Network Rail’s CEO visits TRU’s TRUST Safety Centre
Adam Christopher reflects on the day
On 1 October, ATT had the privilege of welcoming Jeremy Westlake, the new Chief Executive of Network Rail, to the Huddersfield Safety Leadership Centre – home of the TRUST programme for the TransPennine Route Upgrade (TRU).
Our Co-Founder, Adam Christopher, co-hosted the visit, walking Jeremy through the centre and showcasing how ATT’s immersive approach to safety leadership training is shaping culture across TRU, its supply chain, and the wider industry.
“It’s rare for members of the Network Rail board to have the chance to experience what we do first-hand,” Adam explained. “So it was hugely valuable to show Jeremy how immersive learning changes the way people think and behave when it comes to safety.”
Experiencing the story in full flow
Despite a packed diary, Jeremy was able to see key moments of the immersive story in action. He observed the Police Interview and the ORR Investigator questioning a participant, before joining the other 30 participants for the final Site Area scene of film and live drama, where the consequences of numerous unsafe decisions play out with devastating effect.
“The atmosphere was palpable,” Adam said. “Jeremy saw the emotional impact that this kind of training has on those in the room.”
Walking through the sets
Adam then guided Jeremy through several of the sets used in the TRUST programme. The reaction was instant.
“When he stepped into the Hospital Corridor, Jeremy audibly gasped,” Adam recalled. “He was genuinely moved by the Family Home too – he remarked on the level of detail in this space and the visceral power of that experience.”
At the HQ and Site Cabin, Jeremy saw how mixed messages at senior leadership level can filter down to trackside.
“He was curious and engaged throughout,” Adam added. “He asked how we connect the immersive story to our Unpick reflection session and the Practical Safety Leadership skills workshops. That connection is vital – it ensures every part of the day contributes to lasting behaviour change.”
Linking back to ATT’s roots
Adam shared the journey that led to TRUST’s creation, “we created the EPIC Safety Leadership Centre in London for the Thames Tideway project,” Adam said. “and how that experience was fundamental in helping us design TRUST for TRU”
The discussion touched on our research and the learning theories we base our work on.
“Jeremy asked to see Dr Natasha Sigala’s paper from Sussex University neuroscience department, that was written following her participation in the TRUST day” Adam shared. “Her work explores the neuroscience and learning theories behind our programmes, and it’s encouraging to see senior leaders, like Jeremy, wanting to dig deeper into the evidence base of why our work has such a significant impact.”
Looking ahead
For ATT, the visit was a strong signal of support from the top of the UK’s rail network.
Adam concluded “For ATT, the visit reinforced for me the belief that immersive training has a vital role to play in embedding a stronger safety culture across UK infrastructure. And I hope more senior leaders can find the time to participate in this way of learning.”
Discover our rail podcast: Episode 16
Catch our rail focused podcast featuring interviews with young people across Huddersfield, Leeds and Manchester. ATT’s Co-Founder, Adam Christopher explores why rail isn’t on young peoples radar as a career option. Episode 16: Attracting young people into a career in rail
