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, physical or mental ability, experience, religion, and much more.
Armed Forces Network
Having recently signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2022, GTR is proud to stand with those who have served in the Armed Forces. From veterans who have transitioned into new careers to reservists balancing dual roles, we know the contributions of Armed Forces personnel have been vital to the success of the industry for generations.
Our Armed Forces Network is a community dedicated to supporting veterans, reservists, cadet volunteers and their families throughout their career journeys. We exist to help the wider workforce understand the unique skills and needs that military members bring to the table as well as provide vital assistance to those transitioning out of service, helping them find fulfilling roles that leverage their strengths.
We actively work to capture this talent and provide guidance on career development through CV workshops, raise awareness through Remembrance Day events and break down misconceptions about those who have, or are currently serving. Through regular outreach and partnerships with the Royal British legion, we plan to extend our community through veteran recruitment fairs, promoting job opportunities, roadshows and other key dates.
We aim to make GTR a place where veterans, reservists and cadet volunteers can continue to make a meaningful impact and honour their service by ensuring they have the opportunities and support they need to thrive in their career with us.
Disability Employees Network
DEN is GTR’s Disability employee network that represents people with Disabilities (invisible, visible, or neurodivergent), as well as those who are Carers or Allies. The DEN aims to be a safe space to share our experiences and support each other while also fostering advocacy, education, mentorship, and representation among the wider GTR, railway, and transport community.
The Network works directly with senior management and the company to represent our network community; also, to influence/consult on company policy and company wide issues. As Employee network we would like to make sure our staff can be themselves at work with their disabilities and feel supported. Our network has an internal Viva Engage social media platform where questions and advice can be asked but also there if someone wants to share anything of interest.
We also organise events such as webinars, in person activities and news articles to be published company-wide around dates of significance such as Neurodiversity Celebration Week, Disability Pride, the International Day for People with Disabilities and many more. DEN is for everyone so please come and join us!
“DEN means a lot to me so I have a place where I can be myself and able to make a positive impact with my disability”
– Megan Smith Co-chair
LGBT+ Network Group
We recognise that the journey towards equality is one we take together, with pride in the history and contributions of LGBT+ communities. We also know that everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and free to be their authentic selves inside and outside work.
Our LGBT+ Network was assembled through a vibrant community of employees dedicated to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all LGBT+ colleagues and allies. We are here to support managers who need advice or signposting if a direct report has concerns within the workplace, as well as colleagues with friends or family who identify as LGBT+ but need advice on how to open the conversation. As a network, we put great importance on allyship within GTR and work with People departments to ensure the voice of our network is heard and reflected within its governance.
Through cross-industry work and partnerships with various charities, organisers and events such as Sussex Beacon and Brighton Pride, we have been able to raise awareness and funds to support the vital work they do in serving our communities. Through campaigns such as our Trainbow takeover with various LGBT+ colleagues and allies, conferences, recruitment fairs, roadshows and Pride events on our network, we continue to share our first-hand experiences and advocate for LGBT+ rights, support and allyship wherever this takes us.
Gender Equality Movement
When the railway was built 200 years ago, the majority of work in our industry was done by men. Today, we know anyone of any gender can excel in any role in our industry. Currently, c.20% of our workforce at GTR are women, but we believe in the power of representation and inclusivity, so we’re working hard to encourage more women and gender non-conforming people to work with us to better reflect the communities we serve.
Through recruitment channels such as Career Returners, Women’s Engineering Society, Job Fairs UK and Work180, GTR are focusing on building a diverse talent pipeline that not only promotes gender diversity but also enriches our workforce with a variety of perspectives and experiences. Feeding directly into our Train Driver Apprenticeship Programme, over 90% of candidates recruited through the Career Returners Programme are women, and since the programme launched in 2023, five women progressed through our Train Driver Apprenticeship who would not have otherwise been likely to join us.
The Gender Equality Movement was established to celebrate and support our women and gender non-conforming colleagues. We provide a safe space to raise awareness of gender equality and equity issues, work to improve our company culture, and encourage everyone to achieve their career aspirations.
To achieve this we have led campaigns for International Women’s Day, International Men’s Day and World Menopause Day. For the past three years we have created and hosted our own Women’s Career Development Month and Women’s Health Awareness Month.
Race Equality Network Group
We proudly acknowledge the profound impact that colleagues from varied cultural and diverse ethnic communities have had on the evolution of the rail industry. From the early 19th century, workers from diverse backgrounds, including the Caribbean and South Asia, laid the tracks and built the engines that connected our country. Their resilience and contributions to the industry are still as prolific today and we are proud to recognise and celebrate these communities.
Our Race Equality Network is a powerful platform that empowers colleagues to connect, educate and advocate for equity within our organisation. It also fosters a sense of community at GTR and provides a platform for underrepresented voices.
According to recent data, individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds make up c.14% of the UK population, yet their representation in senior leadership roles within the rail industry remains disproportionately low, highlighting the need to address this gap. Having launched during the Black Lives Matter Movement, we have grown into a network committed to pushing for real change, especially within our management grades. Since 2023 we have expanded our community by over 50%, with 46% of members consisting of MG3 grades and above.
By utilising recruitment channels such as the Black Leadership Job Board, The Princes Trust, Diversifying and Sector-based Work Academy (SWAP) we continue to work hand in hand with our partners and senior leadership to build a diverse talent pipeline and infuse our decision-making processes with diverse perspectives. With this in mind, GTR has been re-awarded the National Equality Standard (NES) for the second time in 2024, highlighting and reaffirming its dedication to ED&I.