Outstanding Personal Contribution (Frontline)

Mike Roberts, Railway Chaplain (North West & Central Region), Railway Mission

Mike Roberts was described by the NRA judges as being “omnipresent” in his role to offer independent, confidential and impartial pastoral care for members of the railway community at the eight train operating companies and six police stations he serves.

Despite technically being a ‘man of the cloth’, and working for a Christian faith-based charity, Mike is said to approach his role in a very secular fashion, being able to adapt his approach to match the individual needs of the people he is supporting.

Judges were impressed by his self-confessed general outlook on life that “there is nothing that’s not my job”.

It is therefore not unusual to find him supporting passengers as well as staff on stations, and promoting the railways and other associated group’s activities - for example, the British Transport Police, Community Rail and Samaritans.

When travelling, he will assist train caterers, go out on patrol with BTP officers, and will ask for cab rides to ask questions and learn more about the industry.

During the pandemic, he volunteered to do shifts with train operating companies to better understand the frontline challenges that were being faced, and to ‘walk the walk’ with thousands of staff members.

This is all in addition to his ‘day job’ duties (which are, in fact, often in the middle of the night if a fatality occurs) of supporting individuals working on the network.

“Like the emergency services who run towards danger and not away from it, our chaplains run headfirst into the darkness of people’s lives, when most would rather stay in the light,” said his colleagues.

“It is a sacrifice which takes its toll, and one they do without complaint. We already expect too much of our chaplains and offer thanks too seldom.”

The judges added: “We were impressed by Mike’s humility, his attitude towards his colleagues, and his clear pride in working on the railway. This is expressed through his involvement in many different campaigns, as well as day-to-day activities and his ability to support individuals who need it most.”

Highly Commended: Susan Temple (ScotRail).