Regional Development Lead - North East & East Coast Main Line

Be part of a life-saving mission.

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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.

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• 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.

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About the Role:

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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.​

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Full role description available here.

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.
• Aproactive, 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.​

Working at Samaritans​

For further information about Samaritans, including our charity structure, values, employee benefits, and application process, please read our recruitment brochure available here. You can also visit our careers website to access this.​

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.

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Apply now and help us continue to be there for people when it matters most.