The nomination deadline for this year’s highly-anticipated Women in Rail Awards has been extended to Friday, 2nd February 2024.
Rail personnel now have an additional week to nominate their inspirational managers, friends, colleagues, peers and employers for the 13 award categories.
The Women in Rail Awards are designed to showcase and recognise the individuals and companies, large and small, who have made a significant contribution to improving gender balance, diversity and inclusion in the UK railway industry in line with the objectives of the joint WR/RIA EDI Charter.
The 2024 judging panel comprises 18 industry professionals, seven of whom are first-timers including Telent CEO Jo Gretton and Network Rail Business Manager and Chair of the LGBT+ employee network Archway Shane Andrews MBE.
“There is a significant gender imbalance in the rail sector which Women in Rail works tirelessly to address,” says Jo.
“Telent is no different and we’re working hard to attract more women to join us.
“I think the Marian Wright Edelman quote “You can’t be what you can’t see” is so apt.
“If women don’t believe they can succeed in the rail industry, they will work in other sectors and that is such a loss for UK rail.
“The awards are a great way to celebrate and recognise all the women who are breaking down barriers and showing others what fulfilling and rewarding careers can be had.
“It’s an honour to be part of this year’s judging panel and I can’t wait to read all the brilliant nominations.”
Shane adds: “I’ve been a supporter of Women in Rail for many years, from mentoring members to speaking at the annual conference, it’s a fantastic organisation.
“I felt very fortunate to be invited to attend the Women in Rail Awards last year and was in absolute awe of the nominees and winners, so to have been asked to be a judge feels a real privilege and one I didn’t hesitate in saying yes to!”
Initial judging focuses on the 700-word submitted nomination. Additional supporting information, limited to two pages of A4, is used to decide the winner from the shortlisted nominees.
The winners of the Women in Rail Awards 2024 will be announced at a gala awards dinner on Thursday, 16 May, hosted by television presenter, broadcaster and writer The Reverend Canon Kate Bottley, at the historic Roundhouse in Camden, London.
The event will be attended by a cross-section of the UK rail sector, including key stakeholders and decision-makers, infrastructure providers, operators, manufacturers, rolling stock companies, technical consultancy companies and suppliers.
For more information about the Women in Rail Awards 2024 categories, how to enter and to secure a table visit the Women in Rail website.
