8 YEARS. 7 LIVE EVENTS. 1 VIRTUAL EVENT. OVER 3900 PARTICIPANTS. 194 CHALLENGES.

THE BIG RAIL DIVERSITY CHALLENGE

WEDNESDAY 19TH JUNE 2024

A FUN EVENT WITH A SERIOUS MESSAGE:

GENDER DIVERSITY:

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 equality, diversity, and inclusion within their workforce.

“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 ED&I 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 PREVIOUS EVENT VIDEOS HERE

2022

2021

2019

2018

2017

2016

WHAT THE TEAMS SAY…

  • A fantastic opportunity for you and your colleagues to break barriers whilst supporting your female colleagues achieve their dreams alongside you!

    Andrew Harries, Graduate Engineer
    Risktec Solutions Ltd
  • A fun day filled with lots of activities, great team work, and appreciation of everyone in the team. Made lots of memories during the event.

    Aditi Gupta, Graduate Signalling Engineer
    AtkinsRéalis
  • A fun-filled day of teamwork, networking, and smiles!

    Morgan Price, Engineer
    Risktec Solutions Ltd
  • A great day out and an amazing team building opportunity!

    Ethan Barry, Data Solutions Architect
    Eversholt Rail Limited
  • Amazing day out! Fun for everyone, the challenges are as diverse as the participants. This is a fantastic opportunity to further team building and communication skills in an exciting competitive environment.

    Ed Simbanegavi, Graduate Engineer
    Dyer & Butler
  • An excellent opportunity to spend time with your colleagues and network with individuals across the Rail Industry!

    Haseeb Abbasi, Graduate Engineer
    AtkinsRéalis
  • As someone who hates being in the sun all day and was anxious about the physicality of the challenges, the Big Rail Diversity Challenge smashed my expectations – the challenges were really enjoyable, and the sense of team was fantastic with everyone cheering you on – sometimes even your competitors! Would highly recommend!

    Estelle Yeoh, Engineer
    SNC Lavalin
  • Great day full of fun, laugh and Team work for a good cause. It was my first time and I have really enjoyed it. Will definitely be back next year with LNER Team.

    Marta Williams, Operations Support Controller
    London North Eastern Railway
  • Great opportunity to network and build relationships within the company

    Jane Sanders, Talent Development Manager
    Alstom
  • Honestly, the best day I’ve ever had “at work”, Great event, Great organisation, and Great staff.

    Sarah O'Brien, Engineer
    AtkinsRéalis
  • It was a very well-organised event. The best thing was having different types of activities and challenges suited for different type of persons. Thus, everyone was involved, and everyone enjoyed. I would recommend those who haven’t attended this event yet, please if you get a chance do go for it. It’s just too much fun.

    Muhammad Hassan Khan, Assistant Project Controls Engineer
    Faithful + Gould
  • It’s amazing how you can bring a diverse collection of work colleagues together (some who have never met in real life before!) into a cohesive, high performing team in such a short space of time. It’s also eye opening to discover your team mate’s secret talents!

    Kathryn Duncan, Programme Manager
    Central Rail Systems Alliance
  • Such a fantastic day for new employees to get to know their colleagues, plus a great opportunity to existing employees to do take part in something unique and let off steam from the normal stresses of working life.

    Rhiannon Price, Operation Director
    BTTC
  • Such an amazing day out! Imagine a massive sports day for adults! Exceeded mine and my colleagues’ expectations!

    Ellenor Hadlow, Quantity Surveyor
    Faithful + Gould
  • The BRD challenge is a fab day out! As a team we came home absolutely exhausted but with huge smiles on our faces! We got to know people from other branches/areas of our own business as well as meeting others. Amazing day had by all.

    AmcoGiffen
  • The event is great fun, enjoyable and a fantastic way to socialising and create team building

    Vanessa Navarro, Senior Project Controls Manager
    Faithful + Gould
  • This event was the best organised, diverse event I have attended for years. It was positive, exciting, and absolutely worthwhile as a team event and for me as an individual.

    Dave Shirtcliffe, Principal Engineer
    SNC Lavalin
  • This is a great day to spend at work! You’ll have fun (so much fun), push your boundaries, meet new people, and may even surprise yourself! Get on board or get left behind!

    Rob Purdy, Practice Manager / Rolling Stock Delivery
    AtkinsRéalis
  • Constant laughter, smiles, and fun all day – such a worthwhile experience to take part in. Our entire team said it’s something they’d love to do again.

    Charlotte Bishop, Internal Communications Business Partner
    East Midlands Railway
  • Had a really good time, meeting and working with people from my business I don’t normally see and speak to on a daily basis. I felt out of my comfort zone initially but thoroughly enjoyed the fun and joining in the challenges in the end. There is something for everyone.

    Lisa Wilkinson, Fleet Planner
    Nuclear Transport Solutions
  • It was a brilliant day, well organised and structured. We had such fun at the activity and between. Great to be involved in raising the profile of diversity and inclusion within the industry

    Laura Parker, CX Transition Manager
    London North Eastern Railway