Toby Elliott - Head of Communications, Network Rail Western
Description
It’s my pleasure to share with you the latest episode of the Communicating Purpose podcast with Toby Elliott, Head of Communications at Network Rail Western.
Overseen by the Department for Transport, Network Rail is the public body that owns and manages the UK’s rail infrastructure.
In his role, Toby shapes the organisation’s communications strategy - determining the most effective ways to engage audiences and ensure communications drive real impact.
Toby joined Network Rail nearly a decade ago in public affairs and has led communications since 2020. His career spans politics and policy, including roles as a Swindon Councillor, a Parliamentary Assistant, and a Campaign Manager for the Conservatives. He began as a caseworker in the European Parliament.
In this episode, we discussed:
⛈️How Toby’s lobbying and coalition-building efforts helped turn the storm-ravaged Dawlish railway into a century-proof engineering triumph.
🚆What HS2 reveals about the hidden tensions between political ambition, public trust, and infrastructure realities.
🌱 Why the real debate around major projects isn’t just cost but how we measure long-term value.
🤝 How the most successful professionals build networks that keep doors open.
I hope you enjoy.
John Higginson,
Founder & CEO, Higginson Strategy
United States
