Northern, the UK’s second-largest train operator, has reaffirmed its commitment to social mobility, community investment, and economic growth across the North of England, as it welcomes a new report from the Purpose Coalition.
The Breaking Down Barriers to Opportunity Impact Report, launched in Parliament on the 8th September, highlights how Northern is using its railway network to change lives – from creating jobs and building skills to improving access to travel and opportunity.
Key findings from the report include:
- £6.2 million invested into local communities – a 29% increase year-on-year
- 7,267 colleagues employed, with 55% of procurement spend retained in the North
- 869 apprentices supported and over 6,000 hours of volunteering delivered – more than double last year’s total
Northern’s “Track to the Future” programme has helped students from disadvantaged backgrounds gain career confidence and hands-on rail experience. Impressively, over a third of conductor and driver trainees now come from disadvantaged areas, with up to 30% joining without formal English or maths qualifications, yet progressing into roles that pay above the UK median wage.
Northern’s Managing Director, Tricia Williams, said:
“At Northern, we are proud to serve communities across the North of England. Every day, our trains carry thousands of people, not just to destinations, but to jobs, to schools, to hospitals, and to loved ones.
“We are proud to work with the Purpose Coalition, aligning our efforts with national goals to tackle inequality and create opportunity. I welcome this report, which is a reflection of Northern’s commitment to supporting our colleagues, investing in local economies and making a difference for all we serve, every single day.”
The operator’s Customer and Community Impact Fund has also supported grassroots initiatives such as:
- Olympias Music Foundation – delivering 20,000 free music lessons to children in Manchester
- Work For All – mentoring older adults back into employment
Northern runs 2,650 services a day to over 500 stations, making it the largest train operator outside London. The Purpose Coalition report is now available to download via Northern’s website.
Image credit: iStock
