On 21 June 2023, companies representing the UK’s rail industry came together at Newark Showground to participate in the seventh annual Big Rail Diversity Challenge.
First held in 2016, The Big Rail Diversity Challenge has truly captured the hearts and minds of the industry – 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 industry’s event calendar, with many key industry stakeholders supporting it year-on-year.
As one of charity Women in Rail’s annual flagship events, The Big Rail Diversity Challenge is the only team-based rail event showcasing the diversity the UK railway industry is seeking 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, The Great Diversity Bake Off, 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 are developed to ensure that everyone has a role to play.
Shona Clive, Vice Chair of Women in Rail said, “This is the eighth year of The Big Rail Diversity Challenge and the largest to date. It’s one of our key events in the Women in Rail calendar and is a dynamic, fun-filled day with gender balanced and diverse teams participating, networking and competing with peers across the sector. The event highlights an important message that diversity is good for people, good for business and good for the rail industry and raises the profile of EDI and the rail sector’s commitment to improving diversity within its workforce and fostering an inclusive culture. Thank you to everyone who took part.”
The event is supported by many key industry bodies, organisations and charities; The British Transport Police returned for a fourth year to deliver the ‘Lines of Duty’ challenge – designed to support a cross industry campaign which encourages officers and rail staff to use their professional curiosity in order to safeguard people they may encounter on the rail network.
The Railway Benefit Fund 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.