Rail Champions | Supporting our Engineering Heritage

Rail Champions have a wealth of expertise in engineering and communications, and believe in that engineering can be a satisfying and rewarding profession which involves creative thinking and teamwork - not just personal benefits and technical skills.


We are looking at various strategies and tools that Rail Champions may use to conduct more effective outreach to young people, promoting engineering in the Rail Sector in a positive way. We shall also be offering support to mentors whose experience and knowledge we would like to share with you and also offer support to retired members of our railway community too.


By supporting our chosen industry charities below we hope to make a real difference to our valued engineers lives. Whether you're an individual or representing a company, there are lots of ways to get involved.


For instance, by supporting the Rail Champions Annual Conference, a proportion of the delegate and sponsorship fees will be split equally between our two nominated charities for 2012.


Watch out for more events and activities throughout the year.

The Railway Benefit Fund is a charity funded by railway people. With a history stretching back to 1858, the charity, like railways, has moved with the times.

Today it reflects the needs and concerns of those working in this rapidly changing industry, offering wide-ranging assistance to active and retired railway people and their dependents.

 

A Brief History;
The Railway Benevolent Institutuion (RBI) came into existence in 1858 following proposals made "to provide some form of care and financial aid to needy railway personnel" and "to establish an institution for necessitous railway children". Railway employment was very dangerous at that time and there was virtually no social provision as we know it now.

 

Today the RBI is managed by a Board consisting of active and retired senior railway managers, including a number from the new train operating companies and Network Rail. Thus, its traditions have continued from its inception and its benefits are still available to railway staff, their families and dependents whether they are active or retired.

 

Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother was Patron of the RBI for 63 years and always took a great deal of interest in the affairs of the Institution.

 

The RBI re-launched on the 28th February, 2006 under the name of Railway Benefit Fund, a name more in keeping with the 21st century.

 

Contact details;

 

Railway Benefit Fund | Electra Way | Crewe | Cheshire | CW1 6HS

T. 01270 251 316 | W. www.railwaybenefitfund.org.uk

 

The New Engineering Foundation (NEF) is an independent and strategically focused charity that works with key partners and stakeholders to support the advancement of education for the benefit of the public.

 

It was established in 2004 as a grant awarding charity and a think-tank that supports vocational Further Education in Applied Science, Engineering and Technology through:


·         Research, Policy and Advocacy

·         Programmes and Resources

·         Knowledge and Technology Transfer

 

Their mission is to achieve measurable and visible improvement through collaboration and partnership by providing a shared vision which:

 

  • Engages all the key national and regional stakeholder
  • Enriches teaching and learning professionalism
  • Enhances and develops the capability of individuals , providers and industry
  • Empowers change in individuals (teachers, trainers and tutors), providers and industry

 

NEF is an LSC approved provider and its work is guided by an Advisory Panel of Experts with representation from business and industry, academia, government, public sector agencies and educational trusts as well as other interest groups.

 

NEF provides support and advice to Government Ministers, parliamentarians and other policy makers on such areas as productivity and skills development, knowledge transfer and business innovation.

 

Contact details;

 

New Engineering Foundation | Suite 2, 10 Bective Place

London | SW15 2PZ


T. 020 8786 3677| F. 020 8871 3620

E. info@neweng.org.uk | www.neweng.org.uk