Community Rail Conference: A Celebration of Collaboration and Passion

I had the privilege of attending the Community Rail Conference in Nottingham at the beginning of October, kindly invited as a corporate partner organisation. The event brought together a diverse group of passionate individuals and organisations, all united by a shared purpose: ensuring that community rail not only survives but thrives.

A Warm Welcome and a Collaborative Spirit

The conference opened with a heartfelt welcome from Jeremy Whitaker, Chair of Community Rail Network, setting a tone of genuine warmth and inclusivity. The evening’s highlight was the “Open Platform” session, where community project partners pitched topics they felt would benefit from collaborative discussion. It was clear from the atmosphere that everyone was there for one reason: to champion the future of community rail.

The agenda was packed with sessions designed to spark collaboration and share best practice. The “Open Platform” allowed delegates to shape the conversation, ensuring the topics were relevant and impactful. Day two began with a focus on developments in policy and practice, including the ongoing rail reform and the move towards a public ownership model. These changes bring both uncertainty and opportunity, and it was inspiring to see the sector’s resilience and optimism in the face of transformation.

A standout moment for me was watching four women from the Senior Leadership Team take the stage for a Q&A, answering challenging questions from members with honesty and confidence. It was a proud and powerful sight - proof that leadership in this sector is both courageous and transparent.

Insights and Inspiration

The open sessions were a highlight of the conference, offering a rich mix of ideas and practical examples. What struck me most was the creativity behind projects designed to make railways more than just a means of travel. One discussion explored how local businesses can connect along railway lines through initiatives like real ale trails or walking routes such as the Heart of Wales Line. These efforts show how rail can become a catalyst for community connection and local economic growth.

Innovation was another recurring theme. A session on artificial intelligence sparked lively debate about its role in our sector and beyond. The phrase 'be risk aware, not risk averse' captured the mood perfectly - a philosophy that resonates strongly with our own approach at Advance.

Collaboration also featured strongly, with inspiring examples of co-production, such as the launch of a youth transport forum, demonstrating the power of bringing diverse voices together. This mirrors our own approach at Advance, where co-production is the foundation for co-creation: working side by side with clients and partners, including the Community Rail Network Senior Leadership Team, to design strategies that are practical, inclusive, and future-focused.

The final session I attended focused on placemaking; the idea that stations should be safe, inclusive, and welcoming spaces that foster connection and pride. The panel, featuring experts in accessibility, design, and community transport, explored practical actions to create positive, people-centred change.

Our AI Journey: “Risk Aware, Not Risk Averse”

That phrase from the conference “risk aware, not risk averse” perfectly captures our own philosophy at Advance. As the lead on AI for Advance, I found myself reflecting on how we are navigating this rapidly evolving landscape.

At Advance, we’re excited by the potential of AI to enhance our work, but we’re equally conscious of the need to use it responsibly. We embrace innovation, but always with thoughtful safeguards in place. We have a formal AI policy that sets out clear principles for transparency and human oversight, ensuring technology augments rather than replaces critical thinking. 

Our journey with AI is a careful balance of innovation and responsibility. By leveraging tools within a secure, compliant environment, we protect our data and our clients’ interests, and we regularly review our practices to stay ahead of developments and emerging risks. We see AI as a way to enhance our expertise, and we’re committed to ongoing learning, ethical practice, and open dialogue as this technology evolves.

Personal Reflections and Lasting Impact

As a partner organisation, it was invaluable to learn more about the heartbeat of community rail; the volunteers, the projects, and the dedicated team behind Community Rail Network. Their enthusiasm is infectious, and I left feeling motivated to explore ways I can volunteer my own time. That’s the power of community rail!

The event was heartwarming, informative, and above all, energising. It reminded me that community rail isn’t just about trains and tracks; it’s about people, places, and purpose. And that’s something worth celebrating.

Strengthening the Advance and Community Rail Network Link

Our partnership with the Community Rail Network is more than a collaboration - it's a meeting of minds and values that emerged naturally from our shared commitment to sustainable, inclusive outcomes.  By supporting Community Rail Network, we’re able to share our expertise in leadership, strategy, and team development, helping to strengthen the sector from within. This partnership is a natural extension of our ethos as a B Corp and our long-standing commitment to the rail industry.

We see our role as both a supporter and a challenger; helping community rail groups build capability, resilience, and confidence to deliver projects that make a real difference. It’s about giving back to the sector, fostering innovation, and ensuring that community rail continues to be a force for good in local communities.

Looking Ahead

Reflecting on the energy, collaboration, and innovation showcased at this year’s Community Rail Conference, it’s clear that our partnership with the Community Rail Network is both purposeful and rewarding. 

These shared experiences and values only strengthen our commitment to working together. As we look forward to our second year as a partner in 2026, we’re excited to continue supporting Community Rail Network and the wider community rail movement - helping to drive positive change and lasting impact.