YRP signs Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Charter

YRP signs Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Charter to support equality, diversity and inclusion in the UK railway industry

In early November 2020, the Railway Industry Association (RIA) and Women in Rail (WR) launched a Charter to champion equality, diversity and inclusion in the UK railway industry.  The joint ‘Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Charter’ is a commitment to work together to build a more balanced higher performing sector and has been backed by over 100 organisations.

The Charter involves 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; and
• 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 railway industry 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. 

We are delighted to announce that YRP is proud to have signed the Charter and is looking forward to proactively actioning, encouraging and monitoring our commitment to take forward our organisation-wide commitment. 

YRP Chair, George Chilcott, said: “I am delighted to announce that YRP has signed up to the RIA and WiR EDI Charter. The principles of the Charter are closely aligned to YRP’s values, and our commitment to these principles show a willingness to continually evolve our business to improve equality, diversity and inclusion in both YRP and the wider industry as we promote, inspire and develop the next generation of railway talent.”

“Separately, this year YRP has launched a Diversity and Inclusion programme, which I have asked to make recommendations for change to our Executive Committee. Activities, including monitoring and implementing changes, will be measured against the terms of the Charter and will ensure YRP holds itself to the highest standards in EDI, and is open and transparent in doing so.”

YRP National Vice-Chairwoman, Bonnie Price, said: "I am so thankful that YRP gets the opportunity to sign up to this charter.  To see our industry come together in such a way is profoundly positive and will help keep the momentum going around this topic. As YRP's EDI Champion I feel even more empowered to keep moving forward to true inclusivity, together."

Signatories currently 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.  These include a number of YRP's corporate members.