Colas Rail, in collaboration with the Railway Industry Association (RIA) and Women in Rail, recently sponsored the ‘Neurodiversity in Rail’ seminar held on April 27th, 2023.

The event, which took place at the RIA building in London, aimed to address neurodiversity within the rail industry and enhance the industry’s ability to employ neurodiverse individuals.

The seminar was not only attended by participants on-site but was also live-streamed, and a recording of the event is now available (see below).

This seminar is part of a series of events dedicated to exploring neurodiversity within the rail sector and improving the industry’s response to employing neurodiverse staff members.

The insights gained from these events contribute to the ongoing development of the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Charter.

The EDI charter was jointly launched by Women in Rail (WR) and the Railway Industry Association (RIA) in November 2020.

It aims to enhance equality, diversity, and inclusion within the rail workforce, ensuring that everyone in the industry feels supported and included, regardless of their background, personal circumstances, or gender identity.

To date, over 140 organizations within the rail industry have signed the charter, highlighting their commitment to fostering a more inclusive and diverse sector.

However, the EDI charter currently has limited reference to neurodiversity. Neurodiversity encompasses the different ways our brains are wired and process information. It includes alternative thinking styles such as Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Autism, and ADHD, which affect approximately 15-20% of the population.

By sponsoring events like the ‘Neurodiversity in Rail’ seminar, Colas Rail and other industry stakeholders aim to bring neurodiversity to the forefront of equality, diversity, and inclusion strategies in the rail sector.

Integrating neurodiversity into the EDI charter will increase its prominence, ensuring that the rail industry acknowledges and accommodates the unique strengths and perspectives of neurodiverse individuals.

Creating a neuro-inclusive rail industry not only benefits business but also fosters diversity of thought, drives innovation, cultivates a positive culture, and enhances customer relationships.

Furthermore, diversity and inclusion are increasingly significant to rail clients and investors, making it imperative for the industry to address these issues comprehensively.

The seminar was hosted by Dylan Mathieson-Dodd, an autism advocate, who guided participants through topics such as the EDI Charter, Neurodiversity, Neurodiversity in the rail industry, and unconscious bias. The event concluded with a thought-provoking panel discussion, which encouraged meaningful dialogue and the exchange of ideas.

A copy of the EDI charter can be downloaded from the Women in Rail website.

Speaking about the event, Colas Rail Group’s Global Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Wellbeing Manager, Melissa Marcellin said “At Colas Rail we want to make our intentions about improving the outcomes of people living with neurodiversity and disability very clear and so this year we are taking additional steps to amplify our commitment to creating a movement of change to develop our thinking about neurodiversity and disability.

“I was extremely excited to see this event come together. It was everything I expected and more.”