Welcome to another issue of RailStaff which this month features a focus on Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI). It’s a timely topic, given the pushback we’re seeing in the UK and abroad, but rest assured EDI is alive and well, making a meaningful difference to the lives of minority and marginalised groups. We cover the industry’s efforts to make itself a welcoming space and ensure opportunities are open to all.
It’s fair to say that the industry has a reputation for being male-dominated and lacking in ethnic diversity, but this is a narrative which HS2 Ltd is working proactively to challenge. Its latest Annual EDI report gives us a glimpse of the company’s demographics and the programmes it has in place to help it set a new standard in inclusive and equitable infrastructure projects.
Regular columnist Daisy Chapman-Chamberlain reinforces the idea that rail has an image problem and must work hard to make itself more attractive for women and minorities, particularly given the recruiting issues it currently faces. However, we can learn from the examples of other nations, she says, and change perceptions within and without the industry.
As rail marks its 200th anniversary and we prepare for major structural reform across the industry, Women in Rail has launched a new business plan to put equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of the industry’s transformation. Chair of Women in Rail Marie Daly and Trustee Terri Cave tell us more.
When discussing EDI, it’s important to point out that it goes way beyond the big issues gender, ethnicity, disability, and sexuality. Countless groups of people are sidelined by society including ex-offenders who miss out on many of the opportunities we usually take for granted. The work of the Rebuilding Futures Alliance is transforming the lives of those with previous convictions, and helping out the rail industry while doing so.
Moving from EDI to safety, Colin Wheeler gives us his regular track safety update during what has been a busy time for the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB). Following the recent news that South Western Railway has entered public ownership, Colin also asks what advantages nationalisation will bring and how the industry must prepare.
In our general features, Liam Johnston, executive director of Railway Mission, shares an uplifting story about Margate platform staff member Kudakwashe Osoba who made a quiet resolution to travel more in 2025. What began as a personal challenge quickly became a shared adventure when her daughter, Dani, decided to come along.
We also shine a light on the work of the Historical Railways Estate (HRE) which is responsible for a collection of over 3,100 disused railway assets that were once part of the network. Along with its partners, Balfour Beatty and Edinburgh Napier University, HRE is conducting an innovative study assessing the environmental importance of its brownfield sites. We spoke with Dr Jennifer Dodd of Edinburgh Napier University to find out more about the project.
As ever, we continue the countdown to the RailStaff Awards which are now just five months away. If you’ve never attended the event, now is the time to make your nominations, book your tickets, and prepare to hear the voice of the industry.
We can’t wait to see you there!
