Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Charter – We need your support

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Charter in association with RIA

Women in Rail (WR) and Railway Industry Association (RIA) Boards have agreed to support and promote a new Charter to champion equality, diversity and inclusion in the UK railway industry.

The joint ‘Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Charter’ – available here – is a commitment to work together to build a more balanced and fair sector. This is a voluntary initiative, open to all companies, clients and organisations working in the UK rail sector who wish to play a role in promoting positive change in our industry, whilst also recognising the progress which has already taken place.

Women in Rail Founder and Director Adeline Ginn MBE, said:

“The rail industry has worked hard in the last few years to promote Equality, Diversity and Inclusion within its workforce.

In these challenging times, it is important we strengthen these EDI efforts to ensure we attract and harness the skills, knowledge and insight from men and women representing all parts of our society and our customers.

This Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Charter represents our industry’s commitment to openly support this agenda and we are delighted to be partnering with the Rail Industry Association on this exciting initiative.”

RIA Chairman David Tonkin and Chief Executive Darren Caplan issued the following joint statement:

“We are delighted to announce the EDI Charter in partnership with Women in Rail. Whilst there has been plenty of progress in the rail supply sector which we should be proud of, there is still more to do to promote diversity and equal opportunity.

“The rail workforce should be representative of a modern UK, providing an attractive career path to people of all ages from all backgrounds, and ultimately increasing the talent pool from which the future leadership of the rail sector will be drawn.

“We hope the Charter will help encourage not just equality, diversity and inclusion in the rail supply sector, but also diversity of thought, unlocking new talent and building a positive culture throughout the railway industry. We look forward to working with organisations from across the sector to ensure that rail remains a fantastic area to work in during the years ahead.”

The EDI Charter will be officially launched at RIA’s Annual Conference which takes place on 4-6 November (find out more information and register for the Conference here) and be discussed during the ‘Skills, opportunity and inclusion’ Panel, on 6 November at 11am.

Show your support

WR and RIA would welcome your organisation’s support for the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Charter

WR and RIA are currently securing signatories to the EDI Charter. If your organisation is interested in signing up to the Charter, or if you would like to find out more, please do not hesitate to contact us as we would be happy to help:

Or, if your organisation is already a Member of RIA, feel free to contact:

We look forward to hearing from you.