THE BIG RAIL DIVERSITY CHALLENGE

17 JUNE 2026 AT NEWARK SHOWGROUND

10 YEARS. 9 LIVE EVENTS. 1 VIRTUAL EVENT.
OVER 5,000 PARTICIPANTS. 221 CHALLENGES.

Days

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

Days

Hours

Minutes

A FUN EVENT WITH A SERIOUS MESSAGE

Group of people participating in an outdoor team challenge event, wearing matching blue shirts, playing games, and celebrating, with the words 'ENTER A TEAM' overlaid in bold white and green text.

BETTER FOR PEOPLE

BETTER FOR BUSINESS

BETTER FOR RAIL

The Big Rail Diversity Challenge was created to highlight the benefits of gender balance and diversity in the UK rail industry.

Launched in 2016 by Women in Rail in collaboration with multi-media marketing specialists Nimble Media Ltd, this flagship event helps break down barriers, change the image of rail and ultimately bridges the skills gap in the sector.

A cross between “It’s a Knockout” and “The Krypton Factor”, The Big Rail Diversity Challenge is an all-inclusive event and provides a platform for everyone to team build and network while taking part in a mixture of fun challenges consisting of mental-, physical- and skill-based activities within gender balanced teams.

The event showcases that gender-diverse teams work better together and raises awareness of the business benefits attained when companies improve equity, diversity, and inclusion within their workforce.

#BIGRAIL2026 FLYER

#BIGRAIL2026 MEDIA PACK

ENTER #BIGRAIL2026

“The Big Rail Diversity Challenge is an important step in the rail industry agenda. It openly seeks to disprove one of the most destructive myths in professional life: that women and men cannot work effectively together. By engaging both men and women in equal measure, we have started to tackle gender imbalance head-on and create a more attractive, productive and successful industry in the process”

Adeline Ginn, Founder of Women in Rail.

THE BIG RAIL DIVERSITY CHALLENGE:

Showcases and emphasises the positive difference diversity brings to the industry
Brings together a cross-section of industry workforce, from undergraduates to CEOs
Promotes organisations' messages supporting a more diverse and inclusive workforce
Opens doors for those looking to embark on a career in the rail industry

WHY IS EDI IMPORTANT?

A diverse and inclusive working environment, where team members’ unique needs, perspectives and potential are respected and encouraged, creates a sense of belonging. When employees feel more connected at work, they tend to work harder and smarter, producing higher quality work. As a result, organisations see huge gains in business results, innovation and decision-making.

VIEW OUR 2025 HIGHLIGHTS HERE

WHAT THE TEAMS SAY…

"The Big Rail Diversity Challenge is a great event to attend to network as well as being able to have fun and break the diversity stigma within the workplace. It also gives a leading edge for other employers to consider the diversity and inclusion Gap. Together as one at this event there is so much inclusivity for all abilities.
This event really shows how valued you are as a colleague of the railway community but also within your own company. The diversity displayed at the event shows how the railway industry is working hard to break the stigma."
“The Big Rail Diversity Challenge is a really fun day of team-building and togethernes, which raises visibility for the need for teams in the railway industry to have blended talent if they are to be the best they can be.”
"It was an amazing day out of the office, and there wasn't a moment all day when we weren't laughing and having an amazing time!"
"It was a brilliant opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the business outside of the work environment, strengthen relationships, and reflect on why embracing different perspectives is so important. Events like this really highlight how inclusion drives collaboration and creativity, and it was great to see everyone get involved with such enthusiasm."
"The Big Rail Diversity Challenge is a great event to attend to network as well as being able to have fun and break the diversity stigma within the workplace. It also gives a leading edge for other employers to consider the diversity and inclusion Gap. Together as one at this event there is so much inclusivity for all abilities.
This event really shows how valued you are as a colleague of the railway community but also within your own company. The diversity displayed at the event shows how the railway industry is working hard to break the stigma."
“The Big Rail Diversity Challenge is a really fun day of team-building and togethernes, which raises visibility for the need for teams in the railway industry to have blended talent if they are to be the best they can be.”
"It was an amazing day out of the office, and there wasn't a moment all day when we weren't laughing and having an amazing time!"
"It was a brilliant opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the business outside of the work environment, strengthen relationships, and reflect on why embracing different perspectives is so important. Events like this really highlight how inclusion drives collaboration and creativity, and it was great to see everyone get involved with such enthusiasm."
"The Big Rail Diversity Challenge is a great event to attend to network as well as being able to have fun and break the diversity stigma within the workplace. It also gives a leading edge for other employers to consider the diversity and inclusion Gap. Together as one at this event there is so much inclusivity for all abilities.
This event really shows how valued you are as a colleague of the railway community but also within your own company. The diversity displayed at the event shows how the railway industry is working hard to break the stigma."
“The Big Rail Diversity Challenge is a really fun day of team-building and togethernes, which raises visibility for the need for teams in the railway industry to have blended talent if they are to be the best they can be.”
"It was an amazing day out of the office, and there wasn't a moment all day when we weren't laughing and having an amazing time!"
"It was a brilliant opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the business outside of the work environment, strengthen relationships, and reflect on why embracing different perspectives is so important. Events like this really highlight how inclusion drives collaboration and creativity, and it was great to see everyone get involved with such enthusiasm."
"The Big Rail Diversity Challenge is a great event to attend to network as well as being able to have fun and break the diversity stigma within the workplace. It also gives a leading edge for other employers to consider the diversity and inclusion Gap. Together as one at this event there is so much inclusivity for all abilities.
This event really shows how valued you are as a colleague of the railway community but also within your own company. The diversity displayed at the event shows how the railway industry is working hard to break the stigma."
“The Big Rail Diversity Challenge is a really fun day of team-building and togethernes, which raises visibility for the need for teams in the railway industry to have blended talent if they are to be the best they can be.”
"It was an amazing day out of the office, and there wasn't a moment all day when we weren't laughing and having an amazing time!"
"It was a brilliant opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the business outside of the work environment, strengthen relationships, and reflect on why embracing different perspectives is so important. Events like this really highlight how inclusion drives collaboration and creativity, and it was great to see everyone get involved with such enthusiasm."

"The Big Rail Diversity Challenge is a great event to attend to network as well as being able to have fun and break the diversity stigma within the workplace. It also gives a leading edge for other employers to consider the diversity and inclusion Gap. Together as one at this event there is so much inclusivity for all abilities.
This event really shows how valued you are as a colleague of the railway community but also within your own company. The diversity displayed at the event shows how the railway industry is working hard to break the stigma."
“The Big Rail Diversity Challenge is a really fun day of team-building and togethernes, which raises visibility for the need for teams in the railway industry to have blended talent if they are to be the best they can be.”
"It was an amazing day out of the office, and there wasn't a moment all day when we weren't laughing and having an amazing time!"
"It was a brilliant opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the business outside of the work environment, strengthen relationships, and reflect on why embracing different perspectives is so important. Events like this really highlight how inclusion drives collaboration and creativity, and it was great to see everyone get involved with such enthusiasm."
"The Big Rail Diversity Challenge is a great event to attend to network as well as being able to have fun and break the diversity stigma within the workplace. It also gives a leading edge for other employers to consider the diversity and inclusion Gap. Together as one at this event there is so much inclusivity for all abilities.
This event really shows how valued you are as a colleague of the railway community but also within your own company. The diversity displayed at the event shows how the railway industry is working hard to break the stigma."
“The Big Rail Diversity Challenge is a really fun day of team-building and togethernes, which raises visibility for the need for teams in the railway industry to have blended talent if they are to be the best they can be.”
"It was an amazing day out of the office, and there wasn't a moment all day when we weren't laughing and having an amazing time!"
"It was a brilliant opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the business outside of the work environment, strengthen relationships, and reflect on why embracing different perspectives is so important. Events like this really highlight how inclusion drives collaboration and creativity, and it was great to see everyone get involved with such enthusiasm."
"The Big Rail Diversity Challenge is a great event to attend to network as well as being able to have fun and break the diversity stigma within the workplace. It also gives a leading edge for other employers to consider the diversity and inclusion Gap. Together as one at this event there is so much inclusivity for all abilities.
This event really shows how valued you are as a colleague of the railway community but also within your own company. The diversity displayed at the event shows how the railway industry is working hard to break the stigma."
“The Big Rail Diversity Challenge is a really fun day of team-building and togethernes, which raises visibility for the need for teams in the railway industry to have blended talent if they are to be the best they can be.”
"It was an amazing day out of the office, and there wasn't a moment all day when we weren't laughing and having an amazing time!"
"It was a brilliant opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the business outside of the work environment, strengthen relationships, and reflect on why embracing different perspectives is so important. Events like this really highlight how inclusion drives collaboration and creativity, and it was great to see everyone get involved with such enthusiasm."
"The Big Rail Diversity Challenge is a great event to attend to network as well as being able to have fun and break the diversity stigma within the workplace. It also gives a leading edge for other employers to consider the diversity and inclusion Gap. Together as one at this event there is so much inclusivity for all abilities.
This event really shows how valued you are as a colleague of the railway community but also within your own company. The diversity displayed at the event shows how the railway industry is working hard to break the stigma."
“The Big Rail Diversity Challenge is a really fun day of team-building and togethernes, which raises visibility for the need for teams in the railway industry to have blended talent if they are to be the best they can be.”
"It was an amazing day out of the office, and there wasn't a moment all day when we weren't laughing and having an amazing time!"
"It was a brilliant opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the business outside of the work environment, strengthen relationships, and reflect on why embracing different perspectives is so important. Events like this really highlight how inclusion drives collaboration and creativity, and it was great to see everyone get involved with such enthusiasm."

"The Big Rail Diversity Challenge is a great event to attend to network as well as being able to have fun and break the diversity stigma within the workplace. It also gives a leading edge for other employers to consider the diversity and inclusion Gap. Together as one at this event there is so much inclusivity for all abilities.
This event really shows how valued you are as a colleague of the railway community but also within your own company. The diversity displayed at the event shows how the railway industry is working hard to break the stigma."
“The Big Rail Diversity Challenge is a really fun day of team-building and togethernes, which raises visibility for the need for teams in the railway industry to have blended talent if they are to be the best they can be.”
"It was an amazing day out of the office, and there wasn't a moment all day when we weren't laughing and having an amazing time!"
"It was a brilliant opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the business outside of the work environment, strengthen relationships, and reflect on why embracing different perspectives is so important. Events like this really highlight how inclusion drives collaboration and creativity, and it was great to see everyone get involved with such enthusiasm."
"The Big Rail Diversity Challenge is a great event to attend to network as well as being able to have fun and break the diversity stigma within the workplace. It also gives a leading edge for other employers to consider the diversity and inclusion Gap. Together as one at this event there is so much inclusivity for all abilities.
This event really shows how valued you are as a colleague of the railway community but also within your own company. The diversity displayed at the event shows how the railway industry is working hard to break the stigma."
“The Big Rail Diversity Challenge is a really fun day of team-building and togethernes, which raises visibility for the need for teams in the railway industry to have blended talent if they are to be the best they can be.”
"It was an amazing day out of the office, and there wasn't a moment all day when we weren't laughing and having an amazing time!"
"It was a brilliant opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the business outside of the work environment, strengthen relationships, and reflect on why embracing different perspectives is so important. Events like this really highlight how inclusion drives collaboration and creativity, and it was great to see everyone get involved with such enthusiasm."
"The Big Rail Diversity Challenge is a great event to attend to network as well as being able to have fun and break the diversity stigma within the workplace. It also gives a leading edge for other employers to consider the diversity and inclusion Gap. Together as one at this event there is so much inclusivity for all abilities.
This event really shows how valued you are as a colleague of the railway community but also within your own company. The diversity displayed at the event shows how the railway industry is working hard to break the stigma."
“The Big Rail Diversity Challenge is a really fun day of team-building and togethernes, which raises visibility for the need for teams in the railway industry to have blended talent if they are to be the best they can be.”
"It was an amazing day out of the office, and there wasn't a moment all day when we weren't laughing and having an amazing time!"
"It was a brilliant opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the business outside of the work environment, strengthen relationships, and reflect on why embracing different perspectives is so important. Events like this really highlight how inclusion drives collaboration and creativity, and it was great to see everyone get involved with such enthusiasm."
"The Big Rail Diversity Challenge is a great event to attend to network as well as being able to have fun and break the diversity stigma within the workplace. It also gives a leading edge for other employers to consider the diversity and inclusion Gap. Together as one at this event there is so much inclusivity for all abilities.
This event really shows how valued you are as a colleague of the railway community but also within your own company. The diversity displayed at the event shows how the railway industry is working hard to break the stigma."
“The Big Rail Diversity Challenge is a really fun day of team-building and togethernes, which raises visibility for the need for teams in the railway industry to have blended talent if they are to be the best they can be.”
"It was an amazing day out of the office, and there wasn't a moment all day when we weren't laughing and having an amazing time!"
"It was a brilliant opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the business outside of the work environment, strengthen relationships, and reflect on why embracing different perspectives is so important. Events like this really highlight how inclusion drives collaboration and creativity, and it was great to see everyone get involved with such enthusiasm."

THE BIG RAIL DIVERSITY CHALLENGE 2026 HEADLINE SPONSOR

First Rail Consultancy, part of First Rail, delivers specialist services across the public transport sector, particularly in the rail industry. Ranging from commercial, customer experience, human resources, marketing, and programme and project management to bid writing, analysis, engineering, operations, and performance and planning, First Rail Consultancy provides expert advice to its clients that covers every facet of a transport operator.

"First Rail Consultancy is excited to be Headline Sponsors for The Big Rail Diversity Challenge. Set up in 2019, our Consultancy delivers transport industry expertise to support our clients' projects or programmes. We are a dedicated group of professionals with a wide range of specialisms including Project Management, Analytics, Writing, Customer Experience, Operations and Engineering.

One of the reasons our colleagues thrive here is because we provide an inclusive environment, valuing differences including age, gender, LGBTQIA+, ethnicity, religion and disability.

Our workforce is 34% female, and we support and provide flexible working options.

We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive. We were proud to have three shortlisted nominees in the Young Rail Professional category at the recent SPOTLIGHT Rail Awards, with one of our nominees Highly Commended.

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion working group champions EDI within our business and creates awareness of important topics for our colleagues, including Black History Month, National Inclusion Week and World Menopause Day."