Stadler Rail has marked a strong first year as a Women in Rail corporate member, with clear progress in talent attraction, engagement and internal change.

Since joining in 2025, the company has made full use of the support available through its membership, taking part in national events, building networks and using Women in Rail platforms to widen its reach. The impact is already showing, particularly in recruitment. Stadler has seen a noticeable increase in the number of women applying for roles through the Women in Rail job board, including applications for positions that had previously attracted little or no female interest.

This shift is important in a sector where attracting women into operational and engineering roles continues to be a challenge. By opening up new routes to market and improving visibility, the partnership is helping Stadler move forward in a practical and measurable way.

Engagement with events has also been a key part of the first year. Stadler representatives have attended high profile Women in Rail activities, including the awards and parliamentary reception, describing them as both inspiring and valuable. These events have provided access to industry insight, senior voices and a wider professional network.

“We have had a fantastic first year working with Women in Rail,” commented Nicola Dent, People and Culture Director at Stadler Rail. “The events have been genuinely inspiring and the support we have received has made a real difference. We have seen more women applying for our roles and the partnership has helped us think differently about how we attract and develop talent. It has been a great experience and we are keen to build on it.”

Alongside external engagement, the membership has supported internal conversations and progress. Stadler is now placing a stronger focus on inclusion and is looking at how leadership behaviour, particularly in recruitment, can better support diversity. This includes challenging traditional expectations around experience and encouraging a more open approach to candidates from outside the rail sector.

Looking ahead, there is a clear focus on building momentum. Stadler plans to develop activity around male allyship, strengthen leadership capability and review its position on the Women in Rail EDI charter. These steps reflect a growing confidence in how the organisation approaches inclusion and a commitment to continue moving forward.

Women in Rail corporate membership is designed to support exactly this kind of progress. It provides organisations with access to events, networks, training and practical tools to help drive change. It also offers a platform to share learning and connect with others working towards the same goals.

For Stadler, the first year has shown that even small changes in approach can lead to meaningful results. With a clear plan in place for the months ahead, the partnership is set to go further.

For organisations considering corporate membership, the message is simple. Engagement brings value, and value leads to progress.

To find out more about Women in Rail corporate membership or to discuss how your organisation could benefit, please contact wr@womeninrail.org