Consultancy and Engineering Awards: TfL wins Diversity Champion Award

Transport for London's initiative for Championing Inclusion and Diversity through Women, has earned this year’s award for Inclusion and Diversity Champion of the Year due to its far-reaching promotion of the issue through various forms of effective staff support.

In 2012, Transport for London (TfL) created its Single Equality Scheme (SES), which set out an overall action plan to improve the various facets of equality for all of the diverse communities throughout London. This was done in response to its customers, employees and suppliers identifying equality as a key objective for TfL to achieve and since the creation of the scheme, TfL has been working hard to achieve equality across all of its activities.

As a key organisation in the industry, many of the efforts made have provided an effective model for others to implement while also helping TfL to identify best policies to foster a culture of equality. Through initiatives such as the Women’s Staff Network Group, a number of gender based policies and working practices have been developed such as the Maternity Leave Working Group in partnership with Tommy’s, a pregnancy charity, as well as creating guidelines for those going through life events such as IVF treatment as well as the menopause.

During the past year, the focus has turned to celebrating 100 Years of Women in Transport. Launched in November 2014, this has been a collaboration between Network Rail, the Department for Transport, Crossrail Ltd, Women’s Engineering Society, Women’s Transportation Seminar, London Transport Museum, as well as a variety of sponsors. Whilst the programme of activities has been complex, it has led to a reach that far exceeds other efforts, growing the campaigns collective network to more than 11,000 individuals in over 270 organisations. 

With a total of 16 events that were attended by 1,600 people, the entire campaign has been designed to fully embrace inclusivity and well as diversity. Through revolutionising support for employees, the initiative has exceeded other efforts and created a real platform to support both personal development as well as progression of staff.

Judges’ comments
“Every so often an initiative is launched that will change public perception and revolutionise modern working practices.  Transport for London’s 100 Years of Women in Transport campaign is one such initiative. Engaging a wide support network, a key feature of the campaign was the organisation of 16 events in a variety of formats, to meet the needs of its diverse audience. These events, attended by around 1600 people, have supported the personal development and progression of staff in a truly diverse and inclusive campaign.”

Finalists
Arup
Crofton Design
Mott MacDonald 
Mouchel Consulting
Turner & Townsend