30 Apr 2026
2nd industry programme launched on 30 April
After a successful launch in 2024, the Next Stop – Your Future programme has returned from April 2026 – October 2026, now delivered by colleagues from within the rail industry. A key aim of the programme is to bring more diverse perspectives into rail decision-making as well as to progress diverse talent due to the lack of diversity in higher levels across the industry
We have refined the agenda and taken full ownership, giving the programme stronger direction as we move closer together towards Great British Railways.
What is the Next-Stop – Your Future (NSYF) programme?
NSYF is a development programme designed for non-managers from underrepresented groups across the rail industry.
It empowers learners with new skills and experiences they can bring back to their teams, to drive positive change in their organisations and across the industry.
The programme gives opportunities to participants with a wide range of lived experiences, fostering diverse representation across the railway.
Programme details
This year’s cohort of 18 learners will take part in a 6-month programme running from April to October.
The programme will run from the 30 April 2026 to 19 October 2026 (celebration event).
Learners will attend mandatory workshops and 2 coaching calls during the programme.
The programme will consist of three modules and two Action Learning Sets. All sessions will be held at Waterloo General Offices.
Learners will also receive mentoring from a senior colleague across six mentoring sessions (to be done in the learner's own time).
Bringing colleagues together
A fantastic opportunity for diverse colleagues to come together in an inclusive environment and support each other.
Featuring a range of development and progression-focussed workshops, action learning sets, skills-based sessions, 1:1 coaching (one hour at the start of the programme and one hour at the end of the programme at a time decided with the coach in the learner's own time)
This programme will help unlock opportunities that are currently untapped between leaders and frontline / non-managerial colleagues
6-month programme – non-managers from underrepresented groups
8 learners, around 10 organisations involved this time
Programme structure: Coaching & mentoring, workshops including leadership skills, action learning sets, networking opportunities and a celebration event
Holistic development approach – addresses barriers beyond technical skills including confidence, networks, visibility
Transformational personal and professional growth
Learners - Journey:
