13 May 2025 • 7 min read
A landmark impact report, ‘Breaking Down Barriers,’ launched on Monday 12 May at the House of Commons by award-winning train operator Trenitalia c2c and The Purpose Coalition, highlights the steps already being taken to drive social mobility across the East London and South Essex rail route, helping to break down barriers to opportunity and transform communities.
The Purpose Coalition, a group of major UK businesses, organisations, and educational institutions, work together to address social mobility issues and drive positive change by promoting responsible business practices, while supporting students and improving access to education and opportunities. The Breaking Down Barriers Impact Report, available here, is 12 months in the making, and benchmarks c2c’s progress and activities against the ‘Purpose Goals’ – a framework of social impact developed by the Purpose Coalition – and outlines how the rail operator is delivering social value far beyond its core transport services, from Shoeburyness to Fenchurch Street.
From enhancing digital accessibility and boosting health and wellbeing to supporting employment pathways and regional growth, the report illustrates how c2c is embedding purpose into every level of its operation.
The Rt Hon Justine Greening, Chair of the Purpose Coalition and former Secretary of State for Education and Transport, speaking at the event, said:
“Rail is not just a mode of transport; it is a lifeline for industry, trade and opportunity.
“c2c’s network commitment to achieving Net Zero, reducing carbon emissions and investing in modern rail solutions makes it a leader in delivering a sustainable transport future.”
Greening added:
“This report illustrates how c2c is breaking down barriers to opportunity, using its unique experience, expertise and partnerships to deliver positive impact for its passengers, colleagues and the communities it serves.
“As a truly purpose-led organisation, c2c is lifting up communities and laying the foundation for lasting change.”
Rob Mullen, Managing Director at c2c, reflected on the railway’s wider role:
“I’ve worked on the railway for over twenty years and seen first-hand how it transforms lives. At c2c, we believe our role goes far beyond transport, it’s about creating access to education, employment, and healthcare, and being a good local employer that reflects the communities we serve.
“This report with the Purpose Coalition is both a celebration of our work and a challenge to go even further. We are committed to working collaboratively, sharing innovation, skills and experience to drive social value and shape a better, more inclusive future.”
Eleni Jordan, Commercial and interim Customer Director at c2c, said at the event:
“Essex Thameside is a region ripe for growth, and we forecast strong double-digit growth over the medium term, especially in East London. This will be driven by housing growth in Thurrock as well as in Barking & Dagenham. This is great news as we will see new business, as well as growth of our existing industries, from aviation to ports to leisure businesses; we will continue working closely with all our partners to drive investment, growth and opportunity.
“It is the role of business to create long term change and corporate social responsibility – we are accountable for our impact on communities and society and will continue to be so, as rail evolves.”
Nick Forbes CBE, Chair of the Breaking Down Barriers Commission, said:
“Rail is about people, places and prosperity and the c2c network is a lifeline for commuters, businesses, and students alike. This report shows how investment in infrastructure, accessibility and local partnerships is shaping a better-connected and more resilient future.
“From early morning commuters to young people travelling to school, c2c’s work is essential in unlocking potential and supporting social mobility.”
The launch at the House of Commons was attended by c2c colleagues from across the business, local stakeholders and representatives across the route, including David Burton-Sampson MP for Southend West and Leigh, who also spoke and lent his support to the report’s findings.
The Breaking Down Barriers Impact Report sets out five recommendations to expand impact, including deepening community partnerships, increasing digital support, and launching a “Rail Futures” employment programme to target underrepresented groups.
As the rail sector prepares for the arrival of Great British Railways and continued reform, c2c’s leadership shows how purpose and performance can go hand-in-hand in building a fairer, greener, and more connected Britain for all.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
The report’s findings highlight c2c’s progress against key Purpose Goals including:
- Fair Career Progression – with investment in apprenticeships, mentoring and inclusive recruitment initiatives
- Infrastructure for Opportunity – through station upgrades, improved accessibility and green innovations like regenerative braking
- Health and Wellbeing – via safeguarding accreditations, mental health first aiders, and flexible working policies
- Digital Inclusion – with contactless ticketing, accessibility apps and support for digitally excluded communities
- Sustainable Communities – driven by c2c’s 10-year Net Zero strategy, community investment fund and partnerships with local businesses
About c2c
- c2c is the award-winning train operator running services between Fenchurch Street and Shoeburyness, serving 26 stations in East London and South Essex.
- Owned by Trenitalia, c2c is one of the UK’s most punctual and popular train operators and nearly 35.8 million journeys are made on its services every year.
- Italian-based Trenitalia is one of Europe’s leading rail operators and the passenger rail arm of FS Italiane Group. For more information email mediaenquiries@c2crail.net
About The Purpose Coalition
The Purpose Coalition is a collaborative network of purpose-driven leaders, organisations, and institutions committed to driving systemic change and delivering tangible impact across society. With a mission to close opportunity gaps and empower communities, the Coalition brings together voices from business, government, education, and the third sector to create scalable solutions to society’s most pressing challenges.
For more information, visit www.thepurposecoalition.org or contact Kate Warren: kate@thisispurpose.com
Images: Representatives from the Purpose Coalition, c2c Trenitalia and stakeholders from across East London and South Essex gather for the launch of the Breaking Down Barriers Impact Report at the House of Commons on Monday 12 May.
The reception was hosted on behalf of c2c and The Purpose Coalition by David Burton-Sampson MP for Southend West and Leigh.