Lorraine Staves, 36, reached a settlement in May 2025 with Network Rail and former director David McBride, who she alleged sexually assaulted and harassed her. The incidents reportedly occurred during a work trip in July 2022 and a Christmas event in December 2022.
McBride denied the allegations of sexual harassment. Network Rail acknowledged instances of harassment but not sexual assault. The company has since apologized to Staves and implemented measures to improve its reporting and investigation processes for sexual harassment.
Staves claimed that following her report of the incidents, she endured years of discriminatory treatment by Network Rail, which she stated caused her psychiatric harm. She alleges that the company's investigation into her claims was delayed and inadequately handled, including inappropriate questions posed by a private investigator. She further claimed that the company attempted to demote or redeploy her and insinuated she was guilty of gross misconduct.
According to Staves, the investigation into McBride's alleged behavior only gained traction after a witness came forward in October 2023, corroborating her account of an incident in July 2022. Network Rail notified Staves in March 2024 that McBride's employment had been terminated in January 2024 for gross misconduct. He had been suspended on full pay for seven months prior to his dismissal.
Staves described feeling silenced and unsupported by the company, with details of her allegations becoming workplace gossip. She stated that colleagues excluded her and treated her differently, with many believing she had lied about the events.
Network Rail's internal investigation initially concluded in May 2023 that the allegations were not upheld, citing insufficient evidence and McBride's claims that any encounters were consensual. An email from Network Rail dated May 12, 2024, acknowledged that McBride had attempted to kiss Staves and asked her to his room on July 1, 2022, and apologized for the harassment she experienced.
Lincolnshire Police arrested a man in connection with the alleged sexual assault on December 14, 2022. The case was closed on November 12, 2024, with no further action taken, and the victim was informed of the outcome. Staves has since submitted a Victims Right to Review.
In a statement, a Network Rail spokesperson said the behavior Staves experienced was unacceptable and apologized unreservedly. The company has since introduced additional measures to improve its processes for handling sexual harassment allegations and emphasized its commitment to ensuring employees feel safe at work.
McBride, who was Network Rail's head of commercial management, had been with the company for nearly 11 years. Staves worked at Network Rail between 2019 and 2025. The settlement reached in May 2025 included coverage for Staves' legal fees.