Keith Williams, together with his expert challenge panel and the team at the Department for Transport continue to beaver away to develop an innovative, practical solution to the more intractable issues of the rail industry. The industry has some really positive achievements under its belt: growing passenger numbers, upgrading infrastructure and rolling stock, offering a more inclusive service…the list goes on. And yet – there are still significant problems and we are seeking creative, cost-effective and practical solutions. The call for evidence is still open, so if you haven’t yet contributed your two penn’orth, please do! Keith will be setting out his initial thoughts in his George Bradshaw address at the end of February, but the work will go on. So have your say and help us make a lasting difference.
The rail review gathers pace
Rethinking our rail system
I’m really looking forward to working with Keith Williams and the other members of the expert challenge panel on the rail review, and colleagues at DfT, to rethink our railways so that they really work for passengers. It’s such an important issue – unless we can move around freely and easily, we can’t work, enjoy time with distant friends and relatives, travel to new parts of the country and expand our horizons…
Today you can join in – there is a call for evidence on the DfT website. Please do! We need to hear from those who use the railway, those who would like to but don’t or can’t, and those who think it’s just not for them. Most of us would agree something fairly radical is required…so let’s get those ideas in! But it’s not just the innovative ideas that I want to hear. If there’s something in particular that causes you problems, whether or not you can suggest how to solve it, please let us know.
Thanks in advance for your contribution.
Tackling poverty in Milton Keynes
I’m 
honoured to have been appointed a Trustee of Milton Keynes Community Foundation this year. Our ‘Vital Signs‘ report highlights the strengths and challenges for Milton Keynes and a key issue for us is poverty. On 28th March we held a workshop to explore how the voluntary and community sector in Milton Keynes can work together to address the challenge. There was some really useful and innovative thinking and it was good to meet people from around the sector. I am looking forward to seeing progress on the issue going forward.
New year, new challenges
I wish you all a happy New Year and I hope that, like me, you have a varied and exciting year ahead of you. I am privileged to work in interesting and challenging environments alongside very talented and dedicated people. I know that some of the things that we will be dealing with this year will involve knotty problems (tax and Brexit come to mind!) but they will also be stimulating and I’m looking forward to it all. I am particularly looking forward to the publication of the NICE guideline on improving the experience of adult social care users. This is the culmination of over 2 years hard work by the guideline committee who have dedicated themselves to drawing up guidelines that, once implemented, will make a big difference to those who use social care. Watch this space around February!
Telling my leadership story
A few years ago I was privileged to be invited to join the International Women’s Forum UK, a network of women with who have all demonstrated substantial achievements in the widest possible variety of fields, from business to media, science to charity. I am delighted to have been asked by the Forum for my ‘leadership story’ for the newly launched website. It was a real treat to take the time out to think about the questions they asked and understand what has really made a difference to me throughout my career. I recognised that it’s often the small stuff that makes the biggest difference, but I don’t always reflect on those things. So thank you, IWF UK, for prompting me to do so!
A masterclass in the prospects for business
On 14 March I was privileged to attend a Masterclass dinner hosted by Grant Thornton with Carolyn Fairbairn, Director-general of the CBI, as the speaker. She gave a commanding and fascinating speech covering a wide range of issues ranging from Brexit to inequality of productivity across the UK. I learnt far too many things to list here, but I won’t forget her comments about the number of import/export challenges businesses will face if we don’t handle things well when leaving the EU. I know there’s a great deal of work going on behind the scenes in government departments from my various roles across the public sector. We need to keep that up for the good of British business!
New Crossrail Train Carriages Unveiled
On the 3 February I had a stimulating trip to Bombardier in Derby to see the Elizabeth line trains – Crossrail as I knew it – being built.
I liked the accessibility features which I thought worked well. This includes subtle colour contrast (i.e. not bright yellow!), step free access from platform to train, wide doorways and four dedicated wheelchair spaces on each train. You can still travel in the vestibule, though, so there’s plenty of choice. In addition, all platforms along the Elizabeth line will be fully accessible with step-free access/ramps for boarding.
The new line will truly be a ‘step-change’ in transport accessibility in London. I’m looking forward to travelling on it when the line opens fully in December 2019.
BDF Annual President’s Dinner
L
ast month I attended the annual President’s Group dinner hosted by Lloyds Group in the City. The President’s Group brings together the leaders of the Business Disability Forum’s partners to identify and discuss the strategic challenges of becoming disability-smart.
I shared a table with an impressive group of talented people that made for an thought-provoking evening. There were some interesting and lively discussions on improving employment opportunities and services for disabled people.
Spending an evening in such company makes me realise that we can make progress on the inclusion of disabled people in society when we work together.
Swanswell and Cranstoun Merger
I am pleased to report on the successful merger last month of Swanswell and Cranstoun, both national charities that provide support to people affected by addiction.
The smooth merger of these organisations is a testament to the dedication and hard work of both organisations’ senior executive teams and Boards. They have worked tirelessly to ensure that the transition process is seamless and that services continue uninterrupted.
In the current difficult political and economic environment, this merger makes good business sense. The consolidation of operations and resources allows the new group to strengthen their sustainability and provide a robust platform to expand and develop in the future and deliver more high-quality services to individuals and communities.
The charities have a shared vision to save, change and rebuild lives and already successfully work in partnership on many projects. This is an exciting new venture and I wish the new organisation well as I end my tenure as Chair of the Board of Trustees at Swanswell.
Discoveries in the USA