Georgia Payne has been appointed by Greater Anglia as its safeguarding and trespass prevention manager following her work with British Transport Police as a vulnerability researcher.
The brand new position will focus heavily on the safeguarding of vulnerable individuals who use the rail network alongside achieving the Safeguarding on Rail Scheme accreditation.
The rail operator has recently put further measures in position at a number of its busiest stations on the route between Cambridge and London Liverpool Street.
The measures aim to keep people off of the tracks after figures highlighted instances of trespass causing more than 65 hours of delays over the period of a year.
The measures include further fencing, gates and witches' hats which are rubber spikes on the ground which aim to deter people from gaining access to the track.
Georgia Payne said: “I'm really pleased to join the railway. My previous role gave an overview of vulnerability across the UK, and I am now able to focus on a specific area.
“Working closely with partners including Network Rail, charities and the emergency services, we want to make sure everyone uses the railway as safely as possible and signpost anyone to access any help they may need.”
“Vulnerable individuals are unable to take care of or protect themselves from harm or exploitation due to their situation or circumstances.
“An individual could be vulnerable for a variety of reasons, they could be missing from home, fleeing from domestic abuse or struggling with their mental health. It is crucial that we can spot the signs and know how to respond to those who need help and support. “
Matt Wakefield, Head of Safety, Security and Sustainability, Greater Anglia, said: “We're very pleased to welcome Georgia. We are committed to making train travel and station environments as safe as possible and Georgia's valuable experience is very much welcomed to help us work to ensure that we protect vulnerable children and adults when using the rail network”
“Trespass is also a very serious issue on the railway and anyone who acts inappropriately near the railway is risking their own life and the lives of others.”
