We’ve been recognised as one of the Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality for the fourth year running after achieving our highest score to date.
It’s a real testament to our work to ensure Network Rail is a more inclusive and diverse organisation that’s better equipped to serve our passengers and freight users.
Removing barriers for women and underrepresented genders
Recognising and addressing the barriers women and other underrepresented genders face in the rail industry is essential.
Gender equity goes beyond giving equal opportunities; it recognises that different people or groups of people have unique needs and face distinct challenges. Gender equity involves giving tailored resources and support to create a more level playing-field for everyone.
Dannielle Dickens, a national equity, diversity and inclusion specialist at Network Rail, said: “Gender equity ensures diverse perspectives, crafts innovation, and creates a more inclusive environment for everyone. It means that everyone, regardless of gender, has an equal chance to succeed, feel valued and contribute to our shared success.”
That’s why we’ve introduced several initiatives in the past year to promote gender equity including:
- launching the Menopause Toolkit to raise awareness about menopause among our staff
- updating our equity, diversity and inclusion guide for more detail on supporting people managers navigate menopause
- introducing free period products at work places through the Bloody Good Employers Accreditation, with the help of Inspire – our employee network supporting women and gender equality
- signing the Pregnancy Loss Pledge to affirm our commitment in supporting our staff through a miscarriage
- updating our baby loss guidance and revising our miscarriage leave policy to include five days additional paid leave for both parents.
An ongoing commitment for a more inclusive industry
This year marks the fourth year in a row that we’ve made it onto the list, which this year received the highest number of applications since it started in 2011.
Business in the Community – the business network charity behind the list – said: “Network Rail achieved its highest score to date, demonstrating its commitment as an employer willing to lead in transforming not just policies and structures, but also the culture of its workplace. The appearance on the list is a testament to the organisation’s dedication to creating meaningful change.”
This milestone achievement and our record score reflect our commitment to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive and succeed, regardless of gender. And this work is crucially supported by our women and gender equality employee network Inspire.
Vanessa Wragg, co-chair of Inspire, said: “We are so proud to have achieved this award for the fourth year in a row. It really is testament to the hard work that happens within the equity, diversity and inclusion space, including the work of volunteers within the employee networks like Inspire.
“As Inspire, we feel that it is our duty to all those within our organisation, to challenge the business to be better, to ensure that everyone has the facilities and opportunities that they need to thrive.
“But we know that we are not done yet. We can do better, and we will. But for now, let’s take a moment celebrate how far we have come.”
