Today, Thursday 14th July, marks a historic event for the Railway Industry Association (RIA) and Women in Rail (WR) as they are launching the first Annual Report for their joint EDI Charter for Rail. The EDI charter has progressed since its launch in 2020, now boasting almost 200 signatories from across the UK rail industry.
The Annual Report identifies key areas and examples of good practice within the industry whilst celebrating the best work carried out by Charter Signatories over the recent year. Over 20 organisations participated within this report, seeing the likes of DfT, Network Rail, Siemens Mobility and many others within the sector providing submissions.
The focus of this report is to outline and embed methods of creating an inclusive culture within the rail sector that embraces modern thinking and champions women’s involvement in the predominantly male industry.
Women in Rail is celebrating it’s 10-year anniversary since its inception in 2012 and is set to be celebrated at the RIA Gala Dinner later today, where the report will be formally launched.
Christine Fernandes, Women in Rail Chair, said:
“I’m delighted we have produced our first Women in Rail/ Railway Industry Association EDI Charter Annual Report that highlights the fantastic work some of our signatory companies are doing to help build a more diverse and inclusive rail sector. Thank you to everyone who has contributed.
All of our work at Women in Rail is about raising awareness of the need for greater EDI and gender balance across the sector and a more diverse and inclusive workforce; a workforce that reflect the communities we work in. With partner, RIA, the EDI charter is one of our key pieces of work, championing equality, diversity and inclusion in the rail industry and working together to build a more diverse and inclusive workforce to create a railway fit for the future.”
Darren Caplan, RIA Chief Executive, said:
“The Railway Industry Association and Women in Rail launched the joint EDI Charter for rail as a positive campaign to increase equality, diversity and inclusion in the railway industry.
“With almost 200 rail organisations and businesses now signed up to the Charter, this inaugural Annual Report highlights the very best work carried out by railway related organisations over the last year. It showcases the fantastic efforts of suppliers, rail clients and the DfT to attract people to the industry, to develop and retain the widest possible pipeline of talent and skills, and to promote an inclusive culture within railway organisations. We now look forward to seeing more organisations signing up to the Charter in the next year and even more progress being made by the time of Annual Report 2023!”
Every Charter signatory commits to inclusive practices, such as:
- Appointing a member of the senior leadership team as an ‘EDI Champion’;
- Agreeing an action plan, monitoring and reporting on progress made;
- Providing opportunities for training and education for employees, supporting the progression of diverse individuals into senior roles to improve diverse representation at senior and executive level;
- Creating a culture which fosters inclusion and providing space for all employees to talk openly, including at industry events and in meetings; and
- Making recruitment and progression processes accessible to all, to attract, retain and develop people of all backgrounds, ages, genders and identities.
Read the Annual Report here.
Want to know more about the opportunities to become a key supplier to the UK rail industry? Attend TransCityRail and access an exclusive marketplace of buyers from Network Rail, HS2, Train Operators, Major Contractors, and all other tiers of the supply chain. For more information and to secure your place click here.
