VolkerRail commits to new Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Charter

The Railway Industry Association (RIA) and Women in Rail (WR) launched the joint ‘Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Charter’ as a commitment to working together to build a more balanced, higher performing sector.

The Charter is open to all companies, clients and organisations working in the UK railway industry and seeks to recognise and build upon the progress which has already taken place, providing the basis to encourage further collaboration and action across the sector.

The Charter involves several key commitments, which will see VolkerRail:

• Appoint a member of the senior management team as an ‘EDI Champion’
• Agree an action plan, and monitor and report on the progress made
• Provide further opportunities for training and support,
• Develop our culture to foster inclusion and provide more opportunities for employees to talk openly, including at industry events,
• Expand on our recruitment and progression processes to attract, retain and develop people of all backgrounds, ages, genders and identities.

Women in Rail founder and director, Adeline Ginn MBE, said: “The rail industry has worked hard in the last few years to promote EDI 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 everyone 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 Railway Industry Association, and all the signatories, on this exciting initiative.”

Speaking about the Charter, VolkerRail’s major projects commercial director, and EDI Champion, Jacqui Kennedy, said: “We believe in pushing boundaries in the pursuit of EDI, and want our teams to know that, whatever their background and whoever they are, VolkerRail is a place where they can be themselves and excel.

“People thrive when they feel welcomed and are in a comfortable environment. If a company is inclusive, it naturally lends itself to attracting a diverse workforce, which enriches the business, and the people within it.

“We work hard to ensure that EDI is part of our culture - at all levels. We recognise that you must never stop in your efforts to develop that culture, and this is why signing this charter is a clear sign of our commitment to develop this further.”