During its “Week of Inclusion”, TransPennine Express (TPE) a number of its employees have told their story, one of them being, Becky Woodhead, a conductor based at Cleethorpes.

Becky tells her inspiring story in a video as the company’s Week of Inclusion celebrates diversity and embraces the individuality of its employees and customers.

Starting as a security guard at Cleethorpes station, Becky received support from TransPennine Express and took its Step Up programme that helps women develop their careers and discover new opportunities.

The Step Up programme gives female front-line staff the chance to gain management roles and for managers to progress to senior roles. Their success is shown by 60 per cent and 75 per cent of colleagues respectively gaining promotion, internal job move, or secondment.

Last year, the company added a mentoring scheme and Senior Women’s Development to the programme, and 35 per cent of internal promotions were filled by female candidates.

To coincide with the “Week of Inclusion”, TransPennine Express unveiled one of its Nova 1 trains with a ‘Unity’ theme featuring the latest Pride Progress flag and announced a partnership with The Proud Trust, an LGBT+ youth charity that empowers young people to be proud of who they are.

Thanks to the Step Up programme Becky quickly progressed her railway career, first as a revenue protection officer before becoming a conductor. She said: “Without the help I received from TPE and the fantastic Step Up programme I wouldn’t be where I am today. The programme is focused on helping women progress within the company, which is so important in what is still a male-dominated industry.

“I was sceptical at first, but after completing the programme my confidence has increased. Now I’m in, and have worked in the rail industry, I couldn’t see myself anywhere else. I love my job and wouldn’t have been able to make it this far without the help TPE provides.”

Harriet Harbidge, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at TransPennine Express said: “We’re so excited to celebrate our first Week of Inclusion and highlight some of the incredible colleagues we have, such as Becky, who make a real difference to TPE.

“Launching the ‘Unity Train’ was a perfect way to kickstart the week. Speaking to our LGBTQ+ network group we know how important it is to our colleagues and the communities we serve, that this train is now in service.”

Lisa Harvey Nebil, CEO of The Proud Trust, said: “Seeing the ‘Unity Train’ in all its glory fills myself and our team with huge pride and we can’t wait for the LGBT+ community to see the train as it travels throughout the North.

“We’ve already received fantastic support from TPE and we’re looking forward to doing more inspiring work together.”