23 November 2022 – A Toss of the Coin

Presenter: David Maidment

David’s talk was a summary of his life and work within the rail industry. Unlike many of his contemporaries, David does not come from a line of ancestors with a railway background but by the age of two was keen to be taken to stations with steam trains!

After graduating David started a career on the railway. He spent his early years being trained at Old Oak Common, Other position followed as David gravitated towards the Operating area and soon became Station Master and Area Manager within the South Wales area.

David went on the cover his senior roles which included Chief Operating Manager LMR in 1986, BR’s first Reliability Manager in 1986 and BR Head of Safety Policy after the Clapham accident in Dec 1988.

As the Safety Manager, David led a shift in safety perspective from the previous reactive methodology towards a proactive approach that is used now. He explained the use of statistics in deciding the most effective areas of investigation.

David explained his role in creating the Railway Children Charity which is now the largest worldwide charity specializing in rescuing lost and vulnerable children that have gravitated to mainline and terminus stations.