Two Transport for London (TfL) employees have been recognised with a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the New Year’s Honours for their work supporting people in the transport industry.
Giles Barker is awarded a BEM for services to transport in London and the disability community and Brendan Sleight has been awarded a BEM for services to transport in London and the Armed Forces Covenant.
Giles Barker has worked at TfL for 10 years. As a project manager he was working on TfL’s CCTV and Urban Traffic Control systems, and has recently been seconded to the role of Portfolio Sponsor.
Giles, from Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, has been a pioneer both within and outside of TfL, breaking down the barriers that people with disabilities face. He has volunteered in a leading role on the Board of TfL’s Staff Network Group for Disability for seven years, handing over his position as Chair, which he held for 3.5 years, this autumn.
Giles has championed an increase in disability awareness, education and understanding throughout TfL by encouraging an open environment where work colleagues are empowered and confident to be themselves and open about their disabilities.
Brendan Sleight has worked at TfL for 16 years. In his current role, he is ultimately responsible for the maintenance of all of the traffic lights across London. Over his career, he has contributed to keeping them up and running in a number ways from designing traffic light junctions to developing new traffic lights.
Brendan, from Morden, London, has “proven himself to be a role model both to those inside and outside of TfL, encouraging young adults and those within the Armed Forces to consider a career within the transport industry.”
Brendan is currently the Chair of TfL’s Ex-Forces and Reservist Staff Network Group, which supports employees who have previously been in the Forces or are reservists. He has organised three consecutive annual industry days, with another coming up in February.
These aim to make wounded, injured and sick ex-Forces personnel and reservists aware of the career opportunities at TfL and companies in its supply chain. Alongside TfL signing the Armed Forces Covenant in February 2016, Brendan’s efforts have led to the provision of employability workshops and taster placements, some of which have led to permanent employment.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I am delighted that Giles and Brendan’s hard work has been recognised with these well-deserved honours. Their vital contributions have made a huge difference to both Londoners working at TfL and those travelling across our transport network.”
London’s Transport Commissioner, Mike Brown MVO, said: “Huge congratulations to both Brendan and Giles, who are having their tremendous work recognised in the New Year’s Honours. Both are pioneers and their efforts have had a positive effect on many people, both inside and outside of TfL.”
