Heart of Gold Award finalist
Recognised her passion around mental health, VolkerRail’s mental health champion lead, Vikky Goodwin, has been shortlisted in the Heart of Gold Awards, Wellbeing Champion Award, for her dedication to improving mental health in the rail industry and for introducing the now industry recognised Building Relationships On Site (BROS) initiative across VolkerRail.
The Heart of Gold Awards celebrate those in the rail industry who have made a real difference in their workplace or community. Those who have gone above and beyond in their role, demonstrating extraordinary dedication and compassion.
Nominated by her peers, Vikky’s first-hand knowledge of the challenges faced by site based operatives helped to create BROS in 2022. An initiative specifically tailored to the needs of frontline employees, focusing on improving communication and teamwork and encouraging employees to recognise and address changes in their colleagues' behaviour.
The BROS initiative has already been recognised in numerous industry awards, including, Rail Wellbeing’s Hero Award 2023, Construction News Workforce Awards, This can Happen Awards and Railway Mental Health Charter Awards.
Commenting on her nomination, Vikky said: “BROS is making a real difference to break down the stigma surrounding men's mental health in the workplace.
“It’s always an honour to be nominated for an award for doing what you love, but to be shortlisted for a Heart of Gold Award from such an amazing organisation makes it feel even more special.
“I would like to thank VolkerRail for the nomination and The Railway Benefit Fund for seeing the work I do as valuable.”
Stuart Webster-Spriggs, VolkerRail’s HSQES director, commented: “It is fantastic to see Vikky being nominated for this prestigious award. She has created an offering that was unique to the industry in terms of reaching the right people in the right environment. BROS has been shared widely within the rail industry and adopted by others due to what it can offer those that are in need and those that are able to support.”
The winners for the Heart of Gold Awards are chosen by public vote, giving everyone the opportunity to select who they feel is most deserving. The deadline to vote for any of the finalists is Sunday 3 November.