SHINING STARS 2024: AND THE WINNERS ARE

On Thursday, 13 June 2024, we hosted our Shining Star Awards ceremony to recognise colleagues who went above and beyond their roles to support our customers and fellow employees in 2023.

The Shining Star Awards celebrate the outstanding work and achievements of colleagues from all business areas. This year, The People Steering Group reviewed 472 nominations! Without further ado, we are delighted to announce our winners.

Employee of the Year Winner:

Grace Anne-Stephenson, station assistant dispatch

On Thursday, 6 July 2023, Grace noticed a delayed train and found a pregnant woman in distress, contemplating suicide. Grace comforted her, took her to a safe area, provided water, and stayed with her until the British Transport Police arrived. Grace accompanied the woman home, buying her lunch along the way. Grace's compassionate actions have helped many distressed customers over the years, preventing potential suicides and providing comfort and safety.

Additionally, Grace assisted a group of teenage girls who were mugged outside Norwood Junction station, ensuring their safety and calming them down. A grateful mother praised Grace's kindness and support. Grace's dedication and compassion truly make her a life saver.

Customer Award Winner:

Karen Page, customer host

“I’m blown away winning this award. There’s a lot of people around the business who are more than worthy to receive this as well so it’s an absolute pleasure.”

Shortlisted: Taka Musendo, customer host, Sala Schweitzer, gateline assistant, Michael Veitch, driver.

Unsung Hero Award Winner:

Adil Hossain, service desk analyst

“I’m shocked, surprised and really happy to be acknowledged. It means a lot. I never expected for this to happen and it’s a great feeling to know that your hard work is appreciated by so many people at ARL.”

Shortlisted: John O’Malley, customer host, Ed Salmon, incident response controller and Mohammed Miah, driver.

Operational Excellence Award Winner:

Susanna Penn, driver

“This is totally unexpected as I feel all I did was do my job which was putting the safety of our passengers and wellbeing first. Safety over punctuality.”

Shortlisted: Upminster signaller shortage team, Lioness line closure and Vlad Stefanescu, Traincare Level 2 nights.

Leadership Award Winner:

Matthew Hayes, service delivery manager

“As Ru Paul says, ‘I’m a winner baby’ I was so surprised to get a nomination let alone a win. It was incredible to hear everyone cheer throughout my nomination. I’m so grateful”

Shortlisted: Danny Vandyke, duty control manager, Peter Kodua and Adams Daniel, service delivery managers

Team Award for Excellence:

Winner: Traincare Team – Silwood

“The team are so happy to win this award, it shows to the people of ARL that if you work hard you can be recognised. What we did was a team effort where we all had to pull together at such short notice and we’re so happy it was all worth it.” - Mauro Calonna, train presentation manager

Safety Award Winner:

Tomasz Lekawski, driver instructor

Tomasz was alerted to a trespasser on the Down Tilbury line and promptly departed to locate them. Spotting the trespasser in a high-speed area, he used the Red Rec button to stop all traffic. The signaller asked Tomasz to talk to the trespasser, a distressed 16-year-old showing signs of self-harm. Tomasz escorted the individual back along the tracks to safety, where the police were waiting. Despite the risks, Tomasz left the safety of his cab to help the distressed individual, ensuring their safety and preventing potential harm.

Shortlisted: William Amponsah, customer host, James Flynn and James Sydney, drivers.

Station of the Year Winner:

Theobalds Grove

“Super proud of the team. I’m so happy for them. So grateful for the recognition. The team at Theobalds Grove have been consistent with their SIS scores and assisting customers and this is testament to all of their efforts.” - Selin Igdemir, service delivery manager

Shortlisted: Enfield Town

Executive Special Recognition Award

Winner 1: Anthony Thompson, revenue protection & security strategy manager

Winner 2: Aliyah Abdulla, Toni-Anne Davis and Bentley Brookes - Black History Month / Dalston Junction Christmas event team

“I was genuinely shocked and honoured to be acknowledged by the executive team. I thought I was just a seat filler there to congratulate the winners. So it was a pleasant surprise to be amongst the winners on the night. I thoroughly enjoyed my first shining stars awards experience - thank you again.” - Toni-Anne Davis, communications coordinator

Congratulations to all winners and shortlisted nominees of the Shining Star Awards! Your dedication, hard work, and excellence have set new standards and inspired us all. Onto 2025!