Train operator Northern has joined The Purpose Coalition, a nationwide scheme committed to advancing social mobility and improving equal opportunities.
Through working with The Purpose Coalition, Northern aims to dismantle barriers and create a fairer society across its network.
As the second largest train operator in the UK, operating 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations throughout the North of England, Northern already plays a vital role in the social and economic wellbeing of individuals and communities across its network.
Rail is not just about improving connectivity
The Rt Hon Justine Greening, chair of The Purpose Coalition and former secretary of state for transport
Northern’s train services provide an important link in connecting people to their education and employment establishments, and to other social and family events.
With more than 7,000 people on its payroll, Northern is also one of the region’s major employers, and as well as its direct employees, it also supports many more jobs in the local supply chain.
As part of its membership of The Purpose Coalition, Northern will work with the organization to produce a ‘Breaking Down Barriers’ report.
The report is intended to highlight what impact Northern has in the region, share current best practices, and define ways in which the progress being made can be accelerated.
Northern is working with TransPennine Express to support women returning from career breaks or those seeking new opportunities through its collaboration with Women in Rail and the ‘Never Mind the Gap’ initiative.
In collaboration with The Rail Safety and Standards Board and Talent Foundry, the company has also given 25 college students from the Manchester area a four-day project where they learnt about operating one of the company’s rail services.
We know how important connectivity is to the social and economic fortunes of the North of England.
The Purpose Coalition is one of the leading voices in this field and we are proud to collaborate with them on initiatives that will help everyone across our network achieve their full potential.
It’s vital we keep the social mobility train moving forward.
Tricia Williams, managing director of Northern
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