BAM Nuttall has signed a new Charter to champion equality, diversity and inclusion in the UK railway industry. The joint ‘Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Charter’, led by the Railway Industry Association (RIA) and Women in Rail (WR), marks a commitment to work together to build a more balanced, higher performing sector.

The Charter, backed by over 100 organisations, including BAM Nuttall, makes several key commitments, including to:

• Appoint a member of the senior leadership team as an ‘EDI Champion’

• Agree an action plan, monitor and report on progress made

• Provide opportunities for training and education of employees, support the progression of diverse individuals into senior roles to improve diverse representation at senior and executive level of the UK railway industry

• Create a culture that fosters inclusion and provide a safe space for all employees to talk openly, including at industry events and in meetings

• Make recruitment and progression processes accessible and attractive to all to attract retain and develop people of all backgrounds, ages, genders and identities.

The Charter is open to all companies, clients and organisations working in the UK who wish to play a role in promoting positive change in the rail industry. It 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.

Shelley Caton, BAM’s Global Director - Diversity and Inclusion, Culture & Diversity said:

“The rail industry, like the rest of the engineering sector, has been a historically male dominated workplace. The last few years have seen gradual improvements in diversity but it remains an industry that is not wholly representative of the general population. We need to accept that more still needs to be done to promote equality, diversity and inclusion.

“This Charter sets some minimum recommendations for operating in the rail sector. It is fully in-line with what BAM expects from all of its operating companies, including BAM Nuttall, and we are proud to be signing up to the EDI Charter in partnership with The Railway Industry Association and Women in Rail”

“We know that a diverse organisation is a better performing organisation and we all have a collective role to play, making positive changes to make that a reality.”

RIA Chairman David Tonkin and Chief Executive Darren Caplan issued a joint statement, saying: “We are delighted to announce the EDI Charter in partnership with Women in Rail. Whilst there has been plenty of progress in the rail supply sector which we should be proud of, there is still more to do to promote diversity and equal opportunity.

“The rail workforce should be representative of a modern UK, providing an attractive career path to people of all ages from all backgrounds, and ultimately increasing the talent pool from which the future leadership of the rail sector will be drawn.

“We hope the Charter will help encourage not just equality, diversity and inclusion in the rail supply sector, but also diversity of thought, unlocking new talent and building a positive culture throughout the railway industry. We look forward to working with organisations from across the sector to ensure that rail remains a fantastic area to work in during the years ahead.”

Women in Rail Founder and Director Adeline Ginn MBE, said: “The rail industry has worked hard in the last few years to promote Equality, Diversity and Inclusion 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.”

Alongside BAM Nuttall, include over 100 companies from across the UK railway industry, such as: Department for Transport; Network Rail; RDG; NSAR; Transport for London and Transport for Wales; ORR; BTP; Southeastern Railway; HS1; leading OEMS such as Alstom, Hitachi, CAF and Bombardier; consultancy companies such Atkins, Jacobs, CPMS, Costain and also Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education, Rail Alliance, Colas Rail, DB Cargo UK, to name only a few.

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