Chair’s welcome and opening remarks
09:30 to
09:40
Speaker:
Dr Holly Foss.
Director of Education.
Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education.
NSAR update: Current rail skills needs and preparatory steps for the future
09:40 to
10:05
- Where are we now? Current rail skills needs and gaps
- Preparing for future demands and reform: what steps need to be taken to ensure the talent required to deliver reform
Speaker:
Neil Franklin.
Planning Advisor.
National Skills Academy for Rail.
Panel discussion: What are the main skills challenges facing the industry - what talent is needed and how is it being recruited for the future?
10:05 to
10:50
- Outline of key skills-based issues facing the rail industry: gaps, development, retainment
- What is being done to address current challenges: progress of programmes underway
- What talent is needed for reform: the skills and people required
- What is being done to prepare the workforce for an increasingly digital future: career progression, upskilling opportunities
Speakers:
Dr Holly Foss.
Director of Education.
Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education.
Bonnie Price.
National Vice Chairwomen.
Young Rail Professionals.
Ana Manuelito.
Public Affairs Manager.
UNIFE - The European Rail Supply Industry Association.
Craig Smith.
Industry Lead / Convenor – Engineering.
City & Guilds.
Encouraging a diverse and inclusive workplace – the success of recent projects and future plans
11:20 to
11:45
- The benefits of encouraging a diverse and inclusive workplace
- How to foster a culture of inclusion
- Future plans for the working group
Speaker:
Rachel Fullard.
Chair.
Women in Rail; Railway Industry Association EDI Charter Working Group.
Panel discussion: How is the lack of diversity in the rail industry being addressed and what more needs to be done?
11:45 to
12:30
- Improving equality, diversity and inclusion within the rail workforce
- Addressing key diversity-based issues
- Update on programmes (planned or underway) aimed at broadening the demographic of the industry’s workforce
- Learning from other industries: encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing
Speakers:
Isabella Lawson.
Senior Policy Executive.
Railway Industry Association.
Mat Baine.
Board Trustee; Managing Director.
Women in Rail; Egis Transport Solutions.
Tracey Barber.
Group HR Manager.
Xrail.
Case study
13:30 to
13:55
- Latest update on programme
- Future aims: targets and goals
Speaker:
Zoey Hudson.
Head of Talent, Diversity and Inclusion.
Govia Thameslink Railway.
Panel discussion: Recruiting and retaining talent – how can working in rail be made a more attractive proposition to those outside the industry?
13:55 to
14:40
- Recruiting and attracting talent of all ages from outside the rail industry: how can you compete against other sectors?
- How can you successfully retain employees and encourage progression within the industry?
- Cultivating pan-industry skills: from operational to management roles
Speakers:
Nina Lockwood.
Founder and Director.
Intuitive recruitment.
Anna-jane Hunter.
Partner.
Winder Philips Associates.
Sue Kershaw.
Managing Director – Transportation.
Costain Group.