Unipart Rail becomes signatory to the RIA Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Charter
Building a representative workforce in rail
Here at Unipart Rail we are thrilled to be signatories to the RIA Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Charter, launched on 6th November 2020.
The Railway Industry Association (RIA) and Women in Rail (WR) launched the 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.
“Improving diversity is hugely important for us and the industries we work in. I firmly believe that reflecting the diversity of our society and communities will bring greater creativity, drive innovation and bring greater prospects for us. We work hard at improving equality so that everyone - no matter what their background, gender, sexuality, ethnicity or religion - can achieve their best and be recognised for their skills, achievement and capabilities.
“I am very pleased for Unipart Rail to be a signatory to this and we look forward to the day where our society does not require such charters. Our leadership team has four talented female directors and I am proud that we have a diverse team - but also know that we must never stop in our work to improve our own equality, diversity and inclusion.”
“Our HR policies and recruitment processes are all aligned to attracting the best talent to our company. Through having a diverse and welcoming business, we know that all our colleagues benefit from having a properly representative workforce drawn from our communities. I encourage any rail business that hasn't yet signed up to the charter to do so.”
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.
Read more here.
This article was originally published by Unipart Rail.
