TransPennine Express and Northern celebrate after getting recognition at prestigious equality awards

Two train operators are celebrating after seeing their efforts to create a more inclusive workplace being highlighted at the Women in Rail Awards.

TransPennine Express (TPE) won the Social Inclusion Award. Northern, meanwhile, got special recognition in the Equality Diversity and Inclusion category.

Both spoke about how their teams felt after seeing their hard work in the spotlight.

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Kathryn O’Brien, customer experience director for TransPennine Express, said: “I’m delighted we have won the Social Inclusion Award at last night’s Women in Rail Awards.

“This is a great achievement that recognises the hard work of our colleagues over the past couple of years to make TPE an even more inclusive organisation.

“We have developed innovative and effective programmes to give women and colleagues from diverse backgrounds a stronger career path in rail, and I’m really proud to see this work recognised by our industry.

“As an inclusive employer, we value individuals’ contributions, regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, social background, religion, or belief.

“We are proud of our region, and we are committed to connecting and reflecting the diverse communities we serve across the North of England and Scotland.”

Emma Yates, Northern’s programme director said: “The Women in Rail Awards is a very important occasion that celebrates the contribution and opportunities for women across the UK rail industry. 

“We have worked extremely hard to make sure that we are an equal, diverse and inclusive business for both our customers and our colleagues, and it is fantastic news that the judges gave us special recognition for our work in this area. 

“We are continually working on our strategy to attract the best and most diverse people into Northern and we will work with all our communities to let everyone know that Northern and the rail industry is a great place to be with opportunities for all.” 

See the full list of winners, and nominees here.

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