Now more than ever, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) is a key concern for organisations across all industries. While many firms are still coming to terms with the concept, a growing number are placing EDI as a key pillar of their company values, creating a culture of support for current employees, and reaping the recruitment benefits that a welcoming environment can bring.
It’s fair to say the rail industry is still getting to grips with including and representing the wide array of cultures, ethnicities, genders, sexualities, and abilities represented in today’s workplace, but a number of firms are leading the way, with the help of some very special individuals. The RailStaff Awards recognises their vital efforts, with the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Person or Team Award.
Freightliner, which has sponsored this award for several years, places a huge emphasis on improving EDI across its business. Misconceptions of the rail freight industry have created something of an image problem for the sector, making it unattractive to underrepresented and protected groups. Despite this, Freightliner is committed to improving diversity within its business and this is championed by its CEO, Tim Shoveller.
“We see a significant challenge in encouraging more people to join our business, but becoming more diverse is a really important way of doing that,” he says. “It makes our business stronger. Diversity significantly improves competitiveness, innovation, and profitability.
“It’s important as leaders, managers, and employees throughout the organisation that we stand up and are clear in our objectives. I’m really determined that we build an inclusive culture, one where everyone feels safe – not just physically but psychologically too.”
Equal opportunities
In recent years, gender equality has become an increasingly important topic for the business. On a monthly basis, gender profile is discussed at executive meetings and a target has been set to increase Freightliner’s female population by 1% year-on-year as part of its five-year strategy.
It has also developed a Diversity, Inclusion, and Cultural awareness programme for all managers and leaders, which is currently being cascaded to all employees. The aim is for all employees, regardless of seniority, to understand the importance of diversity and inclusion, including the moral and social benefits.
Freightliner throws itself into EDI initiatives including International Women’s Day where colleagues come together in celebration of women in the rail and logistics industry. This is a valued initiative and a wonderful social event used to share experiences and examine and discuss topics that are important to the female frontline workforce.
The company also regularly gets behind The Big Logistics Diversity Challenge, an event bringing together industry professionals to look at how diversity can be tackled collaboratively and collectively through physical and mental team-building challenges.
In 2023, the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Person or Team Award was presented to Paul McGunnigle-White, treasury manager and diversity and inclusion lead at Trenitalia c2c. Paul’s strong relationships with colleagues across the company helped him to deliver real change and raise challenging conversations that have taken the organisation forward.
Paul possessed every characteristic that Freightliner looks for in a winner of the award: a strong commitment to EDI; innovative and creative ideas; and a personal passion for making change happen.
If you know someone with the same drive and determination, make sure to nominate them today!
