Parliamentary Reception to mark the launch of the 2026 South Eastern Railway Social Impact Report, On Track to Opportunity.

Chris Fribbins, volunteer Chair of Kent CRP and Clare Dowling, Senior Project Manager, Active Journeys South and East at our hosts Walk Wheel Cycle Trust were honoured to be attend the Parliamentary Reception to mark the launch of the 2026 South Eastern Railway Social Impact Report, “On Track to Opportunity.”

Southeastern and The Purpose Coalition have published their Social Mobility Impact Report, ‘On Track to Opportunity’, revealing significant inequalities across the railways network and setting out targeted action to address them.

The findings highlight the scale of the challenge. In Hastings, 48% of residents live in the most deprived 30% of communities in England, with significant deprivation also recorded in Thanet (36.75%), Medway (25.31%) and Swale (24.69%).

The report outlines how the railway is focusing its efforts on these areas, with a programme of activity aimed at improving access to jobs, education and essential services. This includes targeted improvements in connectivity, clearer pathways into rail careers, and partnerships with local organisations to remove practical and financial barriers.

Positive action is already underway. Southeastern is providing 1,066 free tickets for local school pupils in Hastings and Rother to visit the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition at the British Museum, helping ensure that cost and distance do not limit access to cultural and educational opportunities.

Alongside this, the railway is delivering more frequent services across the southeast through its December 2026 timetable, making it easier for people to access jobs, education and essential services and improving connectivity in areas of higher deprivation, including introducing more Metro services and restoring half-hourly services on the Isle of Sheppey.

As a publicly owned operator, these improvements demonstrate how public ownership is creating a new era of railways working together to deliver a better railway for everyone in Britain.

Rt Hon Justine Greening, Chair of The Purpose Coalition, said:

“Southeastern has consistently demonstrated how transport providers can be powerful drivers of social mobility. Through its commitment to connecting communities, supporting local growth and widening access to opportunity, it has shown what it means to put purpose at the heart of public service.

“This report highlights meaningful progress, but just as importantly it sets out ambitious commitments for the future. As the rail industry continues to evolve, Southeastern is helping to ensure that opportunity is available to everyone, regardless of their background.”

Steve White, Managing Director of Southeastern and Co‑Sponsor of the Rail Industry Social Mobility Programme, said:

“Railways have a vital role to play in connecting people with opportunities and reducing regional inequalities. For us, that means both improving how communities are connected and opening up clearer routes into employment, skills, training and careers in rail.

“With more frequent services on the Isle of Sheppey and on Metro routes across south-east London, we are making it easier for people to access jobs, education and housing. Equally, by breaking down barriers to opportunity, from outreach and work experience to more accessible recruitment, apprenticeships and long-term career development, we are positively impacting individuals and communities.

“As Great British Railways takes shape, the rail industry is determined to become a leader in social mobility creating a more integrated and more inclusive railway with the skills required to look after tomorrow’s customers.”

Rail Minister, Lord Hendy said:

“Railways have always been central to connecting communities and creating opportunity. This report shows how better services and stronger local partnerships can help tackle inequality to improve access to jobs, education and essential services.

“As we establish Great British Railways and build a publicly owned railway that puts passengers and communities first, initiatives like Southeastern’s 1,066 ticket scheme demonstrate the wider social value rail can deliver. GBR will help strengthen these local partnerships and ensure rail continues to benefit communities across the South East.”

The report marks a significant milestone in the partnership between Southeastern and The Purpose Coalition, building on the rail industry’s first Social Mobility Action Plan published in 2024 and identifying where further targeted action is needed.

As part of its work to support local communities, Southeastern is:

widening access to skilled rail careers, with around 500 colleagues undertaking apprenticeships each year and clear progression routes for people of all ages and backgrounds. Southeastern has recently achieved Platinum accreditation from Investors in People for its approach to apprenticeships, recognising its commitment to developing skills, talent and long-term career opportunities;
investing at scale in accessibility, with more than £40 million committed to station upgrades, including the largest‑ever Access for All scheme at Hither Green;
supporting safer, healthier communities, through partnerships with the NHS, British Transport Police and charities to strengthen safeguarding and mental health support across 165 stations; and
using its economic footprint to support local growth, spending £77 million with SMEs in 2023/24 and investing more than £500,000 through the Customer and Community Improvement Fund.

The report also sets out new commitments to strengthen workforce diversity, social mobility and inclusive recruitment across the organisation. These include the appointment of a dedicated Inclusive Recruitment and Social Mobility Manager, continued partnerships with The King’s Trust, targeted work‑experience opportunities for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, and ongoing student placement programmes with Canterbury Christ Church University, the University of Greenwich and The Purpose Coalition’s Purpose Lab.

Southeastern will also support the Government’s Youth Guarantee by signing up to the Rail Youth Promise and continuing to champion greater equality of access through national railcard reforms for young people.

Helena Dollimore MP, who hosted the Parliamentary launch, said:

“Rail plays a vital role in connecting communities and creating opportunity. This report demonstrates the positive impact that Southeastern is having across the South East, from improving access to employment and education to supporting local communities and investing in the next generation of talent.”

“As Southeastern enters a new phase as an integrated railway, it is demonstrating how rail can be a force for opportunity, growth and social mobility. Building on its position as a leading voice on social mobility within the rail industry, the report sets out a clear programme of commitments to strengthen communities, widen access to careers and ensure more people can benefit from the opportunities that rail creates.”

As Great British Railways takes shape train operations and infrastructure have been brought together under a single leadership team alongside Network Rail Kent Route and the organisation is using this more integrated model to plan investment and services around passenger and community outcomes, particularly in areas facing the greatest disadvantage.

One example of the Southeastern’s commitment to social mobility in action is Elliot Frost, who grew up in Sheerness on the Isle of Sheppey and joined Southeastern’s graduate scheme after studying at Canterbury Christ Church University. Elliot has since worked on projects including the introduction of the half-hourly Sheerness line service, helping improve connectivity, employment and education opportunities in the community where he grew up.

Elliott Frost said:

“Growing up on the Isle of Sheppey, I never considered a career in rail. However, thanks to South Eastern Railway’s commitment to social mobility and their partnership with the Purpose Coalition and Canterbury Christ Church University, I’ve found a career I love.

“My proudest achievement so far has been playing a small part in introducing the new half-hourly 7 days a week service on the Sheerness Line as it will directly benefit the area where I grew up.”

Clare Dowling said:

“It was a fantastic opportunity to hear how Southeastern’s targeted initiatives are opening doors for people from lower socio-economic backgrounds and creating real pathways into careers.”