On 19 June 2024, companies representing the UK’s rail industry came together at Newark Showground to participate in the annual Big Rail Diversity Challenge.
First held in 2016, The Big Rail Diversity Challenge has captured the industry’s hearts and minds – demonstrating the passion, support and enthusiasm for the brilliant work that Women in Rail undertakes. Growing by a staggering 80% since its launch, The Big Rail Diversity Challenge has become a staple in the Rail event calendar, with many key industry stakeholders supporting it year-on-year.
As one of the Women in Rail charity’s annual flagship events, The Big Rail Diversity Challenge is the only team-based rail event showcasing the diversity the UK railway industry seeks to achieve. The challenges are designed to promote the message that diverse teams work better together, with companies taking part in a series of physical, mental and skill-based sessions including; Catwalk Challenge, Toxic Jigsaw, Human Table Football, Shelter Building, the Mighty Quiz and Dancing with the Shows!. Designed to put a team’s communication and teamwork skills to the test, the challenges have been developed to ensure that everyone has a role to play.
Marie Daly, Chair of Women in Rail said, “The Big Rail Diversity Challenge continues to grow as a must-attend event for the industry. As one of our flagship events, BRDC highlights the key values of Women in Rail – and provides a frontline platform to raise the profile of EDI and the sector’s commitment to improving diversity across its workforce at all levels. Our strapline – Better for People, Better for Business, Better for Rail – perfectly describes the event – and I wish to thank everyone who has supported and actively demonstrated this message today.”
The event is supported by many key industry bodies, organisations and charities; The British Transport Police returned for a fifth year – this time supporting the ‘Diversity Sports Day’ challenge – designed to encourage teamwork and diversity of skill.
The Railway Benefit Fund once again had participants supporting one another through the toughest of times, blindfolded and carrying ‘beans’ through an inflatable obstacle course as part of their ‘Bring on the Beans’ challenge, whilst the Railway Children charity had teams constructing a one-person shelter using basic materials that could be available to a child living on the streets.
After a tiring day of learning the Haka, Broadway routines, and countless inflatables, awards were presented.
The ‘Best Team Name Award’ went to East Midlands Railway for ‘Beast Midlands Railway’, presented by Rebecca Holding, Managing Director of First Rail Consultancy, representing our 2024 Sponsors.
The British Transport Police ‘Diversity Sports Day Award’, judged and presented by PC Lorna Ashby with the British Transport Police, was won by ‘Eat, Sleep, RIA, Repeat’ from the Railway Industry Association.
For creating the best shelter – and showing the best teamwork on the Railway Children ‘Shelter Building’ Challenge, Cat Howourth, Event Manager for Railway Children presented the ‘Shelter Building Award’ to ‘Tough Shunts’ from East Midlands Railway.
The Railway Benefit Fund’s ‘Bring on the Beans Award’ was presented to ‘Worldline Warriors’ of Worldline UK&I by the charity’s Fundraising Manager, Suzy Powell, for showing the ability to laugh at the toughest times, whilst still achieving their goal.
‘The Most Collaborative Teamwork Award’ was judged on the team performance across two of the event’s favourite challenges – It’s a Knockout and Walk the Plank. The winner was 3Squared Ltd for displaying outstanding teamwork and motivational support.
And finally, the most coveted trophy of the day ‘The Team of the Year Award’ for achieving the highest overall score with an impressive 244 out of a possible 260, went to ‘3Squared RailSmarties’ from 3Squared Ltd. The 2024 winner’s trophy was presented by Nicola McGuire, Customer Engagement Manager of Aura Brand Solutions and Chair of Women in Rail East Midlands regional group.
On the day, there was also a Charity Tuck Shop and a Hamper Raffle which helped raise funds for the Women in Rail Charity.
The official images from the event are now available to view: The Big Rail Diversity Challenge 2024 Image Gallery
A big thank you to all the teams attending. If your company would like to join The Big Rail Diversity Challenge 2025, please complete our Enter Today contact form.
Add 18 June 2025 to your diary and we hope to see you at #BigRail2025!
