Serco Backs The Railway Ball 2026, Strengthening the Cause

Serco has confirmed it will join The Railway Ball 2026 as a Bronze Sponsor, marking the start of a new strategic partnership with Railway Children. It is a move that brings together two organisations with very different roles in the rail industry, yet a shared belief in protecting the people who rely on it every day.

Railway Children has long argued that safeguarding should be seen as part of the industry’s social responsibility. Serco, whose work touches almost every corner of the rail network, has put its support behind that principle in a way that will be felt throughout the year.

A partnership shaped by safety

Serco’s core business is built around safety, inspection and assurance. The charity’s work is focused on reaching children who face risk and exploitation on and around transport networks. The common ground is clear. Both organisations approach the rail environment from different angles, yet both are working towards making the network safer for everyone.

This sense of alignment became evident during early conversations between the partners. Rather than a transactional sponsorship, Serco wanted to contribute in a way that had reach beyond the Ball itself.

Activity that goes further than the night

As part of the partnership, Serco teams will take part in a series of fundraising efforts that will run throughout the year. These include:

• A Serco hosted corporate golf day
  • Two teams in the Three Peaks by Rail challenge
  • Participation in the Beacon Rail Five a Side Football Tournament

Each activity will bring staff together from across the business, raising funds while strengthening their connection to the cause. For Railway Children, this participation provides a valuable platform for awareness at a time when demand for its support continues to grow.

Industry voices welcome the move

Railway Children’s Chief Executive, Rob Capener, has welcomed Serco as a strategic partner, describing the commitment as an important moment for the charity’s relationship with the wider sector.

Commenting on the partnership, Daniel Saxton, Director of Rail Technical Services at Serco, said: “Serco Rail Technical Services (RTS) are proud to partner with Railway Children and to support the vital work they do to protect vulnerable children and young people across the rail network. Becoming a Bronze Sponsor of The Railway Ball 2026, alongside the fundraising challenges our teams will take on throughout the year, is a fantastic opportunity for our colleagues to come together, raise awareness and make a meaningful difference. We look forward to working closely with Railway Children to help create safer journeys and brighter futures for young people. At Serco, safety is at the heart of everything we do, and this partnership reflects our commitment to ensuring that everyone who comes into contact with the railway is safe, supported and looked after. Serco RTS is a provider of engineering, maintenance, and technical support solutions to the rail industry. With a strong focus on safety, reliability, and innovation, Serco RTS supports the performance and longevity of rail assets across the network, underpinned by a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and safety-first principles that foster trusted partnerships across the rail sector”.

Angie Doll, Chair of The Railway Ball and CEO of GTR, echoed that sentiment: “Serco’s commitment sends a clear signal: when our rail family rallies, children benefit. By backing the Ball and getting involved throughout the year, they’re helping us keep children in the UK, India and Tanzania safe, making the network safer for everyone in practice, not just in principle.”

Setting the tone for 2026

The Railway Ball has become one of the most significant fundraising events in the industry calendar, with support growing each year. The addition of Serco as a partner strengthens that momentum and signals a renewed sense of collective purpose across the sector.

With the Ball returning later this year, and Serco’s programme of activity already under way, the partnership is shaping up to be one of the defining stories of the 2026 fundraising effort. Railway Children, The Railway Ball and Serco now look ahead to a year of collaboration that promises meaningful engagement and tangible impact for the children who need support most.