The North’s Community Rail Conference 2026
Leeds
Please note, in person registration has now closed.
About the Event
Join community rail colleagues and partners from across the North for our event, the first collaborative forum of it’s kind that brings together Northern, TransPennine Express and Network Rail. The event will celebrate success, share insights on future plans and provide an opportunity to discuss the transition towards Great British Railways, helping to strengthen partnerships and prepare for the future.
Please note, in-person registration has no closed.
Join in Person
- Park Plaza Hotel, Boar Lane, City Square, Leeds, LS1 5NS
- Monday 5th October 2026
- 09:15 - 15:30
Please note that in-person registration has now closed. However, we would be delighted to welcome you to join us online.
Join Online
You can register to watch the live stream of the event. You will still have the opportunity to submit questions and engage in the event.
- A link will be provided via email after sign-up
- Monday 5th October 2026
- 10:00 - 15:30
Speakers
The speakers confirmed for this years event.
Chris Jackson
Managing Director - TPE
Tricia Williams
Managing Director - Northern
Carolyn Watson
Director of Stakeholder and Communities - Northern
Graham Meiklejohn
Head of Regional Development, Stakeholders and Communities - TPE
Richard Isaac
Regional Community and Sustainability Manager - Northern
Andrew Watkins
Community & Development
Manager - TPE
Chris Birks
Director of Policy and Communications -
Community Rail Network
Paul Webster
Regions Support Manager - Community Rail Network
Programme
09:15 – 10:00
Food and refreshments on arrival, opportunity for networking
10:00 – 10:25
Tricia Williams (Northern MD) and Chris Jackson (TransPennine Express MD): Working together for tomorrow’s railway
10:25 – 10:35
Chris Birks – Community Rail Network
10:35 – 11:30
Panel discussionÂ
11:30 – 12:00
Break
12:00 – 12:50
Workshop 1
12:50 – 13:45
Lunch
13:45 – 14:30
Workshop 2
14:30 – 15:10
Celebration session in partnership with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust
15.10 – 15.20
Community spotlight and shout outs
15:20 – 15:30
Closing remarks