always, for being part of our community. We look forward to celebrating with the industry in November. Read more on RailStaff website here.