Great British Railways Update – Message from Anna-jane Hunter, CILT(UK) Chair

Dear Member,

The Government has announced its vision for rail reform through the creation of Great British Railways (GBR) - a major step intended to simplify and improve how our rail system operates. Some of you may have already seen our initial response in the CILT(UK) bulletin and on our website. As Chair, I want to share my perspective and outline how CILT(UK) will play a key role in supporting this next phase of change.

As the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK, we welcome this ambition to create a more integrated, customer-focused, and accountable rail system. However, we also recognise that many of our members - across passenger, freight, infrastructure, and supply chain sectors - may be directly impacted by these changes.

Our message to Government is clear: this restructure must deliver clarity, cooperation, and balance - ensuring that innovation, competition, and local responsiveness are not lost in the process of integration.

How CILT(UK) Will Support Members
We understand that change on this scale brings uncertainty. CILT(UK) will actively support our members and organisations throughout this transition by:

• Providing clarity: We will keep you informed as the Government releases further details about the structure, governance, and transition to Great British Railways.
• Advocating for members’ interests: CILT(UK) continues to support and advise the Department for Transport, GBR Transition Team, and devolved authorities to ensure members’ voices - particularly those from freight, local transport, and supply chain sectors - are heard and reflected in implementation plans.
• Championing professional development: We, as always, offer qualifications to help professionals prepare for new opportunities and address emerging skills – something we will update members on as and when there is further news.
• Encouraging collaboration and innovation: Through our forums, policy groups, and member networks, we’ll create opportunities for dialogue and partnership across the sector.
• Maintaining an evidence-led approach: Our insights, research, and discussions will continue to shape this journey of change.

Next Steps
CILT(UK) will publish further updates and news around these changes, so we urge members to keep an eye on our communications which includes our weekly bulletin, focus magazine, social media channels, our website and emails.
 

Your Voice Matters
If you have views, concerns, or examples of how the proposed changes could affect your organisation, we encourage you to share them with us at communications@ciltuk.org.uk

Your expertise is critical in helping us shape a railway system that works for everyone. Together, we can ensure that these proposals deliver on their promise - creating a railway that is integrated, accountable, innovative, and ready for the future.

Kind regards,
Anna-jane Hunter
Chair, CILT(UK)