The train operator Trenitalia c2c has extended its security contract with Amulet for another five years – with the option of two more. Amulet’s work for the rail firm began in 2011, managing passenger safety and experience. By 2016, it had expanded to include full security service provision across c2c’s 26 stations, in east London and Essex. The partnership was the winner of the ‘Partners in Expert Services – Public Sector’ category at the 2019 PFM Awards.
The rail operator has put more of a focus on safeguarding in recent years – such as its White Ribbon accreditation, support for industry-wide campaigns, and an expanded internal team. Pictured are Amulet and c2c at Southend Central station.
Rob Mullen, c2c Managing Director, said: “Our partnership with Amulet and the work we have done together is something that we are very proud of at c2c. So, to confirm this new contract and commitment for the next five years is excellent news for our customers, colleagues and local communities. I look forward to deepening our already close working ties and to tackling the challenges that the next five years will bring together, with a security service that our customers and colleagues know and trust.”
Kieran Mackie, Managing Director at Amulet, said: “Our partnership with c2c is a blueprint for what successful collaboration looks like. We’ve achieved so much together beyond what you would expect in a typical security contract. Everyone at Amulet is delighted that we’ll continue this partnership, and we can’t wait to widen the scope of our support to foster safe and welcoming environments across c2c stations and strengthen our community impact.”
Iain Palmer, Head of Revenue Protection and Security at c2c, said: “I am delighted that our partnership with Amulet will be continuing, as Amulet has become an authentic extension of our internal team since we first started working together. Their demonstrated commitment to safeguarding was a key reason we wanted to continue this partnership. Security is often about soft skills rather than enforcement and our Amulet Officers excel in ensuring that rail customers have a safe, comfortable journey. Reducing ticketless travel across our network is one of the biggest challenges we at c2c face as a business. Our partnership with Amulet demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that our trains and our stations continue to be places where people feel safe and secure.”
Amulet points to its other work in the sector and understanding of c2c’s requirements as factors for the contract extension; and in terms of social value, that it’s become an employee-owned trust. Over the years, Amulet and c2c have raised thousands of pounds through various fund-raising efforts, supporting charities such as Craig Tyler Trust, Samaritans and Railway Children. Local recruitment has resulted in an annual social value contribution exceeding £5m, the contractor reports. Wider safeguarding work has included the Stamp Out Spiking campaign. Operation Serrano sees officers tasked on intelligence-led operations aligned to requirements of the network, events and seasons. The team has grown from 35 to 65 safeguarding ‘Serrano’ officers who are providing passengers with reassurance and visibility, helping to address issues like anti-social behaviour, child safeguarding, revenue protection and fare evasion.
This new contract is due to include: RSAS (railway safety accreditation scheme, the rail equivalent of CSAS) training modules tailored for c2c; a mental health first-aid programme; the deploying of Storm radio devices; and Halo body-worn cameras for evidence collection in real-time. c2c and Amulet will continue joint social value and community commitments, such as: staff volunteering and c2c charity days; creating green spaces at stations; recruiting locally; facilitating security apprenticeships; and sponsoring railway safety work in schools.
Visit www.amulet.co.uk.
