Category: Diversity & Inclusion

New Alstom programme enhances job prospects for those with learning disabilities

Alstom has announced that it has launched its first supported internship programme – ASPIRE. The scheme is supporting students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) through real workplace experience with structured support at the company’s historic Derby Litchurch Lane Works.  Research reveals only 4.8% of individuals with a learning disability or autism spectrum condition […]

Alstom recognised as a ‘Trailblazer’ for workplace inclusion

Alstom, global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has been nationally recognised as a ‘Trailblazer’ in its commitment to being an inclusive place to work in the UK. The rail company has been accredited as a Trailblazing Employer in Stonewall’s Proud Employers Accreditation scheme – the highest level of accreditation. Established in 1989, Stonewall is […]

Disabled passengers report low accessibility in rail replacement services, says new study

Just 2.8% of surveyed disabled rail passengers say replacement services are fully accessible, according to new independent research published by Great British Rail Replacement (GBRR) on Disabled Access Day. Commissioned in 2025, the research reveals 30% of disabled passengers polled were left without a viable alternative when their train was cancelled or replaced, while two-thirds […]

London Northwestern Railway reaffirms support for neurodiverse passengers

London Northwestern Railway (LNR) is raising awareness of support options for neurodiverse passengers as part of Neurodiversity Celebration Week (16 – 20 March). Following the positive reception of LNR’s sensory packs which launched last summer, the train operator is restocking stations with the free bags. Available on request from ticket offices, each pack contains foam […]

Hollywood style Walk of Fame honours female heroes of the Railway Industry

Trailblazers Elizabeth Holman, Gladys Garlick, and Betty Chalmers are among the women honoured in LNER’s Hollywood walk of fame-style installations unveiled at stations. The new campaign launches ahead of International Women’s Day (8 March 2026) to highlight the incredible contribution of women within the rail industry – both past and present. This comes as new […]

Honouring our HR heroes

Deborah Birch, head of HR at Hull Trains, picked up the coveted HR and Recruitment Person Award at this year’s RailStaff Awards. The Award recognises the individuals and teams who have demonstrated exceptional achievements and excellence in the strategic management of human resources and who have explored innovative approaches in attracting, selecting, and nurturing top […]

Avanti West Coast invites public to capture spirit of rail route with new photography competition

Avanti West Coast is inviting keen photographers to capture the spirit of communities across its route as part of a unique competition to celebrate the local people and places. The Together We Roll Photography Competition is encouraging professional, emerging, and amateur photographers to share an image that perfectly captures the spirit of a community to […]

QTS Group achieves Investors in Diversity Silver Award

QTS Group, one of the UK’s leading rail infrastructure contractors, has been awarded the Investors in Diversity Silver Award by the National Centre for Diversity.    The accolade recognises the firm’s ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive, equitable, and diverse workplace.   Successful recognition followed a comprehensive review of the company’s policies, practices, and culture, with the […]

Train driver apprenticeship drives CrossCountry’s Chloe to new career

A recent survey has revealed that 85% of women in the UK hold the belief that many jobs are still viewed as being more suited to men. Consequently, 10% have avoided applying for certain roles due to concerns about not being as successful as male counterparts. The rail industry isn’t immune to such stigma. Long-distance […]