Derby Member of Parliament and Transport Select Committee member Catherine Atkinson has been appointed as Parliamentary Champion for the Rebuilding Futures Alliance (RFA), following an introduction by the Rail Forum’s Chief Executive, who also serves on the RFA Board. The RFA is a national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to breaking the cycle of re-offending by creating smarter pathways into employment for care leavers and individuals with previous low-level convictions.
The appointment, announced today by the RFA Board of Directors, reflects Catherine’s distinguished career as a criminal barrister and her longstanding commitment to addressing the final taboo in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and the chronic skills gap which is emerging across UK public transport and infrastructure.
In her new role, Catherine will work closely with the RFA to raise awareness of their vital services, advocate for policy change, and support their collaborative programme designed to connect underrepresented talent with sustainable employment opportunities. She will also help promote the RFA’s fundraising initiatives, ensuring the continued delivery and expansion of their impactful work.
Quote from Catherine Atkinson MP: “I am honoured to take on the role of Parliamentary Champion for the Rebuilding Futures Alliance (RFA). I stood for Parliament to help people, change lives and use the skills I have to make a difference. There are countless charities in this country that do amazing work, but when you find a new way to deliver change, you must grasp it. RFA is a bold, initiative designed to break the cycle of re-offending through a smart and data-driven framework that is taking a confident new approach and reflects my core passions: justice, equality, community, social mobility, and building safer communities and opportunities across our great country. I am very proud to work with the RFA as their Parliamentary Champion and their partners to help create a new approach to our criminal justice system, our future workforce and the whole transport sector”.
Quote from Gabriella Ellison, CEO at RFA: “We are thrilled to welcome Catherine as our Parliamentary Champion. Her deep understanding of the justice system, her commitment to equality, and her passion for creating opportunity make her an ideal advocate for our work. With her support, we can reach more people, open more doors, and transform the futures of those who have never been given the opportunity they deserve.
About Rebuilding Futures Alliance
Championed by Actor Stephen Graham, OBE RFA is a UK-wide, industry-led initiative that partners with public transport operators, infrastructure providers, and charitable organisations to create employment opportunities for individuals often excluded from the employment market. Through a data-driven, collaborative approach, the RFA aligns its work with 75% of the UK Government’s National Procurement Policy objectives, delivering measurable outcomes in social value, inclusion, and workforce diversity.
RFA’s programmes are delivered through a network of established grassroots organisations across the UK. These local organisations have a proven success rate of 75-95% and provide tailored support to both employers and candidates, helping individuals with low-level past convictions secure full-time, meaningful careers.
Reoffending currently costs the country £18.1 billion each year. By addressing the barriers that often prevent these groups from securing stable employment, RFA aims to break the cycle of reoffending whilst improving life chances, and create a stronger, more inclusive transport and infrastructure sector.
