This group focuses on Diversity and Inclusion so that we can attract and retain a more diverse workforce, whilst being inclusive in our approaches. Our BAME network – “Embrace” - aims to provide a space for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic employees to discuss, question, challenge and make recommendations where necessary to promote race equality and diversity across RDG.

In addition, non-BAME members of staff who actively believe in the promotion of race equality, diversity and inclusion can join our BAME network to influencing change at RDG and the industry.

For Black History Month in 2020, Embrace members produced a number of blogs that you may find interesting:

• Celebrating black railway workers that made history
• The benefits of diversity and inclusion at the workplace
• Equality, diversity and inclusion at RDG

The aim of the Christian Fellowship is to support and encourage each other and the wider organisation through our Christian faith. Meetings are informal where we discuss and study the Bible, pray for and encourage each other. We also organise the Chaplain’s visits and drop-ins from the Railway Mission throughout the year.

Anyone is welcome to join the group – whether you are already a believer or would just like to find out more about the Christian faith.

Our Disability Awareness Network ran its first “Disability Awareness Week” in November 2019, which aimed to highlight how a range of disabilities can affect employees. It now hosts regular coffee mornings with exernal speakers.

The group also works to ensure colleagues with visible, or invisible, disabilities have access to all the adjustments they may need to enable them to work effectively.

Platform is the employee network for LGBT+ people at RDG with a vision that everyone should be able to bring their whole selves to work. The network aims to provide support and advice for LGBT+ people as well as organise informal social gatherings with colleagues and groups from across the rail industry.

The group also host events for all colleagues to find out more about LGBT+ issues.

The MHAG aims to to change the way we all think and act about mental health in the workplace. The group has created an Employer Action Plan which puts in place best-practice interventions and policy to help our employees work in ways that promote positive mental wellbeing. Our Group meets monthly and is here to support colleagues with issues relating to wellbeing.

We also have a group of trained Mental Health First Aiders at RDG, who are available should employees need someone to speak to confidentially. As an organisation, we have signed Time to Change’s Employer Pledge, advertising our commitment to improve the mental health conversation in our workplace.