Diversity
Creating a better rail industry Adeline Ginn MBE believes supporting the diversity and inclusion agenda is key to the rail industry thriving in the future
We need to showcase the industry’s full potential and make it an inspiration for people to want to work in
D
espite the vast array of opportunities and the rail industry experiencing billions of pounds worth of investment, recruitment is still a major challenge facing the sector. There is a deficit of talent and diversity of skills, with an estimated one in six of the UK rail workforce women; something which is threatening the industry’s future growth and prosperity. Leading the change is the founder of Women in Rail, Adeline Ginn MBE, who along with an army of passionate volunteers and supporters, men and women, is transforming the way the rail industry is perceived and offering strong support to help carve out a career. “Most of the women I speak to admit to falling into rail by accident rather than intentionally. But they stay in the industry because they develop a passion for it and they realise all of the career opportunities available within it,” she said. “We need to showcase the industry’s full potential and make it an inspiration for people to want to work in. A key part of that is making sure rail is an industry that embraces diversity and is inclusive of everyone within its workforce. We are moving in the right direction, but we continue to do so very slowly.” 8 | September 2020
Adeline set up Women in Rail over eight years ago as a network platform to stop women feeling isolated in a male-dominated industry. Fast-forward to 2020 and you can add workshops, regional groups, a prestigious awards’ ceremony and an incredibly successful mentoring scheme as strings to the charity’s bow. Paradigm SWIFT The charity is currently embarking on its latest addition, entitled “Senior Women In (or Formerly) in rail and/or Transport” (SWIFT). Adeline, who was last year made an MBE for her services to the rail industry, said: “SWIFT’s purpose is two-fold: to provide space and support for its executive members through a peer to peer network and to help high potential women in rail progress their careers and transition to more senior roles. “SWIFT members get the chance to meet people of the same grade, but SWIFT also offers support and guidance to women looking to progress their career to senior management level and give them the confidence to take that next step and to build that network. railbusinessdaily.com