Neil Pepper MBE

Night Safety Manager, London Underground

1. What does your current job involve?

Providing professional safety support for project teams across Transport for London’s (TfL) infrastructure, conducting safety inspections and monitoring, providing mentoring and educational opportunities for staff throughout the network including graduate and apprentice intakes.

2. Have you been involved in any major transport projects that you would like to tell us about?

I was instrumental in the creation and development of the TfL Beacon award scheme which rewards sites, projects and teams for outstanding safety performance. Also, creating the TfL Track Hazard School which was recognised by IOSH as the best training initiative of 2012.

3. How did you become involved in the transport industry?

I applied for a job in the former British Rail in the early 1980s.

4. What do you like about working in transport?

Providing a public service to the greatest city in the world.

5. How did you get to join Women in Transport?

I was invited to join the board as the first ever male member after some years of providing opportunities for Women in Transport members to visit and experience infrastructure work sites within TfL.

6. What is your role at Women in Transport?

Board member, heading up Membership which involves looking at ways in which we can both improve benefits and increase membership.

7. What are you most proud of?

Receiving an MBE from Queen Elizabeth for services to London Underground and Services to the Community (owning and working with My Therapy Dog as part of Pets as Therapy).
I am proud to have been a fundraiser for numerous conservation organisations and veterans' charities over the years.
Working as a STEM ambassador in schools throughout London and the home counties and engaging thousands of children in STEM presentations.
Travelling to over 130 countries and assembling and distributing schools materials and toys when travelling in remote places in Africa.
Learning to Fly.
Exploring Labrador via Dog Sled.

8. What would your advice be to women interested in roles like yours?

Do not be put off by the male dominance in the industry. There are fantastic opportunities available in the UK and worldwide, providing public service infrastructure development and operations. This is an extremely rewarding career where your capability and energy directly benefits many millions of people every day.

9. How should we encourage young people to pursue a career in transport.

Out reach to young females via schools and other associated youth groups is paramount. Breaking the stereotypes associated with the transport industry is a long term project that requires stimulating and engaging role models.

If you wish to become a member like Neil, feel free to either contact us or fill in our membership form.