The chief operating officer of Northern has used Women’s History Month to urge women across the North of England to join her on the railway. 

She explained: “There’s never been a better time to be a woman in the rail industry.”  

Tricia Williams, who leads the team responsible for the safe day-to-day operation of trains, stations, engineering and control – and who has helped drive the organisation’s equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) strategy for the past two years - said: “We’ve made great strides in creating a supportive and flexible environment that women and other people want to work in.” 

Dozens of volunteers from across the business came together to advise on matters relating to EDI and to ensure the organisation continues to foster inclusive culture.  

Since 2020, they have helped to introduced workplace policies on menopause, domestic violence support, becoming a parent and transgender support.

Northern Power Women, a leading equality campaign group, has also shortlisted Northern as the ‘Large Organisation of the Year’ at its upcoming 2023 awards, which are being held in Manchester on Monday, 20 March. It is the second year running that Northern has been shortlisted for the award.