GTR Network Groups
At GTR, we consider diversity & inclusion an important part of our organisation. We are committed to providing an inclusive workplace where our colleagues feel valued and can be their authentic self, it is our mission to employ teams to reflect the communities we serve. We greatly value diversity and for us, it means we invest in specific network groups supporting colleagues regardless of their race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, experience, religion, and much more
LGBT+ Network Group
GTR supports a large LGBT+ Network, chaired by an elected Network Exec Team.
We hold regular events both in person and online, so that no matter where you are based, you can take part. GTR is committed to having a presence at Brighton Pride and in 2019 we took part in the parade, had our own in-house badges and lanyards, and Network Member Maggie Longhurst designed the decals proudly displayed on GTR’s ‘Pride Train’. While covid postponed Brighton Pride 2020 we had ‘Virtual Pride’ instead, where people could join in online to a night of cabaret and other entertainment.
We’re also here to support you, both individually and through group education events helping you to learn more about the LGBT+ community.
Women’s Network Group
Our Women's Network Group was formed on International Women's Day 2021 and has over 300 members to help uplift, support and encourage women across the business.
We recognise rail is a traditionally male-dominated industry, and we're working hard to increase the number of women within GTR. In 2018, 30% of Southern’ s Trainee Train Driver roles were taken up by women, an increase of 6% compared to 2015. In addition, a class of new trainee drivers on both Great Norther and Southern had a 50:50 gender split. And that's not all. GTR is a diverse, dynamic workplace and there's a role for just about everyone. Our Women's Network Group is focusing on increasing opportunities for women through multiple programmes such as Mentoring, Talent Attraction and Education.
We're proud of the work so far. Two of our women were recognised in 2021 for their contributions to Diversity in the Rail Industry. Angie Doll – Managing Director of Southern and Gatwick Express won the Everywoman Transport and Logistics Industry Champion Award and Katrina Rose Allen – Engineering Apprentice, was listed as one of the Women in Engineering Society’s top 50 Women in Engineering list.
Race Equality Network Group
It’s been a very exciting time at GTR, we successfully launched our Race Equality Network (REN) in August 2020 and in a short space of time we’ve celebrated black history month, enjoyed Diwali, and featured in local newsletters and briefings.
We had a great start bringing positive attention and cultural understanding by simply just raising more awareness, and in 2021 there was even more!
In February 2021 we hosted our first webinar and it was certainly an eventful session. Having a diverse culture plays a huge part in the makeup of our organisation and we are continuously working towards a more inclusive environment and strongly believe we are an organisation that values it staff and want to encourage more people to join us on this journey.
We also wanted to give our staff the opportunity to share their stories and help us with this continuous positive change. In April 2021 we hosted our second webinar collaborating with Muslims in Rail to “Discover Ramadan”.
We will be diving into mentorship, career development, education, and outreach programmes with the goal to bring awareness and understanding to issues that predominately affect the Black Asian and minority community.
Join us and help REN build meaningful partnerships, change outdated perceptions, and celebrate diversity.