Amulet remains on track thanks to Trenitalia c2c partnership

The contract extension builds on a partnership that c2c and Amulet have enjoyed for over a decade now, with Amulet’s safeguarding expertise forming the foundation of the new deal.

The partnership began back in 2011 with a focus on managing passenger safety and experience. By 2016, it had expanded to include full security service provision across c2c’s 26 stations. The partnership has since gone from strength to strength and was the winner of the ‘Partners in Expert Services – Public Sector’ category at the 2019 PFM Awards.

With the rail operator increasing its focus on safeguarding in recent years – indicated through its White Ribbon accreditation, support for industry wide campaigns and investment in expanding its internal team – the contract shares dual values and commitments.

Close working ties

Rob Mullen, c2c’s managing director, said: “Our partnership with Amulet and the work we have done together is something that we are very proud of at c2c. To confirm this new contract and commitment for the next five years is excellent news for our customers, colleagues and local communities.”

Mullen added: “I look forward to deepening our already close working ties, tackling the challenges that the next five years will bring and realising a security service that our customers and colleagues know and trust.”

Kieran Mackie, managing director at Amulet, responded: “Our partnership with c2c is a blueprint for what successful collaboration looks like. We’ve achieved so much together beyond what you would expect in a typical security contract.”

Further, Mackie noted: “Everyone at Amulet is delighted that we’ll continue this partnership. We cannot wait to widen the scope of our support in order to foster safe and welcoming environments across c2c’s stations and strengthen our community impact.”

Iain Palmer, head of revenue protection and security at c2c, explained: “I’m delighted that our partnership with Amulet will be continuing as Amulet has become an authentic extension of our internal team since we first started working together.”

Palmer went on to state: “Amulet’s demonstrated commitment to safeguarding was a key reason we wanted to continue this partnership. Security is often about soft skills rather than enforcement and our officers excel in ensuring that rail customers have a safe and comfortable journey. Reducing ticketless travel across our network is one of the biggest challenges we face as a business. Our partnership with Amulet demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that our trains and stations continue to be places where people feel safe and secure.”

Sector expertise

Amulet’s extensive sector expertise and understanding of c2c’s requirements were big factors in the contract extension, as was the demonstrated commitment to colleagues. This is reflected through Amulet’s transition to an Employee-Owned Trust and its social value commitments.

Over the years, the Amulet and c2c teams have raised thousands of pounds through various joint fundraising efforts, supporting charities such as Craig Tyler Trust, The Samaritans and Railway Children. Local recruitment has resulted in an annual social value contribution exceeding £5 million, while community initiatives such as the Stamp Out Spiking campaign have improved safeguarding.

Another safeguarding success is Operation Serrano, an initiative which sees officers tasked on intelligence-led operations aligned to requirements of the network, events and seasons. The team has grown from 35 to 65 safeguarding ‘Serrano’ officers who are providing passengers with reassurance and visibility, helping to address issues including anti-social behaviour, child safeguarding, revenue protection and fare evasion.

As the joint c2c and Amulet partnership moves forward, the teams remain fully committed to their local communities and colleagues, with multiple new facets being introduced as part of this new contract, which include:

*RSAS training modules tailored for c2c

*a mental health First Aid programme

*deploying Project Blueprint

*Storm radio devices

*Halo body-worn cameras to enhance security and evidence collection in real-time

In addition, c2c and Amulet will continue fulfilling joint social value and community commitments, which include:

*supporting staff volunteering and c2c charity days

*creating green spaces at stations

8recruiting locally

*facilitating security apprenticeships

*sponsoring railway safety programmes in schools