Women in Rail recently brought together its corporate members to focus on one clear theme: ‘Managing Change’. The industry is going through constant transformation, from reform and restructuring to new technology and changing ways of working. WR chose this theme to make sure that inclusion and real lived experience are not lost as these changes happen. The message throughout the day was simple. Change is happening. The question is how well we are handling it.

Why managing change matters now

Rail is facing significant change across the industry, alongside wider shifts such as AI and new ways of working. At the same time, progress on representation remains uneven, particularly at senior levels. That creates a risk. If change is not managed well, existing gaps can deepen rather than improve. The focus now is not just adapting to change, but shaping it.

What Women in Rail is delivering

The event opened with an update on:

• Progress over the past year
• How programmes are structured
• How corporate membership supports delivery

There was a clear focus on showing where value is being delivered and where more needs to be done.

The reality behind the data

Members reviewed workforce insight and what it means in practice. There has been progress in representation. But gaps remain, especially in senior roles. The discussion moved beyond headline figures to focus on action. Where are we improving, and where are we not moving fast enough.

What change feels like in practice

A key message from the day was that change is not just structural. It affects people directly. It can create uncertainty, pressure and fatigue, as well as opportunity. It can also shift power before it creates opportunity, which is why inclusion must be part of decision making from the start.

What members are seeing on the ground

Through panel sessions and discussions, members shared insight from their organisations.

Common themes included:

• The need for clear communication and a strong focus on why change is happening
• Involving people early, not after decisions are made
• Using networks to reach more people and build trust
• Recognising that constant change can be demanding

There was also a strong message about honesty. Being clear about what is known, and what is not yet known, builds credibility.

The value of coming together

One of the most valuable parts of the day was the opportunity to share real experience. Members were able to test ideas, challenge thinking and learn from each other in a practical way. This kind of peer insight is a key part of the value of corporate membership.

The role of corporate members

WR provides the platform, but impact comes from what members do next.

That means:

• Applying learning in their own organisations
• Creating inclusive environments
• Sharing what works

Stronger collaboration across organisations is essential if progress is going to continue.

Looking ahead

Managing change will remain a priority. The industry will continue to evolve. The focus now is making sure that change is inclusive, sustainable and shaped by a wider range of voices. Corporate members will play a central role in making that happen.

Why this matters

This is not just about one event. Change is happening across the industry. The organisations that manage it well, with people at the centre, will be the ones that move forward fastest.

If you want to be part of that conversation, and help shape what comes next, now is the time to get involved. WR corporate membership gives you direct access to insight, practical learning and a network of organisations facing the same challenges.

If you would like to find out more about the event or how to get involved in Women in Rail corporate membership, please get in touch: wr@womeninrail.org

Special thanks to Ashurst for hosting this event

Our Corporate Members

Platinum: DFTO, Hitachi, Network Rail, Unipart

Gold: Angel Trains, Buckland Rail, CAF, GTR, GWR, Heathrow Express, Morson Edge, Mott MacDonald, National Railway Museum, Octavius Infrastructure, Porterbrook, Wabtec, West Midlands Metro, West Nottinghamshire College

Silver: Alstom, Arriva Rail Services, Balfour Beatty, Egis, Eurotunnel, LNER, LUR, Matchtech, Morgan Sindall, Readypower Group Ltd, Stadler, VolkerFitzpatrick