Network Rail Honors Safety Leader: Rail Careers, UK Infrastructure

Network Rail Honors Community Safety Leader with Portrait Unveiling

Network Rail celebrated its Community Safety Manager, Manny Kang, with the unveiling of a portrait at London Euston station on July 22, 2025. The artwork, displayed as part of the Railway 200 exhibition, highlights Kang’s dedication to railway safety and community engagement. This initiative, part of the ‘Hidden Heroes’ campaign, recognizes the essential contributions of railway staff. The portrait was displayed in the ‘Partner Zone’ coach of the *Inspiration* exhibition train as part of the touring exhibit in partnership with the National Railway Museum. This train aims to inspire future railway careers, with stops across the UK until the summer of 2026. The ‘Why’ behind the unveiling is clear: to honor an individual who exemplifies dedication, and to motivate potential future employees in the rail industry. The ‘How’ was achieved through a commissioned portrait by artist Duncan Shoosmith, celebrating a critical sector of railway employees.

Highlighting a Railway Safety Advocate

Manny Kang, Community Safety Manager for the Central route, which links London and the West Midlands, has been working for Network Rail for nearly 25 years. His day-to-day work involves proactive measures to ensure public safety, by reducing trespassing incidents and keeping trains running smoothly. This includes community outreach programs to educate the public, especially children, about the risks associated with railway tracks and the importance of respecting railway property. Kang’s approach emphasizes preventive strategies, such as working with schools and community groups, to foster a culture of safety and responsible behavior around railway infrastructure. His efforts are crucial in maintaining the safety and reliability of a complex rail network.

The Railway 200 Exhibition and its Goals

The *Inspiration* exhibition, designed to celebrate the 200th anniversary of modern railways, serves as a key component in Network Rail’s broader strategy to engage with the public and promote careers within the rail industry. This touring exhibition features thematic displays, including “Railway Firsts” and “Your Railway Future”. These presentations focus on the history of the railway and on the cutting-edge technology that is driving future innovation. The aim is to create a lasting impact on the next generation, showcasing the diverse opportunities available in railway careers, from engineering and operations to community safety and management. The exhibition provides a platform to engage with communities across the UK and build a skilled workforce.

The Art of Recognition and the “Hidden Heroes” Campaign

The portrait of Manny Kang, painted by Duncan Shoosmith, a winner of *Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2019*, is a centerpiece of Network Rail’s “Hidden Heroes” campaign. The campaign aims to recognize and celebrate the everyday heroes within Network Rail who make significant contributions to the rail network’s smooth operation. The artist, Duncan Shoosmith, recognized the significance of the portrait. The portrait highlights the critical importance of workers like Kang, who often work behind the scenes and whose efforts are essential to the safety and efficiency of the railway system. The campaign aims to give them the recognition they deserve, helping to highlight a range of essential jobs in the rail industry.

Conclusion

Network Rail’s decision to honor Manny Kang with a portrait in the Railway 200 exhibition underscores the company’s commitment to acknowledging the individuals who contribute to the safety, efficiency, and community engagement of the rail network. By partnering with the National Railway Museum for the *Inspiration* exhibition, Network Rail is strategically using the 200th anniversary of the modern railway to inspire the next generation of rail professionals and raise the industry’s profile. The ‘Hidden Heroes’ campaign, exemplified by Kang’s portrait, is likely to be seen as an important strategy in attracting and retaining talent in the rail sector. This recognition of a community safety manager is a vital step in highlighting the often-overlooked aspects of the rail industry’s work. The emphasis on community outreach and educational initiatives reflects the industry’s growing focus on both safety and social responsibility. This commitment to community engagement is likely to become increasingly important as the industry navigates the changing landscape of rail infrastructure, including the development of high-speed rail and the integration of new technologies. Network Rail’s success in meeting the demands of this increasingly complex environment depends on its ability to foster a culture of safety, attract skilled personnel, and maintain public trust.