Shamit Gaiger
Programme Director, R SS B… and other things
Programme Director, RSSB… and other things
Shamit was once described by a colleague as ‘the oneperson think tank of the railways’. Her name is frequently mentioned within the industry, particularly when people talk about who they find inspiring. Describing the role she plays is difficult because she is involved in so many aspects of the railway. But, in a nutshell, she describes herself as a strategist.
“I’m someone who develops policies and long-term strategies. I have a vision of where I think we need to go and I take the railway towards that vision.”
She officially works for three organisations: RSSB, where she is a programme director leading on sustainability and innovation policy; the Department for Transport, where she is deputy director for the Industrial Strategy, leading on negotiations for a rail sector deal on behalf of government, and also a non-executive director for Passenger Services, involved in franchising; and lastly at NSAR (the National Skills Academy for Rail) where, as director of strategy, she leads on skills strategy across the sector.
If that’s rather a lot to remember, essentially all her roles are about the same thing - taking the industry to the next level and connecting the dots to influence its future.
How one person came to do quite so many things mainly comes down to the value that Shamit adds to the railway.
“I feel really lucky, I feel very appreciated. It’s nice to be trusted by so many people to deliver the right outcomes for the sector. And it’s interesting to wear both a government hat and also an industry hat. It’s hugely rewarding but, as you might imagine, can be challenging at times.”
Shamit never planned on joining the railway but, 15 years on, she’s still there. As a child, she hoped to go to performing arts school and was a professional ballet dancer between the ages of eight and 18. But her academic aptitude led her to earn a degree in psychology and criminology, after which she came to London to do a masters in economics and organisational psychology.
“My experiences taught me that it’s not only what you do but how you do it. In my work I use the different experiences that shaped who I am today, both personally and professionally. And my work, I hope, will stand the test of time. I hope I’ve managed to change the landscape of our industry by being both ambitious for its future and pragmatic.”
Initially, Shamit was determined to work for a management consultancy when she left university. But landing a job at her dream company proved to be a massive disappointment, so she walked out on her first day and never went back. After a few years working at a bank she eventually ended up back at a management consultancy, but it seemed fated to lead her to the railway.
Through a CEO consultant who was working in rail, Shamit was invited to take part in a project to redefine the application of the Health and Safety at Work Act, specifically public attitude to risk and the value of a life. Inspired by the concept of the project, she agreed. It led her to an experience that she says changed her life.
Shamit and a group of other ‘high-flying’ individuals spent a week with leading British environmentalist Jonathon Porritt, reconnecting with nature and looking at its place in society.
“I had really struggled with the banking sector. There were no roots for it, no soul. I took what I learned from this week to the rail sector and set up the Sustainable Rail Programme, which is still alive and going strong. For me, the ability to see how my work touches society and touches people’s lives without them knowing is why I really enjoy working in rail. You can see the difference I am making.
“The railway is contagious! It’s a warning for those considering joining! I’ve never done anything twice since I joined the railway. It’s intellectually challenging every day. It’s helped me to develop both intellectually and as a person. I am grateful for having such an interesting and varied career. People who join rail don’t want to leave.” ■
“The railway has helped me to develop both intellectually and as a person”