The Railway Study Network is delighted to present Steve White (Managing Director South Eastern Railways), Jacqueline Starr (CEO, Rail Delivery Group) and Stefan Sanders (Arup), in conversation with Neil Robertson, CEO of National Skills Academy for Rail.
The pathway to rail reform is paved with both opportunity and challenge. This event invites everyone with a stake in the railway—authorities, government, operators, Network Rail, contractors, and freight—to join a collaborative discussion on turning reform into real-world results. Our expert panel will share lessons on governance, operational excellence, and partnership, offering actionable ideas for delivering value to passengers, communities, and the wider economy. Be part of a sector-wide dialogue that will shape the next chapter of Britain’s railways.
Jacqueline Starr has been the CEO of the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) since December 2020 and was recently appointed (Dec 24) as Executive Chair of RDG also. Jacqueline leads the organisation on behalf of its members to create a simpler, better railway for all customers and to enable successful Industry Transformation to Great British Railways (GBR). Jacqueline is a dedicated customer champion, with a longstanding passion for delivering excellent a customer experience. Jacqueline has worked in the railway for 10 years and has previously held the roles of Chief Operating Officer and MD of Customer at the RDG.
Stefan Sanders brings over 36 years of experience in rail strategy, restructuring and reform, combining strategic thinking with pragmatic implementation advice. A Director at Arup, he has worked globally on rail governance and organisational change, advising governments and operators on how to optimise delivery and performance. His career 
spans UK privatisation through to recent work on rail devolution and GBR proposals, including advising Transport for Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire Combined Authority. Drawing on international experience, such as shaping rail governance models in Australia, Stefan offers a unique perspective on how integrated leadership can create efficient, customer focused rail systems.
Steve White is the Managing Director of the Southeastern Railway and is bringing together Southeastern and Network Rail Kent Route. With over 30 years of experience in the transport industry, including senior roles at Transport for London, Siemens, Eurostar, and Govia Thameslink Railway, Steve became Southeastern’s Managing Director in 2021. He leads the company’s ‘Building a Sustainable Future’ plan and has strengthened its partnership with Network Rail, aligning track and train operations to drive performance improvements, reduce taxpayer subsidy, and enhance customer experience. As a member of the Purpose Coalition, he advocates for social mobility to benefit our communities and colleagues.
Neil Robertson joined NSAR in 2015 from the utility sector, where he was CEO of the Energy & Utility Skills Group. Before this, he was CEO of the British Institute of Innkeeping, a professional body and awarding 
organisation. Prior to these sectoral CEO roles, he held senior positions in government departments for education and business, where he had responsibilities in skills, employability, English and migration, regional economic development and European Structural Funds. Neil has also worked with Babcock, City & Guilds and the Scottish Qualifications Authority. He started working life as a trainee quantity surveyor for GA Group, before studying and tutoring at Edinburgh University, specialising in socioeconomic theory.
NSAR is the connection between the rail industry, government and training providers, trusted by government to help deliver the goals and needs of the industry for the future. Established as a not-for-profit membership organisation in 2010, our service offerings have expanded to provide expert skills and workforce consultancy to businesses in the rail, transport and infrastructure sectors in the UK and elsewhere. The Railway Study Network (formerly the Railway Study Association and the Railway Study Forum) is one of the rail
industry’s longest standing bodies and sets out to improve knowledge of how railways work and operate around the world. It provides a forum for the exchange of experience, knowledge and opinion on issues relating to all aspects of the railway industry.
Booking for this event is FREE for everyone.
Note: If you are not a current Member of the Railway Study Network or NSAR, please be aware our membership team may be in touch with you using your email address provided regards membership opportunities. If you do not wish to be contacted, please email and let us know at RailwayStudyNetwork@nsar.co.uk
Light refreshments and snacks will be available.
If you have booked a space but can no longer attend, please email RailwayStudyNetwork@nsar.co.uk at least 48 hours before the event.
Doors open at 17:00 for a 17:30 start.
Date: 17 March 2026
Time: 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Location: Arup (80 Charlotte Street, London, England, W1T 4BJ)
Please note, for paid ticketed events, 20% VAT is added to ticket prices. If you cannot attend for whatever reason – tickets are non-refundable.