Alstom workplace inclusion UK recognised by Stonewall

Alstom workplace inclusion UK came into focus on 26 March 2026. The company said Stonewall had accredited it as a Trailblazing Employer. That recognition came under the charity’s Proud Employers Accreditation scheme. Also, that is the highest level in the scheme.

Stonewall was founded in 1989. It supports the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer+ (LGBTQ+) people. In addition, Alstom has been shortlisted for the Inclusive Company honour. The nomination is for the 2026 British LGBT Awards.

Alstom workplace inclusion UK and Stonewall accreditation

What Stonewall highlighted?

The Trailblazer level of accreditation is reserved for organisations that show genuine leadership. It also reflects an exceptional commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace. That commitment is meant to inspire others. Meanwhile, Stonewall highlighted inclusive policies in Alstom’s case. It also praised an emphasis on intersectionality. In addition, it pointed to activities across the company’s supply chain. Those activities were also intended to drive inclusion across the wider rail sector.

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Piers Wood, Managing Director Ireland and Senior Sponsor of Voices of Pride+ at Alstom, said: “Being recognised by Stonewall as a Trailblazing Employer is an enormous honour and a powerful validation of the journey we’re on at Alstom. This accreditation reflects the strength of our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can be their authentic self,”

He added: “Our people are at the heart of this achievement. Their openness, advocacy and willingness to challenge and improve how we work has shaped a culture that celebrates diversity and drives meaningful change across our business and the wider rail sector.”

Inclusion programmes

Alstom is the country’s foremost supplier of new trains and train services. It is also a leading signalling and infrastructure provider. The company says it is committed to being a fully inclusive organisation. Separately, in 2017, it introduced its biannual EDI census in the UK and Ireland. It did so to identify areas for improvement. Using those findings, the company developed and delivered Alstom8 workshops. Also, the workshops were intended to raise awareness. They also offered practical guidance on how to drive inclusion in the workplace.

Voices of Pride+ and diversity, equity and inclusion training

Employee networks

Internal networks and training are a central part of the Alstom workplace inclusion UK effort. In 2018, the company created Voices of Pride+. It is an employee resource group for LGBTQ+ staff and allies. Its aim is to create a more supportive and equitable workplace culture for everyone.

During this time, more than 2,100 employees attended diversity, equity and inclusion training. The figure covers the UK and Ireland, the company says. It also took its ‘Be the U in inclUsive’ roadshow to most of its 37 sites. Those sites are across the two countries. It also reported progress in increasing the number of diverse employees.

At the same time, the company’s four ‘Voices of’ groups support this work. They are Cultural Diversity, Disability, Pride+ and Women. The groups help to share lived experiences. They challenge groupthink in strategy and policy. They have oversight of relevant key performance indicators. They also act as ambassadors.

Pippa Armstrong, Train System Engineer and Chair of Voices of Pride+ at Alstom, said: “Achieving Trailblazer accreditation is the result of several years of sustained effort, collaboration and honest reflection across the whole organisation. This is Stonewall’s first year running their new accreditation, and to reach the highest level straight away shows just how far we’ve come by making practical changes that make a difference to LGBTQ+ colleagues every day,”

They added: “From strengthening our leadership approach to deepening our external engagement, teams across Alstom have worked tirelessly to drive inclusion forward. This recognition celebrates not only where we are now, but the dedication, passion and lived experience that have shaped our journey.”

Micro Rainbow, Pride liveries and British LGBT Awards 2026

Micro Rainbow support

In addition to its internal programmes, Alstom works with Micro Rainbow. The charity benefits LGBTQI asylum seekers and refugees. The company has hosted an employability day in Derby for Micro Rainbow beneficiaries. Through its Community Project Fund, it funds a Moving On Officer at the organisation. For example, that role provides one-to-one help with finding employment. It also supports access to skills training. It also supports further education. In addition, it helps with seeking financial support.

Pride liveries and awards

Alstom has also used vehicle liveries to make LGBTQ+ visibility more prominent. Various Alstom vehicles carry rainbow-themed branding. These are described as ‘trainbow’ designs. They include Avanti West Coast’s Class 390 Pendolino No. 390119 ‘Progress’. They also include Elizabeth line’s Class 345 Aventra No. 345055 ‘Every Story Matters’. Also, they include West Midlands Railway’s Class 730 Aventra No. 730018. It was named ‘Hurst Street’ in honour of Birmingham’s Gay Village. In 2024, the company also unveiled a ‘trambow’. It did so with East Midlands Railway and Nottingham Express Transit. That came ahead of Notts Pride.

Within the workplace itself, Alstom champions LGBTQ+ visibility. This includes flying the Progress Pride year-round outside its Litchurch Lane Works. It also includes having installed a Pride wall inside its Crewe Works. Meanwhile, the company says this makes the point to staff and visitors. Inclusion is a daily responsibility. It should not be confined to Pride Month.

Two of those vehicles — No. 390119 and No. 730018 — were displayed at The Greatest Gathering. As previously covered by Railway Supply, it was a record-breaking railway festival. It was held last year at Alstom’s Litchurch Lane Works in Derby. Also, Alstom worked alongside Journey, a not-for-profit group for LGBTQ+ professionals in transport. They organised the world’s first Pride parade on a train at the Railway 200 event. Last month, that initiative received the Diversity & Inclusion in Rail accolade. The award was at the Rail Business Awards.

Ahead of the Stonewall accreditation, it was also announced that Alstom had been nominated for the Inclusive Company honour. The nomination was for the 2026 British LGBT Awards. The awards are described as the UK’s biggest celebration of LGBTQ+ visibility. Separately, the winners are due to be announced in London on Thursday 28 May. The ceremony will bring together role models, allies and organisations. It will be an evening focused on progress, pride and possibility.

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