Amanda O'Donoghue
Amanda is a Stakeholder Manager.
What have you been working on recently?
Our main priority at CIRAS this year has been the rollout of the app. As the sector lead for train operating companies (TOCs), I have spent a lot of time meeting with the reps from the TOCs, assisting them with the rollout.
In addition to this, I am working on a new initiative: Women in Bus and Coach. This aims to improve diversity across the bus sector and encourage and support women in their careers. I am also part of a wider steering committee that involves many of our bus members as well as key players such as Transport for London, who are the driving force (pardon the pun) behind this initiative. I am really looking forward to being part of this exciting new network.
What attracted you to the rail industry?
Prior to joining CIRAS, I was working for Transport for London in their freight and fleet team, and I really enjoyed working in the sector. My background is in communications, stakeholder management, and engagement, so this role seemed like a great opportunity to utilise my skillset and enhance my transport knowledge. Rail is full of so many smart and interesting individuals that you can’t help but learn in this environment. So, a role that offered continuous improvement and upskilling in such an interesting and innovative sector was a no-brainer for me!
How does your expertise help you to guide rail organisations to RSSB products and services?
I am all about the people! My skillset lies with engagement, building relationships, and understanding the needs and objectives of our members and how I can help them achieve their goals. People are sometimes unclear on the wealth of information that CIRAS and RSSB can provide, whether it be a report from another member organisation or some guidance from RSSB. My job is to help them navigate the options and shine a light on some of the innovations and information that’s out there, ultimately providing a solution to a problem.
Is there anything else you’d like readers to know?
I am really looking forward to finding out more about the great work that RSSB are undertaking to make rail, and transport more generally, as safe as it can possibly be. It will be great to have the enhanced knowledge of RSSB’s products and services and to be able to use this effectively across the membership to ensure that we can really make an impact in our engagements and maximise the benefits for our members.
