Your fast track to industry insight...
From infrastructure and rolling stock to innovation, exports, skills, and strategy, we sit down with industry leaders, clients, government voices, and subject matter experts to connect the dots across a fast-evolving sector.
Each episode supports our mission of “Unleashing UK rail excellence, together” — aligning with our core pillars of supporting, connecting, informing, and representing our diverse member base. Whether you’re part of the rail supply chain, a policymaker, or simply passionate about the future of transport, join us for insight, collaboration, and conversation that moves the industry forward.
Available on all your favourite podcast platforms:
Episodes
Patron Series
In the second episode of the Rail Forum Patron Podcast Series, Elaine Clark OBE sits down with Tim Bentley, Group Managing Director and Regional Vice President at Wabtec, to explore the company’s significant new investment programme in the UK — including the development of a £30 million rail technology hub in Barton.
Tim shares how Wabtec’s expanded capabilities will strengthen the UK supply chain through:
- Enhanced engineering, digital and subsystem expertise
- Greater domestic capability across wheelsets, bogies, air-con, electronics and more
- A growing apprenticeship pipeline and long-term investment in skills
- New data-driven approaches to asset management and performance improvement
The conversation also looks more broadly at the future of the railway: collaboration between suppliers and operators, the role of GBR, and the importance of confidence and stability for long-term investment decisions.
This episode offers an honest, forward-looking discussion about how a stronger UK supply chain can support better performance, lower lifecycle costs, and improved outcomes for passengers and freight customers.
The Rail Forum Patron Podcast Series launches with a deep dive into 'Initiate' — a transformative solution developed by Resonate that’s changing how possessions are planned and managed across Scotland’s railway.
In this episode, Craig Milne, Planning and Logistics Director at Network Rail Scotland, and Ben Rudkin, Operations Director at Resonate, join Jemma Smalls, Communications, Policy and Public Affairs Manager of Rail Forum, to discuss how innovative technology and strong collaboration are driving measurable improvements in safety, efficiency, and operational planning.
Together, they explore how Initiate has been successfully deployed to streamline processes, improve communication between teams, and enhance decision-making on the ground — ultimately delivering a safer and more reliable railway for everyone.
As Craig Milne reflects, “It can be done. With the right focus and team, innovations like Initiate can be implemented quickly and deliver real benefits on the network.”
The conversation highlights how partnership between Network Rail and industry suppliers like Resonate can accelerate the adoption of digital solutions, setting a powerful example for rail reform and innovation across the UK.
Rail Safety Week Series
As Rail Safety Week 2026 approaches, Rail Forum CEO Elaine Clark OBE is joined by Richard Hines, HM Chief Inspector of Railways and Director of Railway Safety at the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), to discuss why safety must remain at the heart of everything the railway does.
In this special introductory episode, Elaine and Richard explore the importance of maintaining focus on safety across a complex and constantly evolving railway environment - from workforce safety and infrastructure risk, to level crossings, trespass, fatigue, and the introduction of new technologies.
The conversation highlights the shared responsibility for keeping the railway safe, not only across the industry itself, but also among passengers and the wider public. Richard also reflects on the opportunities and challenges presented by industry change, including the transition towards Great British Railways, and why strong safety culture, collaboration and accountability remain critical throughout periods of transformation. The episode also recognises the huge contribution made every day by frontline staff, signallers, engineers, maintainers, operators, contractors and emergency responders who work tirelessly to keep the railway running safely.
Launching the 2026 Rail Safety Week series, this discussion sets the scene for an industry-wide week of engagement, learning and collaboration - reinforcing a simple but vital goal: ensuring everyone goes home safe every day.
In this special final episode of our Rail Safety Week 2025 podcast series, Elaine Clark OBE (Chief Executive of Rail Forum and Industry Lead for Rail Safety Week) sits down with Laura Shoaf CBE (Chair of Shadow Great British Railways) to discuss the urgent issue of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in the rail sector.
Together they highlight why leadership, culture, and public awareness are critical to making meaningful change, while also exploring practical measures such as improved station design, better lighting, visible staff presence, and body-worn cameras. Importantly, the conversation reinforces that safety is not just a week-long focus but a year-round responsibility – one that affects everyone working in and using the railway.
With powerful personal insights and a clear call to action, this episode is a reminder that safeguarding staff and passengers requires collective commitment, innovation, and a culture where harassment and abuse are never tolerated.
To launch Rail Safety Week 2025, Rail Forum Chair Will Rogers is joined by Sir Andrew Haines, Chief Executive of Network Rail, for a thoughtful discussion on what safety means to the industry today.Together they explore Andrew’s personal reflections on key events that shaped his approach to safety, the importance of psychological safety and wellbeing, the role of technology in reducing risk, and the responsibilities leaders carry in driving cultural change. The episode also touches on the future of the industry, including Great British Railways and AI.
A timely and honest conversation highlighting the need for continual progress in making our railway safer for all.
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Watch a video-recorded version of this podcast episode on our Youtube Channel.
In this episode, Richard shares his deeply personal journey with mental health—offering honest reflections on his diagnosis, recovery, and how we can better support mental wellbeing across the rail sector.
Diagnosed with depression in 2018, Richard opens up about the early signs he missed, the support he received through the NHS and an Employee Assistance Programme, and how structured therapy alongside peer support helped him manage his condition. He stresses that mental health is not something that simply disappears—but with the right tools, it can be managed. Throughout the conversation, Richard advocates for openness, urging both individuals and employers to create space for honest discussions. He highlights the danger of suffering in silence in high-pressure roles and encourages small but meaningful gestures from colleagues—like checking in or recognising subtle behavioural changes.
Now volunteering with Canaries Trust, Richard champions the role of community and shared experience in providing authentic support, while also calling for greater accessibility from mental health services. His message is clear: talk early, be curious about your own wellbeing, and don’t wait until things become critical.