PFD report

Glenn Jacques and 2 others · Prevention of Future Deaths report

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Issued 16 Jul 2024•County Durham and Darlington

Report record

Published report and response evidence

This page connects the concerns raised in this report with statements found in recipients’ published responses. A link shows a clear evidence connection; it does not assign responsibility.

View original report
Concerns
1

Raised in this report

Recipients
1

Named on the report

Responses found
1

Of 1 recipient

Stated actions
22

Described in responses

Recipients and published responses

Source document

Full report text

This is the full text from the original published report.

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Concerns and recipient responses

Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.

Concerns raised1

  1. Railway station known as a convenient location for suicide
Responses linked to these concerns

Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.

Actions described in response An action is something a recipient says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to a concern raised.14

  1. Action

    Upgrade the former taxi office to support Vital staff during station patrols.

    Stated by Northern Trains LimitedStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 30 July 2024.
  2. Action

    Cover suicide-related wording on the entrance mural while working with local schools on its replacement.

    Stated by Northern Trains LimitedStatus at responseThe respondent said that this action was partly complete when they made their response on 30 July 2024.
  3. Action

    Deploy a portable analytical CCTV system at the station.

    Stated by Northern Trains LimitedStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 30 July 2024.

Respondent positions A position is what a recipient says about a concern when it does not describe a specific action.3

  1. Position

    Restricting footbridge access may increase track trespass and accidental death because pedestrians may cross tracks rather than use a longer detour.

    Stated by Northern Trains LimitedDisputes the concernThe respondent disagreed with part of the concern or the basis for it.

Source evidence

How this individual concern was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Railway station known as a convenient location for suicide

Wider context from the report

“████████ railway station appears to be, and to be known as, a convenient location for suicide. In response to a Prevention of Future Deaths Report dated 10-Dec-18, (which followed a death by suicide at ████████ railway station), you stated that “the station does not classify as a hot spot under British Transport Police’s definition which is used nationally to focus the work of cross industry working groups. Such locations are defined as having 3 or more suicides/attempted suicides in 12 months”. The incidents referred to herein took place within 12 months. ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

No recurring-concern membership is currently published.

Open source report

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Upgrade the former taxi office to support Vital staff during station patrols.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Vital patrollers have access to view camera footage via a monitor in the old taxi office in the station building, which is used as their base. Northern has recently upgraded this office space to maintain its continued suitability for use by Vital staff when patrolling at the station.”

Source location

Response from Northern Trains
Page 6 · response
Published 30 July 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Cover suicide-related wording on the entrance mural while working with local schools on its replacement.

Verbatim wording from the response

“To cover up any mention of suicide on the current mural at the entrance to the station, and to work with local schools to replace the mural – covered up July 2024.”

Source location

Response from Northern Trains
Page 5 · response
Published 30 July 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Deploy a portable analytical CCTV system at the station.

Verbatim wording from the response

“CCTV The station historically has never had a permanent CCTV system, principally because of a lack of supporting infrastructure on site. Northern has mitigated this by using a portable analytical CCTV system, supplied by Marlowe Fire & Security - installed November 2023.”

Source location

Response from Northern Trains
Page 6 · response
Published 30 July 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Continue engaging local groups to establish a viable Friends of the station volunteer group.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Northern are working to establish a ‘Friends of’ group to adopt ████████ station and undertake work such as refreshing the planters with flowers. These would be tended by local groups to give the station a more community feel and afford greater opportunity to recognise vulnerable persons who may present on the station – the initial response has been very limited, but Northern will continue to engage with the local groups to try and establish a viable group of volunteers.”

Source location

Response from Northern Trains
Page 8 · response
Published 30 July 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Engage local schools, residents and community groups in station artwork, adoption and volunteering initiatives.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Community engagement Northern has engaged with local high schools on community artwork and with the local residents’ association to encourage station adoption. Northern, Network Rail and LNER colleagues are also working with the local Men’s Sheds Association on community volunteering at the station.”

Source location

Response from Northern Trains
Page 6 · response
Published 30 July 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Provide Samaritans and Andy’s Man Club suicide-prevention signage on both ticket vending machines.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Samaritans and Andy’s Man Club (men’s suicide prevention charity) signage to be provided on both station ticket vending machines (TVMs) – provided July 2024.”

Source location

Response from Northern Trains
Page 5 · response
Published 30 July 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Upgrade the station CCTV to a permanent system covering public areas, subject to design approval and landlord consent.

Verbatim wording from the response

“CCTV CCTV at ████████ station is to undergo a full upgrade to a permanent system. The station is identified as a priority location with installation work anticipated to start before year end. The new CCTV system will have monitoring and some smart capabilities. This will make it easier to search for particular incidents in recorded footage and can enable geo-fencing to be applied to boundaries such as platform ends to deter persons venturing onto the track.”

Source location

Response from Northern Trains
Page 7 · response
Published 30 July 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Refresh Samaritans posters across the station.

Verbatim wording from the response

“To refresh Samaritans posters across the station – completed July 2024.”

Source location

Response from Northern Trains
Page 5 · response
Published 30 July 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Provide Northern TravelSafe Officer visits to supplement security patrols beyond 19.00 hours.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Security patrols and staffing Network Rail-contracted security patrols (provided by Vital Human Resources) comprising trained suicide prevention patrollers are currently on site at ████████ station between 07.00-19.00 hours Monday-Friday, with mobile patrols taking place after this timeframe.”

Source location

Response from Northern Trains
Page 5 · response
Published 30 July 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Activate ticket-machine help points connecting distressed people with Northern’s customer centre and emergency-service escalation.

Verbatim wording from the response

“To activate help points on the station TVMs, so if someone is in distress Northern’s customer centre can be contacted who can raise the emergency services if needed – activated July 2024.”

Source location

Response from Northern Trains
Page 5 · response
Published 30 July 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Padlock the platform 1 mid-platform gate and check its security daily.

Verbatim wording from the response

“The mid-platform pedestrian gate on platform 1 has been padlocked in response to the DOCO report, as it allowed people to bypass areas likely to have people present. Now those visiting the station must walk past Vital’s office and CCTV, eliminating a blind spot. The security of the gate is checked daily by the Vital patrols.”

Source location

Response from Northern Trains
Page 6 · response
Published 30 July 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Play classical music on the station public-address system after onsite security patrols finish.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Station environment To implement classical music playing on the station PA system after the Vital team finish their on-site patrols at the station. This is known to reduce loitering and antisocial behaviour, and to be calming and reduce anxiety and may therefore help dissuade persons with thoughts of suicide from waiting on the platform for a passing train – implemented July 2024.”

Source location

Response from Northern Trains
Page 5 · response
Published 30 July 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Work with local health agencies to improve awareness of support services for vulnerable people.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Northern is seeking opportunities to partner with local health agencies to ensure that local people feeling vulnerable and in need of support know what services are available to them, so they can seek help before they start to feel suicidal – to be delivered through ongoing discussion and liaison at the multi-agency meetings.”

Source location

Response from Northern Trains
Page 8 · response
Published 30 July 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Develop a stay-behind-the-yellow-line safety campaign with industry partners.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Northern, working in conjunction with industry partners, will develop a ‘stay behind the yellow line’ safety campaign, to raise awareness of the dangers at the platform-train interface – by 31 December 2024.”

Source location

Response from Northern Trains
Page 7 · response
Published 30 July 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Restricting footbridge access may increase track trespass and accidental death because pedestrians may cross tracks rather than use a longer detour.

Verbatim wording from the response

“The DOCO report of July 2024 also recommends the following mitigation measure:”

Source location

Response from Northern Trains
Page 9 · response
Published 30 July 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

24/7 staffing is not planned because fatalities have occurred despite proactive staffing and patrols, including access via lineside routes.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Security patrols and staffing The DOCO report of July 2024 recommends the following mitigation measures:”

Source location

Response from Northern Trains
Page 8 · response
Published 30 July 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Platform lighting is operational and suitable for capturing CCTV images at night, so improved lighting is not identified as necessary.

Verbatim wording from the response

“2. Problem: Lighting has been highlighted as an issue by staff at the location during non-daylight hours. Mitigation measure: Improved lighting should be installed in collaboration with the installation of CCTV, where the lighting can be used to complement the recording of images, especially at night. Owner(s): NR”

Source location

Response from Northern Trains
Page 4 · response
Published 30 July 2024

Open published response

Other statements in published responses

These actions and other statements could not be clearly connected to one concern in this report.

Recipient-stated actions An action is something a recipient says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to a concern raised.8

  1. 1

    Work with other train operators to raise awareness of issues affecting the station through joint-industry activity.

    Stated by Northern Trains LimitedStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 30 July 2024.
  2. 2

    Showcase traincrew and train-driver roles through feature news stories and social media opportunities.

    Stated by Northern Trains LimitedStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 30 July 2024.
  3. 3

    Engage Samaritans about requesting removal of harmful content through social-media group administrators.

    Stated by Northern Trains LimitedStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 30 July 2024.
  4. 4

    Repaint platform-edge white lines to improve visibility.

    Stated by Northern Trains LimitedStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 30 July 2024.
  5. 5

    Install community notice boards for Public Health information and local event signposting.

    Stated by Northern Trains LimitedStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 30 July 2024.
  6. 6

    Repaint platform stand-behind lines and cross-hatching to maintain visibility.

    Stated by Northern Trains LimitedStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 30 July 2024.
  7. 7

    Hold a community day to improve the station waiting room and platform areas with partners.

    Stated by Northern Trains LimitedStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 30 July 2024.
  8. 8

    Participate in joint industry and multi-agency forums addressing safety at the station.

    Stated by Northern Trains LimitedStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 30 July 2024.

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Work with other train operators to raise awareness of issues affecting the station through joint-industry activity.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Industry engagement Northern will be working with other train operating companies to raise awareness of the current issues affecting ████████ station – to be delivered through ongoing activity arising from the joint industry meeting.”

Source location

Response from Northern Trains
Page 7 · response
Published 30 July 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Showcase traincrew and train-driver roles through feature news stories and social media opportunities.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Communications Northern are seeking opportunities to showcase the roles of traincrew and train drivers in particular, helping the public see them as real people with important jobs to do, through feature news stories and social media – ongoing as opportunities arise.”

Source location

Response from Northern Trains
Page 7 · response
Published 30 July 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Engage Samaritans about requesting removal of harmful content through social-media group administrators.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Northern plan to engage with Samaritans to explore whether they can engage with social media group admins to request the removal of harmful content – to be delivered through liaison with Samaritans at the joint industry and multi-agency meetings.”

Source location

Response from Northern Trains
Page 7 · response
Published 30 July 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Repaint platform-edge white lines to improve visibility.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Platform edge white lines have been repainted to improve their visibility – repainted June 2024.”

Source location

Response from Northern Trains
Page 5 · response
Published 30 July 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Install community notice boards for Public Health information and local event signposting.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Station information To install community notice boards for Public Health to update local community groups and signpost local events happening – installed July 2024.”

Source location

Response from Northern Trains
Page 5 · response
Published 30 July 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Repaint platform stand-behind lines and cross-hatching to maintain visibility.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Station environment ‘Stand behind’ yellow line and cross hatchings on both platforms to be repainted to maintain visibility – by 30 November 2024.”

Source location

Response from Northern Trains
Page 7 · response
Published 30 July 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Hold a community day to improve the station waiting room and platform areas with partners.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Community engagement Northern are planning a community day with its North East team, working with ISS (Northern’s facilities management provider), Network Rail and Samaritans to improve the station waiting room and platform”

Source location

Response from Northern Trains
Page 7 · response
Published 30 July 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Participate in joint industry and multi-agency forums addressing safety at the station.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Multi-agency working Northern is an active participant in two forums with key stakeholders concerning ████████ station. These include a joint industry meeting chaired by Network Rail and attended by representatives of BTP, Durham Council Public Health and passenger train operators Northern, LNER, Transpennine Express and Lumo. There is also a multi-agency meeting attended by local councillors, Public Health, Samaritans, Northern and Network Rail.”

Source location

Response from Northern Trains
Page 6 · response
Published 30 July 2024

Open published response
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Information checked against the published report and official responses · Data reviewed 7 Sep 2026 · About data quality and limitations

Data last updated 7 September 2026