Working in partnership with the places we serve - resources and updates for our stakeholders across the Chiltern route
From the heart of London Marylebone to destinations such as Oxford, Leamington Spa, Banbury, Aylesbury and Birmingham, our railway connects a wide variety of places and communities. We’re proud to work closely with stakeholders across our route - from MPs and local authorities to businesses and community leaders - ensuring that every part of the Chiltern network has a voice. Through regular station visits and year-round forums, we keep our engagement rooted in the places we serve.
| Please note: For general stakeholder enquiries, please contact [email protected], or for community and charity enquiries, contact [email protected]. |
Industry stakeholders
Department for Transport
We are contracted by the Department for Transport (DfT) who hold us to account on our operational performance and customer service delivery. Our current contract was signed in 2021 and runs until 2027. For more information please visit the DfT website.
Network Rail
We have a close working relationship with Network Rail who operate and maintain our infrastructure. We are part of the Central route.
Political stakeholders
Route Members of Parliament
We regularly engage with our route MPs, responding to constituents feedback and keeping them updated on our strategic priorities. Please contact your local MP or the Stakeholder team for more information.
Local Councils
We have a range of different councils which operate across our route from parish and district councils councils to county councils and combined authorities. We encourage feedback from these parties and work with them on improvement projects to the built environment around our stations. Please contact your local council or the Stakeholder team for more information.
Local stakeholders
We engage with a diverse range of local stakeholders, including business improvement districts, destination management organisations, business associations and rail user groups. If you have a query or would like to discuss something, then do get in touch.
Community and charity stakeholders
We work closely with community groups including station adoption groups and our community rail partnerships (CRPs). Please see our community page for more information, and for more on the work we do with our charities, see our charity page. Also learn more about our annual Community Investment Fund here.
Meet our Stakeholder team
Zach Bailey
Regional Growth Manager
Zach started at Chiltern as Stakeholder Manager in early-2022, following previous roles managing station operations at MTR Elizabeth Line and Transport for London. Zach became Chiltern’s Regional Growth Manager in early 2024, now responsible for stakeholder engagement for major projects across our route such as Chiltern’s delivery of the new rail route between Oxford and Milton Keynes.
Josh van Haaren
Stakeholder Manager
Josh joined Chiltern in late-2024 following a varied career in stakeholder management and communications in the local authority, housing and energy industries. Josh is now responsible for Chiltern’s engagement with MPs, Local Authorities and Destination Management Organisations.
Harry Burr
Stakeholder Executive
Harry joined the team alongside Josh in late-2024, and manages day-to-day relationships with our Community Rail Partnerships and station adoption groups. Harry has held previous roles in transport planning at engineering consultant Mott MacDonald and is a keen advocate for rail.
Social Value Report
We’re thrilled to share our 2024 Social Value Report, highlighting a total contribution of £1.5 billion in economic, social and environmental benefits across our network – up by £154.8 million since 2023.
This assessment, undertaken independently by Steer, reveals how our services drive regional growth (with direct and indirect impacts rising to £243.7 million), support local jobs (£169.4 million in induced effects), and deliver long‑term societal gains (£1.08 billion in catalytic impact)
Our network expansion, including upcoming service expansion between Oxford and Milton Keynes, and investment in refurbished trains has and will contribute to greener, more accessible, and connected communities.
This report also underpins our commitment to driving social value - from station adoption groups and 120+ volunteers to £140,000 in community project funding, all aligned with our 2030 Vision to modernise and decarbonise and deliver a railway that’s easier, greener and better for everyone.
Other ways to keep in touch with us
Read our latest news
Visit our Chiltern Railways News site to read the latest updates on our service and what we're up to at Chiltern.
Join our stakeholder newsletter
Feel free to sign up for our regular stakeholder newsletter and updates!