Diversity on track: Hull Trains in running for Women in Rail award

DIVERSE EMPLOYER: Hull Trains has the highest number of female drivers in the UK

By Simon Bristow

Hull Trains has been recognised nationally for its commitment to diversity for having the highest number of female drivers in the industry.

The operator has been shortlisted for the Top Employer of the Year award at this year's Women in Rail Awards. The company was recently named the most reliable provider of train services in the UK.

The Women in Rail Awards, launched in 2018, are seen as the benchmark for the industry and showcase companies that are making significant contributions to improving gender balance, diversity and inclusion.

Today, 27 per cent of Hull Trains drivers are female – the highest percentage in the UK rail industry where the average is 6.5 per cent according to 2021 statistics.

Alongside this, the company benefits from a 50/50 gender split across its executive board, while 48 per cent of its total workforce is female.

Louise Mendham, service delivery director at Hull Trains, said: “Since we first formed 23 years ago, we have always enjoyed seeing our colleagues progress from catering through to on board manager roles onto becoming drivers. and 100 per cent of our female drivers have benefited from that approach.

“We have some of the most qualified and well-trained drivers, who have already gained a vast amount of experience having worked in operational roles beforehand. Our approach to flexible working has also helped us retain colleagues, which is equally as important.

“To be shortlisted for this award, and recognised as one of the most diverse employers, is a fantastic achievement. We have a strong commitment here at Hull Trains in line with the Women in Rail agenda and we all truly understand the benefits of a gender-balanced and diverse workforce.”

The award finals take place on May 18 at the Roundhouse in London.

Earlier this year, Hull Trains’ Paragon fleet was awarded Gold in the 2nd Generation new inter-city category at the Golden Spanner Awards for providing the most reliable services in the UK.

A recent report from the Office of Rail and Road said that Hull Trains was the only rail operator in the UK where journey levels are now exceeding pre-pandemic levels.