Who are Network Rail?
Network Rail operates and develops the railway, which includes 20,000 miles of track, 40,000 bridges, tunnels and viaducts, thousands of signals, level crossings and stations. The Network is carrying more trains and passengers than ever before. Digital Railway will be bringing in new solutions, to unlock more capacity on the network.
What projects / schemes / initiatives to support women’s recruitment, retention and progression in STEM are Network Rail involved in?
Part of transforming the culture is based on Network Rail’s strategic objective to be a more open, diverse and inclusive organisation. To tap into the innovation and creativity of its entire workforce, drive improvements and stimulate a step change in delivering Network Rail’s diversity and inclusion strategy, a target to achieve 20% gender diversity in the whole of business by 2020 was set in 2017.
Based on research and the WISE 10 Steps the project was developed which recommended top five activities required to deliver 20by20. These activities are supported by local HR teams and the relevant Centre of Expertise and driven by high levels of collaboration, including with external organisations. They are Facilities, Culture, Attraction, Retention and Recruitment.
Recruitment
Removing bias from recruitment and improving the diversity of interview panels. All hiring managers to undertake recruitment training which includes managing unconscious bias and more gender mix on our recruitment panels. Promoting our work at career fairs and through initiatives like International Women’s Day and International Women in Engineering Day.
Retention and progression
Flexible working campaign is underway to promote the benefits of flexible working for everyone. A maternity project which is reviewing our current policy and rolling out a buddy scheme. Women are working longer so our Menopause Project supports our female talent who may be undergoing difficulties during the menopause.
Why did Network Rail join WISE?
“We joined WISE because we strongly believe in their values and vision. As an employer we are committed to encouraging our female role models to be part of the campaign and always look to challenge young girls perceptions of engineering.”
– Capability Team, Network Rail
