WOMEN IN RAIL AWARDS 2026 WINNERS
Southeastern
Best Training or Development Programme Award
Southeastern
Winner
Southeastern developed Show You Care, a company-wide inclusion programme tackling gender balance, equity, diversity and inclusion. Launched in response to colleague feedback on microaggressions and workplace banter, it empowers staff to recognise, act, and reflect, creating everyday inclusion with measurable gains in awareness, representation, and engagement.
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Southeastern
Social Value Award
Southeastern
Winner
Southeastern’s social value programme embeds inclusion, skills and community engagement into its People Strategy. Through partnerships, investment and outreach, it creates pathways into rail careers, delivering measurable impact, supporting disadvantaged groups and championing diversity across the communities it serves. So far, inspiring 579 pupils in STEM and helping 26 young people secure permanent roles.
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Rail Delivery Group
Employer of the Year Award
Rail Delivery Group
Winner
Rail Delivery Group has a workforce that is 47.7% female - far above the industry average. RDG demonstrates bold leadership in gender equity through Empower, its dedicated women's network, mentoring programmes, progressive family-friendly policies, and a commitment to flexible working.
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Women in CPC - CPC Project Services
Best Networking Group Award
Women in CPC - CPC Project Services
Winner
Women in CPC has evolved into a high-impact, inclusive network driving measurable change across rail. The group works closely with the People Team to promote inclusive behaviours, challenge bias and strengthen attraction strategies. The judges commented that this entry is a great example that goes beyond the immediate organisation and has a positive impact more widely across the rail industry, with tangible outcomes evidenced.
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CPC Project Services
The Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Team Award
CPC Project Services
Winner
Women in CPC have embedded EDI into everyday practice, delivering measurable impact in just two years. This staff-led group drives diversity, inclusion and progression through mentoring, outreach and leadership development, influencing wider industry behaviours. Aligned with the Women in Rail and RIA EDI Charter, it demonstrates how a values-led SME can create meaningful, lasting change. The judges commented that the submission evidences long-term commitment, accountability and industry leadership consistent with Charter principles.
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Siobhan Spoor - Senior HR Business Partner, Network Rail
The Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Individual Award
Siobhan Spoor - Senior HR Business Partner, Network Rail
Winner
Since joining Network Rail in 2024, Siobhan has driven transformational change through inclusive recruitment and prison partnerships, creating pathways for underrepresented groups. Her leadership across programmes, including Women on Track, T Levels and neurodiversity awareness, has strengthened community engagement, improved representation and embedded lasting, equitable change across the organisation.
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Megan McCreadie - Project Controls Degree Apprentice, AtkinsRéalis
Female Apprentice of the Year Award
Megan McCreadie - Project Controls Degree Apprentice, AtkinsRéalis
Winner
Megan McCreadie has made a significant impact through innovation, leadership and inclusivity. She has improved processes, strengthened relationships and led initiatives in wellbeing, STEM and mentoring. Known for her empathy, drive and collaboration, Megan inspires others, supports career development and is recognised as an outstanding role model and future leader - by both colleagues and the Judges.
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Emma Poppleton - Senior Engineer, Arcadis
Female Rising Star of the Year Award
Emma Poppleton - Senior Engineer, Arcadis
Winner
Emma is an outstanding rising star, making a significant impact early in her rail career through technical excellence, sustainability leadership and inclusive values. A Chartered Engineer and advocate for hydrogen innovation, she inspires others through mentoring and STEM outreach, championing diversity and shaping a more inclusive, sustainable future for the UK rail industry.
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Andy Stringer - Engineering Director, Siemens Mobility
Male Ally of the Year Award
Andy Stringer - Engineering Director, Siemens Mobility
Winner
Andy is an exceptional male ally whose courageous values-led leadership is creating lasting change for women in rail. Judges were impressed by his bravery in challenging norms and his inspiring approach, especially through personal adversity. By leading honest conversations and implementing practical support, he turns allyship into meaningful action, fostering inclusion, dignity and belonging across the workplace.
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Jane Fentaman - Train Driver, CrossCountry
Inspirational Frontline Woman of the Year Award
Jane Fentaman - Train Driver, CrossCountry
Winner
An inspirational frontline worker, Jane is a true champion for diversity in rail. Overcoming dyslexia and a ten-year journey to the driver’s seat, she now mentors others and advocates for gender balance. The judges praised her relentless dedication, noting her extensive work in Leicestershire schools and national media to break traditional stereotypes while tirelessly promoting the industry and inspiring women, proving what determination and belief can achieve.
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Susan Khan - Head of Engineering Function, Hitachi Rail
Inspirational Woman of the Year Award
Susan Khan - Head of Engineering Function, Hitachi Rail
Winner
A trailblazing engineering leader, Susan is a true champion for inclusion in rail. Breaking barriers as the first woman in her role, she now mentors others and advocates for gender equity across the sector. The judges praised her powerful leadership and personal resilience, noting her extensive STEM outreach, support for women in engineering, and tireless commitment to opening doors for future generations.
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Lucy Willis - Catering Logistics Manager, CrossCountry
The Adeline Ginn Unsung Hero Award
Lucy Willis - Catering Logistics Manager, CrossCountry
Winner
Lucy Willis is a true unsung hero whose compassion, dedication and selflessness have transformed support across the railway. Going far beyond her role, she consistently helps colleagues, resolves challenges and provides care when it matters most. Judges were impressed by her willingness to step outside her remit and her overwhelming compassion, creating positive experiences for others and making a lasting difference across teams and communities.
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Rachel Heath - Operations Director, Wales and Borders, Network Rail
The Adeline Ginn Lifetime Achievement Award
Rachel Heath - Operations Director, Wales and Borders, Network Rail
Winner
For 24 years, our next nominee has dedicated her career to making the railway stronger, fairer and better for everyone who works within it. From her first days on the frontline to route-wide operational leadership, she has led with calm authority, practical wisdom and an unwavering commitment to people.
Her journey has been built on resilience, hard work and authenticity. She earned respect not through titles, but through showing up, listening, and delivering when it mattered most. Whether leading large teams, driving performance, or supporting colleagues through change, she has become known as a trusted leader who keeps standards high while always putting people first.
What makes her impact truly exceptional is the difference she has made for women in operations. In environments traditionally dominated by men, she has championed recruitment, progression and leadership opportunities, mentored tirelessly in her own time, and helped create pathways for future generations to thrive. Her approach to inclusion is practical and powerful, seen in actions such as securing sanitary bins across remote operational sites, removing barriers many had simply accepted for too long.
Respected across the industry and recognised for her influence at the highest level, her legacy is one of service, humility and lasting change. She has transformed lives, inspired hundreds, and improved rail every single day.
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WOMEN IN RAIL AWARDS 2026 HIGHLY COMMENDED
L&PD Team, Network Rail
Best Training or Development Programme Award
L&PD Team, Network Rail
Highly Commended
The team have received this in recognition of their Elevate Your Excellence programme, which transforms progression for ethnic minority colleagues, especially women of colour, addressing underrepresentation in leadership. Building confidence, capability and career readiness, creating a more inclusive railway.
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Northern
Social Value Award
Northern
Highly Commended
Northern has built a pioneering social value programme supporting women, girls, and disadvantaged communities across the North. In 2025, it reached over 2,000 people, including women fleeing violence, young women exploring STEM careers, girls developing travel confidence, and communities rebuilding after crisis, through targeted initiatives.
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Keolis Amey Docklands
Employer of the Year Award
Keolis Amey Docklands
Highly Commended
KeolisAmey Docklands has strengthened its inclusive culture by delivering targeted initiatives with clear impact. Through their Women in KAD Development Programme, they have advanced inclusion through targeted initiatives, delivering 16 career outcomes.
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Empower Network, Rail Delivery Group
Best Networking Group Award
Empower Network, Rail Delivery Group
Highly Commended
Already our worthy winner of tonight's Employer of the Year category, Empower is RDG’s staff network for women and non-binary colleagues, championing gender equity through advocacy, professional development, and meaningful cultural change. Backed by visible allyship, Empower turns ideas into policy and drives organisational progress through courage, compassion, and action, providing a safe and supportive community rooted in respect and open dialogue.
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Lumo
The Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Team Award
Lumo
Highly Commended
Lumo has built an inclusive culture aligned to the Women in Rail and RIA EDI Charter, supporting women into rail careers. Through inclusive apprenticeships, visible female leadership, and progressive initiatives such as gender-neutral uniforms, Lumo delivers measurable impact, empowering diverse talent and creating genuine, long-term opportunities across its growing workforce.
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Nina Atwal - Head of Social Value, UK & Ireland, Alstom
The Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Individual Award
Nina Atwal - Head of Social Value, UK & Ireland, Alstom
Highly Commended
Nina is a dynamic advocate for diversity at Alstom and across the rail industry. Through partnerships and impactful programmes, she creates opportunities for underrepresented communities, widening access to careers. Her leadership, energy and commitment have driven measurable impact, inspiring individuals and embedding inclusion across organisations, reflecting a genuine dedication to lasting, meaningful change.
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Gina Edge - Employer Brand Manager, Northern
Female Rising Star of the Year Award
Gina Edge - Employer Brand Manager, Northern
Highly Commended
Gina is highly commended for transforming inclusive hiring at Northern, increasing female representation and creating pathways for women, veterans and those with convictions. A visible advocate and role model, judges praised her empathy, leadership and innovative campaigns, which are influencing industry standards and inspiring a more inclusive future for rail.
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Charlie Doyle - Assistant Chief Constable, British Transport Police
Male Ally of the Year Award
Charlie Doyle - Assistant Chief Constable, British Transport Police
Highly Commended
Charlie champions gender equality, diversity, and inclusion through structural change, innovative recruitment, and family-friendly policies. His advocacy spans race, LGBTQ+ inclusion, mental health, and menopause awareness, and he influences national policy on baby loss and parental support. Through strategic leadership and personal authenticity, Charlie has reshaped culture, empowered women, and advanced equity across policing, making him an outstanding Male Ally.
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Jonathan Clark - Director of Client and Corporate Affairs, Railpen
Male Ally of the Year Award
Jonathan Clark - Director of Client and Corporate Affairs, Railpen
Highly Commended
Jonathan champions equality, wellbeing and inclusive leadership. As a carer and menopause champion, he breaks barriers through openness, mentoring and balanced leadership. His visible advocacy drives conversations on wellbeing, challenges bias and supports career returners, fostering an inclusive culture and inspiring women to thrive in rail.
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Debbie Greensmith - Interface Manager, Southern Renewals Enterprise – Volker Fitzpatrick
Inspirational Frontline Woman of the Year Award
Debbie Greensmith - Interface Manager, Southern Renewals Enterprise – Volker Fitzpatrick
Highly Commended
Debbie is an exceptional frontline leader and advocate for inclusion in rail. From overcoming personal challenges to leading on-site, she inspires through mentoring, outreach and her High Heels and Hard Hats talks. She supports individuals facing significant barriers, including ex-offenders and those rebuilding their lives, strengthening community relationships through proactive engagement. Judges praised her powerful personal journey, community impact and commitment to lifting others, making her a true role model for a more inclusive industry.
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Alison Davies - Transpennine Route Upgrade Delivery Director West Alliance, Network Rail
Inspirational Woman of the Year Award
Alison Davies - Transpennine Route Upgrade Delivery Director West Alliance, Network Rail
Highly Commended
Alison Davies is an exceptional leader whose 25-year rail career combines outstanding delivery with people-first leadership. Leading complex programmes such as the Transpennine Route Upgrade, she champions inclusion, mentors women and creates supportive environments for all. Judges praised her as a transformational leader, whose resilience, authenticity and commitment to equality continue to inspire progression, shape culture and encourage more women to build lasting careers in rail.
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Sharon Young MBE - Director, WSP
Inspirational Woman of the Year Award
Sharon Young MBE - Director, WSP
Highly Commended
An exceptional leader and advocate, Sharon Young MBE has transformed opportunities for women across rail and engineering. Through mentoring, national advocacy and high-impact inclusion initiatives, she has helped countless women enter, progress and thrive in the sector. Judges praised her sustained impact, generosity of leadership, and unwavering commitment to creating lasting cultural change across the industry.
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Lauren Pastellas - Use of Force Compliance officer, British Transport Police
The Adeline Ginn Unsung Hero Award
Lauren Pastellas - Use of Force Compliance officer, British Transport Police
Highly Commended
A true unsung hero, Lauren Pastellas has transformed the British Transport Police’s approach to safety, governance and accountability. Her groundbreaking Use of Force app reduced frontline admin and set a national benchmark for best practice. Judges praised her quiet innovation, expert leadership, and selfless volunteer work as a trainer, improving officer safety, public trust, and policing across the rail network.
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