Women in Rail celebrate Big Rail Diversity Challenge

The UK's rail industry came together on June 19 at the Newark Showground for Women in Rail’s Big Rail Diversity Challenge. The event, now in its ninth year, has become a cornerstone for promoting diversity and teamwork within the sector.

Since its launch in 2016, the Big Rail Diversity Challenge has grown by 80%, with this year’s event the biggest yet. The rail sector was well represented with various companies participating in a series of physical, mental, and skill-based challenges.

Marie Daly, Chair of Women in Rail, emphasised the event's significance: "The Big Rail Diversity Challenge continues to be a must-attend event. It highlights our core values and provides a platform to champion diversity and inclusion (EDI) across the workforce."

The challenges, designed to test communication and teamwork, included activities like the Catwalk Challenge, Human Table Football, and Shelter Building. Importantly, the challenges were designed to involve every participant, ensuring everyone had a role to play.

The event wasn't just about fun and games. Key industry partners like the British Transport Police who were returning for a fifth year and charities like the Railway Children participated, creating challenges that tackled real-world issues and promoted social responsibility.

After a day filled with learning the Haka, dancing routines, and navigating inflatables, the winning teams were awarded prizes with prizes going to teams from East Midlands Railway, Rail Industry Association, 3Squared Ltd and Worldline UK&I.