Join a rail operator like no other.

Direct Rail Services is a rail operator with a unique mandate. One of only three publicly owned rail companies in the United Kingdom, it was created in 1995 to handle Britain’s nuclear material. Since then, it has diversified into other freight operations and on occasion provides haulage to passenger services, giving its drivers an exceptionally varied workload.

However, that’s by no means the only thing that sets Direct Rail Services apart. With nearly 500 people on its payroll, the company invests heavily in developing talent, and is renowned for the quality of its apprentice schemes, graduate programme, and development initiatives involving extensive hands-on mentoring from business leaders and senior managers.

In particular, DRS is deeply committed to equality and diversity, and is one of the most prominent supporters of Women in Rail, whose numerous events offer support and networking opportunities to women across the rail industry. “In recent years, gender equality in the workplace has received a huge positive push,” says Business Services Director Natasha Hanson. “We’re passionate about making rail an attractive career choice for young people of all genders, and we’ll always go the extra mile to help our employees overcome any barriers to success.” The company’s commitment to improving society doesn’t stop there: it takes corporate social responsibility extremely seriously, and organises an annual open day fundraiser, which in 2018 attracted more than 4,000 visitors and generated over £37,000. Direct Rail Services also maintains an active sponsorship and donations committee that channels significant funds into worthy causes.

The business’s many achievements have not gone unrecognised: in 2018, it won the Golden Whistle award for the fifth year in a row and was voted Rail Freight Group’s Business of the Year, among many other accolades for its customer care and environmental performance.

“We’re a company that really makes a difference,” concludes Natasha Hanson. “When the ‘Beast from the East’ shut down the road and rail networks in the spring, it was our snow ploughs that reopened the line and one of our services that got food back onto shelves in Scotland. This is an incredible place to work, and we want to attract the best, which is why we offer great benefits like a pension scheme, healthcare scheme, employee assistance programme and 34 days’ leave. But the real reason to join is the unique challenges you’ll face – and the huge difference your contribution will make. We’re a rail operator like no other.”