As the rail industry gets to grips with representing the wide array of cultures, ethnicities, genders, sexualities, and abilities represented in today’s workplace, the RailStaff Awards recognises its vital efforts, with the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Person or Team Award.
Freightliner, has sponsored this award for several years and lent its support once again in 2024. The company places a huge emphasis on improving EDI across its business and is committed to improving diversity within rail freight. This work is championed by CEO Tim Shoveller.
“Everyone who was nominated for this award is really making a difference to the railway,” said Tim after presenting the award.
“What I’ve enjoyed about tonight is looking at the diversity of the people who have been shortlisted. It’s very representative of modern society. The RailStaff Awards are really helping to drive forward the important message of EDI, as you can see here tonight.”
Carys Thomas, safety audit manager at Great Western Railway (GWR), was caught by surprise when she was honoured with the top prize.
Carys has worked at GWR for eight years and has continually devoted her time to advocating for safety, career opportunities, and accessibility within the railway industry.
She selflessly volunteers her own time, supporting various departments and community rail partners, including leading LGBTQIA+ events and conducting driver simulator sessions to encourage girls to join the railway in STEM-related areas. She has also written a dual English/Welsh language book, Rupee & Sushi Travel By Train, to help anyone nervous about travelling on the network.
“I’m in shock, I don’t know what else to say,” she said.
“Thank you so much to the person who thought to nominate me, and to those who kindly voted to get the nomination through to judging.”
“I’d also like to thank my wife, who works in accessibility, as well as Rupee and Sushi my two dogs who inspired the book.”
Highly commended
Package for a Friend Team, LNER
Sophia Bourika and Alexandra Fleming, ED&I Reporting project team, Arriva
Back next year
We have exciting sponsorship opportunities available for the 2025 awards.
If you’re interested in discussing this further or would like to put forward nominations from your team for future awards, please feel free to contact us by email at [email protected] or call us on 01530 816 440.
You can also find out more and view the upcoming pictures and videos from the evening by visiting our website www.RailStaffAwards.com.
