EMR becomes first train operator in the country to claim Investing in Volunteers accolade

East Midlands Railway (EMR) has been recognised for excellence in supporting volunteers, becoming the first train company in England to achieve the prestigious national quality standard – Investing in Volunteers.

The standard aims to improve the quality of the volunteering experience for all volunteers and demonstrates that organisations value the enormous contribution they make.

It is delivered by the national volunteering infrastructure bodies in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Together, they enable organisations across the UK to achieve the award.

East Midlands Railway was assessed against six quality areas and proved to excel in all aspects. The areas were as follows:

• Vision for Volunteering
• Planning for Volunteers
• Volunteer Inclusion
• Recruiting and Welcoming Volunteers
• Supporting Volunteers
• Valuing and Developing Volunteers

Lynette and Chris Helmore, Friends of Burton Joyce and Lowdham Station, were delighted to hear EMR had received standard. 

They said: "We really enjoy working as a team, enhancing the stations within the villages and encouraging more people to travel by train. The engagement with children and adults within the village is very rewarding as well.

"Volunteering for EMR enables us to give something back to our communities and we really enjoy being part of the wider network of station adopters."

Richard Burton volunteers for EMR looking after the stations at Burton Joyce and Lowdham. He said: "In retirement I enjoy two major interests, my garden and my long held fascination with trains and railways. What better way to combine the two than by volunteering for my local Station Adoption Group.

"Being able to continue contributing and giving something back to the community is deeply rewarding. I also take real satisfaction in simply seeing our station looking attractive and welcoming. Working with EMR has been a real pleasure, and it’s wonderful to see them recognised with this award."

Kaye Robinson, Community Engagement Manager at East Midlands Railway, said: "Our volunteers play a vital role in supporting passengers, local communities, and our stations across our network.

"It is fantastic to be leading the industry in obtaining this award. This recognition not only highlights the dedication and passion of our volunteers but also the importance we place on creating a welcoming and rewarding environment for them."