EDI Charter
Building a culture of trust Melissa Marcellin, HR manager at Colas Rail, discusses the need to work collaboratively for industry EDI change
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elissa Marcellin might be relatively new to the rail industry, but she is hoping to play an important part in longlasting change for the sector. The HR manager at Colas Rail recently joined the EDI Charter Working Group, driving forward the positive equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) agenda with UK rail. “My reasons for joining the Working Group were to get a better understanding of the railway community and to play my part in continuing to build that culture of trust within our communities and within the workplace,” she said. “I want to broaden my capabilities and be more equipped to be able to support individuals from different backgrounds and identities explore what the challenges are and how we can continue to incorporate EDI into all people activities to foster psychological safety.” Committed to EDI It is 18 months since Women in Rail and the Railway Industry Association (RIA) launched the EDI Charter. The Charter has reached 185 signatories, covering organisations of all sizes across rail. The two organisations have worked with the EDI Working Group, made up of 11 individuals from signatory organisations, to deliver and promote the Charter within the industry. “It is really positive that a lot of people have signed up and made that commitment to take EDI seriously and by working together we can take away best practice and implement it within our organisations,” said Melissa.
Melissa Marcellin, HR manager at Colas Rail
“I think there has been a lot of lip service historically in which EDI has been spoken about and the momentum was there initially, but it then trailed off. “As the Working Group we’ve got to ensure that doesn’t happen here and create the building blocks and collaboration to make sure there is long-lasting change.” Over the past year, Rail Director has been speaking with members of the Working Group to find out their stories and aspirations with the EDI Charter.
Melissa said: “When you are delivering on any initiative or project it is really important that you get a really good idea of the people that you’re working with and the communities you are serving. “Already, being part of the Working Group has given me a really good overview and a deeper understanding of the different people who make up the railway community, their lived-in experiences and how that ties into my view of the community and cultures we live and work in.
Mike SURVEY CONSULTANCY LTD Chartered Land and Engineering Surveyors
40 | May 2022
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