At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead suicide prevention initiatives and build relationships across the rail industry.
- Company: Join Samaritans, a charity dedicated to reducing suicide rates and supporting communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, a competitive salary, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by saving lives and fostering change in the rail industry.
- Qualifications: Strong project management and communication skills; empathy and relationship management experience required.
- Other info: Applications close on 17th June 2025; video interviews on 24-26 June 2025.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 37000 £ per year.
Be part of a life-saving mission. We’re looking for a compassionate and strategic individual to join our Rail Team as the Regional Development Lead (RDL) for the North East & East Coast Main Line. This is a pivotal role, responsible for building strong, collaborative relationships across the rail industry and leading on local delivery of Samaritans’ suicide prevention activities within the region. As RDL, you will work closely with industry partners such as Network Rail, train operating companies, and the British Transport Police, to drive forward meaningful change and support those impacted by suicide. From developing Joint Suicide Prevention Plans (JSPPs) to representing Samaritans at regional meetings and organising post-incident support, your work will help save lives and support communities.
Permanent Contract £32,850 per annum plus benefits. Full time (35 hours per week). We are passionate about flexible working, please talk to us about your preferences. Hybrid working: A blend of working from home and from regional rail offices. Significant travel throughout the Route. The successful candidate should live within or adjacent to the route. Do get in touch with any queries about location prior to applying.
About the Role:
You’ll represent Samaritans Rail Programme at a regional and local level, attending regular suicide prevention meetings and providing guidance and support both within and external to the rail industry, focusing on industry specific priorities. Your role will be to:
- Act as a central point of contact for rail contacts, sharing information on national campaigns, internal communications, crisis signage, policy, and research.
- Manage regional suicide prevention activities, collaborating with various stakeholders to deliver impactful results.
- Lead community activities and post-incident support, ensuring local applicability of national guidelines and strategies.
- Promote responsible and ethical language around suicide and foster a culture change within the rail industry.
About You:
To be successful in this role, you’ll need:
- Strong project management skills with the ability to lead initiatives from start to finish.
- Experience in relationship management, with the ability to influence and collaborate with multiple stakeholders.
- Excellent communication skills to convey complex information clearly and accurately.
- A proactive, problem-solving approach with a strong sense of empathy and emotional intelligence.
Why Join Us?
At Samaritans, we believe fewer people should die by suicide. You’ll be at the heart of a nationally recognised programme, working in a supportive team committed to evidence-based, compassionate change. Your work will directly contribute to saving lives and supporting people in crisis.
Being Inclusive
We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from disabled, racialised minority and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans.
Application
If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please upload your CV and answer the questions in the application. Applications close 17th June 2025, with video interviews taking place over 24/25/26 June 2025. We kindly ask that you don’t rely on AI tools for your application answers, cover letter or to generate interview answers. We want to see your own unique ideas and writing skills. We want your application to stand out from the rest and showcase your own strengths. Apply now and help us continue to be there for people when it matters most.
Regional Development Lead - North East & East Coast Main Line employer: Samaritans
Contact Detail:
Samaritans Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Development Lead - North East & East Coast Main Line
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key stakeholders in the rail industry, such as Network Rail and train operating companies. Understanding their roles and how they interact with suicide prevention initiatives will help you build rapport and demonstrate your commitment to collaboration during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your project management skills by preparing examples of past initiatives you've led. Be ready to discuss how you managed relationships with various stakeholders and the impact of your work, as this will highlight your ability to drive meaningful change.
✨Tip Number 3
Research current trends and challenges in suicide prevention within the rail industry. Being knowledgeable about recent developments will not only impress interviewers but also allow you to contribute valuable insights during discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to fostering a culture of empathy and responsible communication around suicide. Think of specific strategies you would implement to promote ethical language and support within the rail community, as this aligns closely with the role's objectives.
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Development Lead - North East & East Coast Main Line
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Regional Development Lead position. Highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role's focus on suicide prevention and relationship management.
Craft a Tailored CV: Ensure your CV reflects relevant experience in project management, stakeholder engagement, and communication. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead initiatives and collaborate effectively within the rail industry.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the mission of Samaritans and how you can contribute to their goals. Be sure to mention your empathy, problem-solving skills, and any relevant experiences that showcase your commitment to suicide prevention.
Prepare for Video Interview: Since video interviews will be conducted, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare to discuss your experiences in detail, particularly those that relate to the key competencies outlined in the job description.
How to prepare for a job interview at Samaritans
✨Understand the Mission
Before your interview, take some time to really understand Samaritans' mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their suicide prevention activities and how they impact communities. This will help you convey your passion for the role and demonstrate that you're aligned with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Management Skills
Given the importance of collaboration in this role, be prepared to discuss your experience in relationship management. Think of specific examples where you've successfully influenced stakeholders or built strong partnerships, especially in challenging situations.
✨Communicate Clearly and Compassionately
As you'll be dealing with sensitive topics, it's crucial to demonstrate excellent communication skills. Practice explaining complex information in a clear and empathetic manner. This will show that you can handle difficult conversations with care and professionalism.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and emotional intelligence. Prepare for scenario-based questions where you might need to demonstrate how you'd handle a crisis or support someone in distress. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.