Women in rail  

We recognise rail is a traditionally male-dominated industry, and we’re working hard to increase the number of women within our rail operations, while ensuring our workplace and facilities support female employees.

Establishing GTR’s Women’s Network Group

Our rail operator Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) established an internal women’s network on International Women’s Day 2021.Open to all employees, the Gender Equality Movement currently has over 300 members and is focused on increasing opportunities for women through multiple programmes such as mentoring, talent attraction and education.

Over the last few years GTR has seen a steady increase in the number of women new starts. This has encouraged further initiatives, with GTR introducing two new apprenticeships focused on female leadership.

Spotlight on the Career Returners Programme

GTR first partnered with the UK consulting, coaching, and networking organisation ‘Career Returners’ in 2022 to help women who have taken a career break get back into employment.

“We’re passionate about having a diverse workforce and constantly challenge ourselves to look at new ways to attract talent.” Zoey Hudson, Head of Talent, Diversity and Inclusion at GTR

Successful candidates benefit from a formal training programme, which includes a Level 3 apprenticeship. Tailored career coaching is also provided from Career Returners, not only for the recruitment and onboarding process, but continues three months into the training programme.

Leigh Santamaria is an apprentice trainee driver who joined GTR having answered a call for applicants via Career Returners.

“I was out of work for 10 years because I left my long-standing career as a legal PA to look after my daughter, who has significant learning difficulties. She is very vulnerable and will probably have to live with me for the rest of her life, so it felt right to pause my career and focus all my energy on her. While I was caring for my daughter, I studied accountancy and qualified in 2021, but after months of job applications I still hadn’t secured a job.” 

“Career Returners is a coaching and consulting programme targeted at people who have been on an extended career break and are looking for support back into work – it sounded perfect for the position I was in. I applied for the train driver role through the organisation’s website, and I’ve really benefitted from the Career Returners support sessions since I started with GTR.”

Tracking women representation at GTR

We continually monitor gender representation and hold ourselves accountable as we work to attract, support, and retain more women in the rail industry.

GTR in 2024:

• 20% of employees overall are women

• 10% of train drivers are women

• 4% of the engineering team are women

• 26% of station staff are women

• 20% of on-board staff are women

While progress is being made, we recognise that more needs to be done – both by us and the industry as a whole – to ensure these numbers continue to grow.

GTR’s first female CEO

In September 2023, GTR appointed its first female CEO, Angie Doll. Starting her railway career in 1999 as a station manager in Brighton, Angie has held a series of senior roles at Go-Ahead rail operating companies. Her leadership is not only a significant milestone for GTR but also a strong signal of our commitment to advancing gender equality and representation of women in senior management.

As GTR continues to pioneer initiatives for women, we aim to drive meaningful, lasting change that benefits both the rail industry and the people who work within it.