VIAWG SME Lead - 18m FTC

Salary scale: £50,000 - £60,000 per annum

Closing date: 16 April 2026

What is the purpose of this job? 

The VAWG Delivery Lead will provide subject-matter expertise and delivery leadership to support the rail industry’s response to violence against women and girls (VAWG). The role combines deep subject expertise with the ability to coordinate and drive delivery of cross-industry initiatives. Working with train operators, policing partners, government stakeholders and industry bodies, the post holder will help translate strategic VIAWG commitments under the Industry Policing & Security Strategy into practical actions that improve passenger safety and confidence

Acting as a central point of expertise for ViAWG, the post holder will help shape industry responses, support the development of initiatives and frameworks and ensure effective collaboration across organisations. This role will operate within a complex national infrastructure environment, bringing together partners to translate strategy into practical actions that improve safety and public confidence on the railway.

What can I expect to do in this job? 

The Policing & Security Specialist will operate at both a strategic and operational level, balancing planned activity with the need to respond to emerging and time-critical issues across the rail network. You will also coordinate activity across industry partners to progress agreed ViAWG initiatives, ensuring actions are tracked, barriers are addressed and senior stakeholders have clear visibility of progress.

A significant part of the role involves supporting the delivery of the VIAWG Strategy. This includes helping internal teams develop and review briefing papers, reports, and recommendations for senior leaders, whether in response to emerging incidents, policy developments, or longer‑term priorities. You will be expected to distil complex information into clear and concise outputs that enable informed decision‑making, while also providing subject‑matter insight to support colleagues across the organisation.

You will regularly analyse trends, risks, and intelligence relating to VIAWG, using this insight to inform assurance activity. This may include reviewing existing frameworks, identifying gaps, and proposing improvements to strengthen safety and confidence of women and girls across the network.

The role also requires flexibility to respond to urgent issues as they arise, working under time pressure to develop proportionate and effective solutions. Throughout the day, you will collaborate closely with a wide range of stakeholders, ensuring that safeguarding considerations are embedded across the rail industry and reflected in strategic delivery.

Who will my key contacts be?

On a typical day, you may engage with internal colleagues and external partners, including policing bodies and industry stakeholders to discuss current risks, with a particular focus on violence against women and girls. You will contribute expert advice to meetings and working groups, helping to shape industry-wide responses and ensure alignment with strategic objectives.

The RDG Policing & Security Team provides strategic, technical, and operational leadership to safeguard the railway network. Its mission is to ensure that Great Britain’s railway remains secure, resilient, and responsive to evolving threats, while reducing crime and the fear of crime across the network. The team brings together senior leaders and specialists from across the policing and security landscape to collaboratively address complex challenges facing the rail industry.

What experience, skills and knowledge do I need?

Key Responsibilities

• Provide subject-matter knowledge on industry-wide VIAWG matters, acting as a focal point for VAWG expertise across RDG and the rail industry.
• Lead and coordinate delivery of cross-industry initiatives relating to violence against women and girls.
• Track progress against agreed industry priorities, identifying risks, barriers and opportunities to accelerate delivery.
• Provide expert understanding of complex partnership working within a critical national infrastructure environment.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams, rail industry partners, policing bodies, and other external stakeholders to deliver joined-up solutions.
• Produce high-quality, evidence-based briefings, reports, and recommendations for senior leaders, governance forums, and external partners.
• Respond effectively to emerging and time-critical issues, developing proportionate and strategic solutions under pressure.
• Advise senior leaders on risks, mitigation measures, and best practice for protecting female passengers.
• Support the development, implementation, and assurance of wider frameworks, standards, and policies across the rail industry.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by identifying emerging risks, trends, and opportunities to strengthen policing and security outcomes.
• Support governance forums by providing updates, insight and recommendations on industry progress.

Essential Criteria:

• Experience leading or coordinating complex cross-organisation initiatives.
• Demonstrable subject-matter knowledge in ViAWG, or comparable areas.
• Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to develop and implement effective solutions in complex environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex and sensitive information clearly to a range of audiences.
• Proven ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders across multiple organisations.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities.
• Experience in negotiating at a senior level and balancing the views of a range of stakeholders.

Desirable:

• Background in the rail industry or a similar regulated transport environment.
• Analytical skills, with the ability to assess risk, interpret data and provide informed recommendations.
• Understanding of rail operations, industry processes and operational decision-making.

Why Work for RDG?

We offer a highly competitive package, including:

• 75% off rail travel for personal and family use, plus international rail discounts.
• 30 Days annual leave (plus buy/sell options and additional leave for key life events)
• Season ticket loan for commuting costs.
• Enhanced family leave – 30 weeks full pay for maternity, adoption, surrogacy, and shared parental leave.
• Pension scheme – up to 11.58% employer contribution.
• Private medical insurance including mental health and specialist care.
• Discounted gym membership and access to wellbeing programmes.

Career Development & Progression

You’ll be part of a team driving innovation at a national scale, with the opportunity to influence long-term ticketing strategy. This role provides real ownership, the chance to work with leading-edge technologies and partners, and visibility at senior levels across the rail industry. You’ll also gain wide exposure to transport and government stakeholders, opening up exciting development and progression opportunities within RDG.

Apply Now & Shape the Future of UK Rail

If you are interested in joining RDG we’d love to hear from you!

Click Apply now to start your application and be part of a team that is leading digital innovation in the rail industry.

Please note that we are unable to consider applications from candidates who require visa sponsorship to work in the UK.