Rail Forum is pleased to announce that Rail Safety Week 2026 will run from Monday 15th – Sunday 21st June.
Rail Safety Week (RSW) is an industry-wide and industry-led initiative focused on rail safety for all – the people who work on the railway, the customers who use it, and those who may be affected by railway operations. The aim of the dedicated week is to raise awareness of the importance of rail safety across the industry and wider society, sharing best practice and promoting collaboration.
Supporting RSW, Rail Forum is delighted to confirm that Carlisle Support Services has signed up as the Headline Sponsor for RSW 2026.
Steve Cere, Director of Rail Strategy at Carlisle Support Services said: “Rail Safety Week is about uniting the industry to protect our people, our passengers and our communities. As a proud sponsor, Carlisle is committed to supporting a culture of shared responsibility, continuous learning, and proactive prevention of accidents and fatalities.”
Rail Forum is also pleased to announce that Richard Hines, Director of Railway Safety / HM Chief Inspector of Railways at Office of Rail and Road, has been appointed Chair of the RSW Steering Group, working with our Communications Lead and fellow steering group members to guide the strategic direction of RSW. The steering group’s contribution is invaluable – providing insight, support and encouragement to ensure that all parts of the industry are actively involved.
A huge thank you goes to Simon Higgens, former Vice Chair of Rail Forum, who Chaired the group since its formation in 2024 and served as a Champion since Rail Forum adopted the initiative in 2023.
Richard Hines, newly appointed Chair of the Rail Safety Week Steering Group said: “As HM Chief Inspector of Railways, I’m looking forward to chairing the Rail Safety Week Steering Group — it’s a fantastic opportunity to bring the industry together around our shared commitment to deliver a healthier and safer railway. I’m really grateful to Simon Higgens for his leadership of the group over the last 3 years.
“I’d like to encourage all organisations, large and small, to get involved, share best practice, and continue to drive a culture where health and safety is always at the forefront of everything we do.”
Jemma Smalls, Communications, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Rail Forum and Communications Lead for Rail Safety Week said: “Thank you to each of the almost 250 organisations who supported Rail Safety Week 2025. It was fantastic to see so many events and activities in the run-up to, during, and after the week itself.
“Safety doesn’t start and stop with Rail Safety Week, but we are proud to be the custodians of this important initiative, helping to raise the profile of rail safety across the industry and within communities, schools and beyond. The support from across the industry is what makes Rail Safety Week so impactful – let’s keep building a strong safety culture and ensure everyone gets home safe every day.”
While RSW 2026 is still 200 days away, now is the perfect time to start planning your activities. It’s great to see organisations already preparing – for example, Northern and their Community Rail Partnerships recently held a workshop to explore ideas for next year’s campaign.
You can start showcasing your support by using our updated customisable branded templates: https://www.railsafetyweek.org/resources/rail-safety-week-branded-templates/
For inspiration and ideas on how to get involved, visit: https://www.railsafetyweek.org/ideas-for-getting-involved/
And to see highlights from this year’s activities, take a look at: https://www.railsafetyweek.org/whats-on-2025/