Hull Trains has been recognised for its outstanding commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace, winning the ‘Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’ award at the prestigious Spotlight Rail Awards in London.
The award celebrates organisations that demonstrate inclusive recruitment practices and cultivate an environment where every employee feels valued and supported. Judges praised Hull Trains for its progressive approach to equality and its dedication to long-term career development.
The open access operator has achieved notable success in improving gender diversity, with women now making up 52% of its workforce—well above the industry norm. Notably, 28% of Hull Trains’ drivers are female, significantly outperforming the national average of 6.5%.
Hull Trains also actively supports LGBTQI+ rights and inclusion, having partnered with Hull Pride for four consecutive years. The company has enabled campaigners to attend pride events in other cities and proudly features its distinctive heart logo at such celebrations.
Louise Mendham, Service Delivery Director at Hull Trains, collected the award and said: “This is fantastic recognition for our hardworking team. I’m proud to say that Hull Trains is a place where our colleagues can be themselves each and every day. We’ve fostered an environment where we can all grow and develop.
“Diversity enables us to better understand and serve the requirements of our customers, adding strength, new perspectives, and resilience to our organisation. This recognition is not only important to us, but to the wider rail industry.”
The accolade reinforces Hull Trains’ reputation as a progressive employer and sets a benchmark for inclusivity across the rail sector.
