Bonnie Price, chair of the Young Rail Professionals (YRP), updates us on the organisation’s latest news
Welcome to the latest article from the YRP – we have a lot to update you on. First, Young Rail Tours, an initiative delivered by YRP, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Simone Dellisanti as its new manager. With plenty of experience in the rail industry through his day job at Alstom and a passion for creating unique travel experiences, Simone is set to lead Young Rail Tours into an exciting new chapter! You’ll have to imagine the drum roll dear reader, but our next tour is… BARCELONA!
This excursion will offer young rail professionals the opportunity to explore the picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Spain through a series of curated experiences and industry-exclusive tours.
From scenic train rides through the Spanish countryside to visits to iconic landmarks and local attractions – as well as the 160-year-old metro – the Barcelona trip promises to be a memorable and enriching journey for all participants.
Look out on our socials for the chance to enter the ballot. Sign up today and become part of the adventure – it’s FREE!
If you think you could help Young Rail Professionals and Simone in terms of hosting tours outside of the UK, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at: [email protected]
EDI: a place for everyone?
YRP is at the forefront of the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) movement, driving change and pushing for a more inclusive workforce. We’ve held ourselves accountable for this by comparing ourselves to the stats coming out from The National Skills Academy for Rail (NSAR), and we discuss with our corporate members and industry partners how we can keep moving forwards. We are starting to measure our data internally and getting snap shots of the demographics of our 6,000 members, so we know where to be more inclusive.
“Companies with diverse leadership report a 19% higher innovation output and companies with inclusive cultures are twice as likely to meet or exceed financial targets.” Gitnuz 2015
YRP holds itself accountable to these data metrics: in our CEO/Board quarterly reports we cover percentage increases across a wide spectrum of intersectional metrics amongst our membership. The aim for YRP’s senior leadership is to build upon the momentum our organisation has generated to ensure it is an open and welcoming space. Our membership is 26.3% female, which is vastly outperforming the industry standard of 17.4%, as reported by the NSAR 2024 workforce survey.
“58% of organisations admit to a gender pay gap of 11% or more. Meanwhile, there is a 10% higher likelihood of project success in diverse teams within the rail industry.” Women in Transport – 2023 Equity Index Report
YRP is actively working to create a more diverse and inclusive industry. Within our leadership we hold elections each year. There are nine committees within YRP-UK and Ireland, with projects such as Rail Week, EDI, INTOrail, Young Rail Tours, Annual dinner, and the national executive committee. Our leadership has traditionally been based in London and the southeast, this year our board is geographically diverse, including members from Cardiff, Sheffield, Manchester, Milton Keynes, and London.
On top of this, 60% of our board and 38.71% of our national executive committee is female, while 60% of the board are new to the director-level role. We are seeking to always outpace the industry diversity statistics/metrics across all levels. Our aim, in short, is true inclusion based on intersectionality. It isn’t a ‘check box’ exercise, it is about creating the space where everyone feels welcome, valued, respected, and heard. We at YRP have come a long way in this respect – but there is still work to be done. If you have opinions on this topic, we would love to hear from you!
Ultimately, promoting diversity and inclusion in the rail industry is not only a moral imperative but also a smart business decision. By attracting and retaining young professionals from all backgrounds, the industry can thrive and adapt to the challenges of the future.
Newly elected office
Thanks very much to our outgoing officers Agata Wesek (COO, 2024/2025) and Conor O’Donnell (CFO, 2024/2025), along with the rest of the team who have diligently performed their role and served their committees across the UK and Ireland. Everybody has handed over their positions to their successors, and we introduce:
- COO Richard Harmer. Richard’s day job is at Network Rail as a senior signalling and tele comms engineer.
- CFO Molly-Jean Crowther. Molly-Jean works for Amey as a business management apprentice.
- CPO Victor Poznyak. Victor is a production administrator & ISO Compliance at Unipost.
- CTO Liana Blackburn, who is an executive assistant/office manager at Infinitive Group Limited.
As the board and the national executive settle into their new roles, I am reminded that YRP achieves so much for an organisation full of volunteers and that is 100% volunteers led.
The Western Committee needs YOU
The Western committee has a new vice-chair, Chris A. Chris works at GWR and is looking for committee members to enact positive change to the lives of YRP members within the region. Being a member of YRP can be highly beneficial for individuals and their careers in the rail industry. YRP provides a platform for young professionals to network, access industry insights, and develop their skills through various events, workshops, and mentoring opportunities.
By joining YRP, individuals can connect with other like-minded young people, industry experts, and potential mentors, who can help them expand their professional network and gain valuable insights into the rail sector.
In addition, serving on the committee allows individuals to take on leadership roles, contribute to the strategic direction of the organisation, and gain valuable experience. By actively participating in the committee, individuals can demonstrate their commitment to the industry, showcase their leadership skills, and build a strong professional reputation within the rail community.
Furthermore, being part of the YRP committee provides opportunities for personal and professional growth, as members can engage in industry advocacy, professional development initiatives, and community outreach programs. By actively engaging with industry stakeholders and participating in committee activities, individuals can enhance their visibility within the industry, develop new skills, and position themselves for future career advancement opportunities.
The Western region is currently looking for (but not limited to):
- Regional treasurer.
- External relations.
- INTOrail lead.
- Rail Week lead.
- Networking and professional development lead.
These roles offer a plethora of opportunities to try out different career paths in a safe environment. I have often said that YRP is a safe place to fail where you can try to take on roles entirely outside of your comfort zone and experience. The result? Either you grow as a person, gaining new abilities – or you pull together as a committee to deliver the YRP mission.
Being a member of YRP and joining the committees across the UK and Ireland, offers young professionals a supportive community, valuable networking opportunities, and a platform for professional development that can significantly benefit your career.
If you would like to join a committee, please email [email protected]
Image credit: iStockphoto.com
