Executive Director, Liam Johnston, Honoured in New Year's Awards

Our Executive Director has been awarded an MBE by HM King Charles III in the 2026 New Year’s Honours.

The award, for services to the rail industry, comes as Liam also marks 25 years of employment as our lead chaplain, now providing leadership to our 20-strong team of regional chaplains as Executive Director.

Railway Mission began in 1881, a constant, reassuring presence on the ever-changing UK rail network. The charity offers railway workers support in strengthening their mental, emotional and spiritual health, through our professional team. The services provided complement welfare provision supplied by the railway companies.

Railway Mission is a 24/7 service, with chaplains frequently called to provide specialist care whenever challenging incidents or traumatic emergencies occur on or around rail infrastructure. Support is provided to railway employees at all levels, from drivers, guards and train managers, through signallers, cleaners and clerks, to senior managers and advisors of train operating companies, Network Rail and British Transport Police. Research by the Rail Safety and Standards Board has calculated that, under Liam’s leadership, Railway Mission generates £1.8 million in social value annually – more than £3.10 for each pound of donated income.

Liam’s quarter-century of work with Railway Mission has included providing urgent care at some of the most significant incidents across the UK railway network. Beyond the rails, Liam was present to support British Transport Police at major disasters such as the Grenfell Tower fire and Manchester Arena bombing. Liam serves additionally as Vice-President of Rail Hope International, providing bespoke training, mentorship and advice on best practice to rail organisations around the world.

Reacting to the news, Liam said: ‘Being awarded an MBE is a tremendous honour, and I’m deeply grateful. While my name may be on the citation, this recognition belongs to all of us at Railway Mission; to every chaplain and colleague who quietly shows up day after day for railway people. It also belongs to our supporters, without whom we would not be able to achieve as much as we do for the railway family.

‘I am proud to accept this as an award for the whole Railway Mission team, as tribute to the compassion, professionalism and commitment that underpins our work.’

Railway Mission trustee David Giles added: ‘We are thrilled that Liam’s dedicated service has been publicly recognised, particularly as this work often takes place well away from the public gaze and in people’s most vulnerable moments. I am confident that the railway family joins me in thanking Liam for his tenacity and tenderness, his passion for people, and his vision, leadership and strength of faith.’

Liam will receive his award in a ceremony later in 2026.