Team/Corporate Awards

Best Training or Development Programme Award

Recognition of an organisation that has developed a strong and successful training scheme or programme in UK rail.

Criteria: Please provide evidence to support all or most of the following criteria.

The winner of this category will:

  • Have developed a strong and successful training scheme and/or programme in its company and UK rail, that supported addressing gender balance, equality, diversity, and inclusion in UK rail.
  • Have received positive internal and external feedback from participants.
  • Have made a real improvement in participant career progression within the organisation, in staff retention and/or an increased percentage of participants in the organisation’s workforce.
  • Have delivered a scheme which has made a real difference to the culture within the company.

Sponsored by:

Social Value Award

Recognition of an organisation that has developed a strong and successful social value ethos in UK rail.

Criteria: Please provide evidence to support all or most of the following criteria.

The winner of this category will:

  • Have put in place a strong and successful social value programme within its company or UK rail.
  • Have actively engaged local communities to ensure local people are given access to – and the opportunity to benefit from – a career in UK rail.
  • Be able to evidence the benefits of their programme to the local community.
  • Be able to provide feedback from the local community.
  • Have demonstrated methods used to employ/support disadvantaged people in particular women*.
  • Have demonstrated a diverse mindset, not merely with respect to gender but also disability etc. (diversity in the broad sense).

*At Women in Rail, the words “woman”, “women” and “female”, when used by the team, span the nine protected characteristics, including age, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, and sexual orientation, as well as broader behavioural and background diversity, such as thinking and personality types, socio-economic background and life experience and include women who are transitioning and non-binary people.

Employer of the Year Award

Recognition of an employer who has taken proactive steps to embed an inclusive culture.

Criteria: Please provide evidence to support all or most of the following criteria.

The winner of this category will:

  • Have taken proactive steps to embed an inclusive culture but specifically towards female* talent retention within their organisation and in the railway.
  • Have devised initiatives to identify and promote female* talent within their company with a view to fostering the next generation of female* leaders in rail.
  • Have demonstrated a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.
  • Have devised a range of policies and practices related to family support, women’s* career progression and flexible working within their organisation and/or the UK railway industry.
  • Be able to demonstrate step change.
  • Have influenced the future of the UK railway industry on making the rail sector a better place to work by:
    • Encouraging organisation(s) to support women* in the rail industry.
    • Campaigning for rail at schools, colleges, and universities.
    • Proactively taking action to influence policy changes.

*At Women in Rail, the words “woman”, “women” and “female”, when used by the team, span the nine protected characteristics, including age, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, and sexual orientation, as well as broader behavioural and background diversity, such as thinking and personality types, socio-economic background and life experience and include women who are transitioning and non-binary people.

The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Team Award

Recognition of an organisation or team who have developed a strong and successful approach to EDI.

This award category recognises that not all companies or teams will have the same starting point, resources, and opportunities to build upon.

Criteria: Please provide evidence to support all or most of the following criteria.

The winner of this category will:

  • Have put in place a strong and successful Equality, Diversity and Inclusion programme in its company or UK rail.
  • Have made a tangible and positive effect within the workforce, and if applicable, the wider UK rail industry.
  • Recognise the role our industry can play in creating opportunities and unlocking talent.
  • Be able to demonstrate how they have met the criteria and/or demonstrated the values of the WR/RIA EDI Charter.
  • Have demonstrated a pro-active inclusive and diverse mindset and culture in the broad sense.
  • Have made a particular effort to ensure diverse people are given the opportunity to have the benefit of a rail career.
  • Have demonstrated methods used to employ/support diverse people.
  • Have actively encouraged any ‘quiet voices’ and ensured that people have equal opportunity.

Sponsored by:

Individual Awards

The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Individual Award

Recognition of an individual who has developed a strong and successful approach to EDI.

This award category recognises that not all individuals work in companies or teams; nor will have the same starting point, resources, and opportunities to build upon.

Criteria: Please provide evidence to support all or most of the following criteria.

The winner of this category will:

  • Been part of or Have put in place a strong and successful Equality, Diversity and Inclusion programme in its company or UK rail.
  • Have made a tangible and positive effect within the workforce, and if applicable, the wider UK rail industry.
  • Recognise the role our industry can play in creating opportunities and unlocking talent.
  • Be able to demonstrate how they have met the criteria and/or demonstrated the values of the WR/RIA EDI Charter.
  • Have demonstrated a pro-active inclusive and diverse mindset and culture in the broad sense.
  • Have made a particular effort to ensure diverse people are given the opportunity to have the benefit of a rail career.
  • Have demonstrated methods used to employ/support diverse people.

Male Apprentice of the Year Award

Recognition of the talent and outstanding contribution of a male** apprentice.

Criteria: Please provide evidence to support all or most of the following criteria.

The winner of this category will:

  • Be an apprentice enrolled to receive a recognised programme.
  • Be a champion of gender balance, equality, diversity, and inclusion in UK rail.
  • Have made an outstanding contribution to the UK rail sector for a maximum of three years (from date of nomination).
  • Have demonstrated exceptional skills as an apprentice.
  • Have demonstrated an exemplary drive and determination.
  • Have demonstrated innovation and pro-activity as an apprentice.

Sponsored by:

*At Women in Rail, the words “woman”, “women” and “female”, when used by the team, span the nine protected characteristics, including age, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, and sexual orientation, as well as broader behavioural and background diversity, such as thinking and personality types, socio-economic background and life experience and include women who are transitioning and non-binary people.

**At Women in Rail, the words “man”, “men” and “male” when used by the team, span the nine protected characteristics including age, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, and sexual orientation, as well as broader behavioural and background diversity, such as thinking and personality types, socio-economic background and life experience and include men who are transitioning and non-binary people

Female Apprentice of the Year Award

Recognition of the talent and outstanding contribution of a female* apprentice.

Criteria: Please provide evidence to support all or most of the following criteria.

The winner of this category will:

  • Be an apprentice enrolled to receive a recognised programme.
  • Have made an outstanding contribution to the UK rail sector for a maximum of three years (from date of nomination).
  • Be a champion of gender balance, equality, diversity, and inclusion in UK rail.
  • Have demonstrated exceptional skills as an apprentice.
  • Have demonstrated an exemplary drive and determination.
  • Have demonstrated innovation and pro-activity as an apprentice.

Sponsored by:

*At Women in Rail, the words “woman”, “women” and “female”, when used by the team, span the nine protected characteristics, including age, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, and sexual orientation, as well as broader behavioural and background diversity, such as thinking and personality types, socio-economic background and life experience and include women who are transitioning and non-binary people.

Male Rising Star of the Year Award

Recognition of a remarkable man** who is in their first five years of a career in the railway but has already made an impact on colleagues, peers and customers.

Criteria: Please provide evidence to support all or most of the following criteria.

The winner of this category will:

  • Have made an outstanding contribution to the UK rail sector for a maximum of five years (from date of nomination).
  • Have demonstrated outstanding (technical or non-technical) abilities.
  • Be a champion of gender balance, equality, diversity, and inclusion in UK rail.
  • Have demonstrated strong personal values.
  • Have demonstrated tremendous initiative and proactivity.
  • Have inspired and be a role model to others.
  • Have demonstrated potential in shaping the future of our industry.

*At Women in Rail, the words “woman”, “women” and “female”, when used by the team, span the nine protected characteristics, including age, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, and sexual orientation, as well as broader behavioural and background diversity, such as thinking and personality types, socio-economic background and life experience and include women who are transitioning and non-binary people.

**At Women in Rail, the words “man”, “men” and “male” when used by the team, span the nine protected characteristics including age, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, and sexual orientation, as well as broader behavioural and background diversity, such as thinking and personality types, socio-economic background and life experience and include men who are transitioning and non-binary people

Female Rising Star of the Year Award

Recognition of a remarkable woman* who is in their first five years of a career in the railway but has already made an impact on colleagues, peers and customers.

Criteria: Please provide evidence to support all or most of the following criteria.

The winner of this category will:

  • Have made an outstanding contribution to the UK rail sector for a maximum of five years (from date of nomination).
  • Be a champion of gender balance, equality, diversity, and inclusion in UK rail.
  • Have demonstrated outstanding (technical or non-technical) abilities.
  • Have demonstrated strong personal values.
  • Have demonstrated tremendous initiative and proactivity.
  • Have inspired and be a role model to others.
  • Have demonstrated potential in shaping the future of our industry.

Sponsored by:

*At Women in Rail, the words “woman”, “women” and “female”, when used by the team, span the nine protected characteristics, including age, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, and sexual orientation, as well as broader behavioural and background diversity, such as thinking and personality types, socio-economic background and life experience and include women who are transitioning and non-binary people.

Inspirational Man of the Year Award

Recognition of a male** professional who has made an outstanding contribution to the UK rail sector.

Criteria: Please provide evidence to support all or most of the following criteria.

The winner of this category will:

  • Be a champion of gender balance, equality, diversity, and inclusion in UK rail.
  • Be inspirational in what they have achieved.
  • Be a role model to others.
  • Have leaned into the debate and been proactive in putting in place a solid support structure for women*.
  • Have inspired women* to opt for a career in the sector.
  • Be a role model whose achievements, infectious energy, and determination to improve gender balance, equality, diversity, and inclusion in the rail sector have been inspirational.
  • Have overcome challenges and adversity and/or took a significant career break to bring up a family and/or be a carer before returning to the railway and achieving great things.

Credit will be given if the nominee’s achievements are outside their employment, and they have shown pure altruism.

*At Women in Rail, the words “woman”, “women” and “female”, when used by the team, span the nine protected characteristics, including age, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, and sexual orientation, as well as broader behavioural and background diversity, such as thinking and personality types, socio-economic background and life experience and include women who are transitioning and non-binary people.

**At Women in Rail, the words “man”, “men” and “male” when used by the team, span the nine protected characteristics including age, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, and sexual orientation, as well as broader behavioural and background diversity, such as thinking and personality types, socio-economic background and life experience and include men who are transitioning and non-binary people

Inspirational Woman of the Year Award

Recognition of a female* professional who has made an outstanding contribution to the UK rail sector.

Criteria: Please provide evidence to support all or most of the following criteria.

The winner of this category will:

  • Be a champion of gender balance, equality, diversity, and inclusion in UK rail.
  • Be inspirational in what they have achieved.
  • Be a role model to others.
  • Have leaned into the debate and been proactive in putting in place a solid support structure for women*.
  • Have inspired women* to opt for a career in the sector.
  • Be a role model whose achievements, infectious energy, and determination to improve gender balance, equality, diversity, and inclusion in the rail sector have been inspirational.
  • Have overcome challenges and adversity and/or took a significant career break to bring up a family and/or be a carer before returning to the railway and achieving great things.

Credit will be given if the nominee’s achievements are outside their employment, and they have shown pure altruism.

Sponsored by:

*At Women in Rail, the words “woman”, “women” and “female”, when used by the team, span the nine protected characteristics, including age, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, and sexual orientation, as well as broader behavioural and background diversity, such as thinking and personality types, socio-economic background and life experience and include women who are transitioning and non-binary people.

The Adeline Ginn Unsung Hero Award

The Adeline Ginn Unsung Hero Award will be presented to someone who has gone above and beyond the call of duty.

Criteria: Please provide evidence to support all or most of the following criteria.

The winner of this category will:

  • Have gone above and beyond the call of duty – without recognition – in the course of their employment.
  • Have made an exceptional contribution to others – individuals or communities – and demonstrated outstanding kindness, care, and compassion, acting as an inspiration to others.
  • Have continued to work tirelessly, contributing to change within their workplace, for colleagues or their local community.

The Adeline Ginn Lifetime Achievement Award

The Adeline Ginn Lifetime Achievement Award will recognise an individual who has made significant and lasting contributions to the rail industry over the course of their career.

Criteria: Please provide evidence to support all or most of the following criteria.

The winner of this category will:

  • Have gone above and beyond their day job to support others – individuals or communities.
  • Have made an exceptional contribution to others – individuals or communities – and demonstrated outstanding kindness, care, and compassion, acting as an inspiration to others.
  • Have continued to work tirelessly, contributing to helping the railway serve passengers and customers.
  • Have gone over and above to support their colleagues working in operational roles.
  • Have carried on in their substantive operational roles, but also undertook other voluntary activities to support their local community.