Community Rail Partnership Officer

South Derbyshire District Council is looking for a motivated and organised Community Rail Partnership Officer to develop and promote the Erewash and Trent Community Rail route. Working with local communities, volunteers and rail industry partners, you will deliver projects that improve stations, encourage sustainable travel and increase community involvement across the route.

The route includes Burton upon Trent, Willington, Spondon, Long Eaton, Beeston, Ilkeston, Chesterfield and Sheffield.

This role offers the chance to make a real difference by helping people connect with their local railway, promoting greener travel choices and supporting projects that benefit local communities.

What you will do

• Develop and deliver the annual action plan for the Erewash and Trent Community Rail Partnership.
• Recruit, support and coordinate station adoption volunteers across the route.
• Work with communities and partner organisations to deliver station improvements, events and community projects
• Identify funding opportunities, prepare bids and support the delivery of rail and station improvement projects
• Promote the route through communications, marketing and media activity.
• Build positive relationships with train operators, Network Rail, local authorities, schools, community groups, businesses and other stakeholders.
• Prepare reports, briefings and presentations for partners and stakeholders.
• Promote better connections between rail, bus, walking and cycling to encourage more sustainable travel.

About you

You will be a confident communicator with strong organisational skills and the ability to work with a wide range of people. You will have experience of community engagement, partnership working and project delivery, together with an understanding of the UK rail industry and transport policy. You should be comfortable preparing reports, giving presentations and supporting volunteers to make a positive difference in their local communities.

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in a relevant subject.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a car.
• Ability to use standard computer packages including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Working knowledge of the UK rail industry and transport policy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience of working with partners, communities and volunteers.
• Ability to organise workload, prioritise effectively and deliver projects successfully.
• Commitment to equal opportunities, fairness and high standards of public service.

What we offer

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• 25 days’ annual leave
• Salary sacrifice car scheme
• The opportunity to make a visible difference to local communities and sustainable transport.

Location

This role is based in South Derbyshire District. However, successful candidate will be required to travel across the Erewash and Trent Community Rail route in line with project requirements.

Provisional interview date: 29th October 2026

We are looking for applicants committed to equal opportunities, diversity and good customer care to ensure our customers receive an excellent service.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact

Victor Equere at

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We cannot stop anyone from using AI to help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application.

Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting.

Right to Work in the UK

Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.

Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

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