INTRODUCING OUR SENIOR NETWORK LEADS

We are introducing a new role within the Control team, Senior Network Lead (SNL), designed to strengthen strategic oversight while maintaining a sharp focus on day-to-day operational delivery. As the business continues to grow and evolve, these new positions will play a key role in supporting the Control team and enhancing performance across the network.

Andy Ward and Tom Dobson were among the first to take up this pivotal position. With diverse operations, signalling, and leadership backgrounds, both bring a wealth of knowledge, a deep commitment to teamwork, and a passion for delivering for passengers and colleagues alike.

Andy began his journey in 2012 at Network Rail, working in various roles within operations, including a post as local operations manager at Ashford IECC. In 2017, he joined MTR Crossrail (now the Elizabeth line), where he held several senior roles, most notably as head of service delivery and head of network reliability improvement.

Now at ARL, Andy sees the SNL role as an opportunity to help the Control team elevate its performance even further. With a focus on immediate decision-making and long-term operational resilience, he aims to support the team in building on its already strong foundation.

Tom began his journey as a signalman at Wooley Coal Sidings on the Leeds–Sheffield route, a traditional, single-person signal box operating with absolute block signalling. Speaking to Exchange Magazine in our October 2022 edition, Tom shared his thoughts on the experience "I was working on my own in an old-fashioned signal box at the end of a dirt track in Barnsley! I rather fell into the industry, but that job gave me a fantastic grounding in how the railway works. It’s been a great career so far, and I wouldn’t change a thing."

After a year in that role, he moved to Upminster IECC, where he became a signaller on the Mildmay line, stepping into a more modern and complex operational environment.

In 2020, Tom joined ARL, initially in a seconded role as a Mildmay line TRC based at Upminster IECC. He later became Network Rail Interface Manager, helping to strengthen collaboration and communication across both organisations.

Now, as a senior network lead, he focuses on supporting teams across the business and building an environment where they can thrive.

For Tom, the most rewarding part of leadership has always been about people.

Tom brings a grounded, people-first approach to the SNL role, that blends operational experience with a genuine commitment to helping others succeed.

Look out for part two, as Exchange Extra met the rest of the team.