A train operator has been recognised by an equality organisation for its work to address the gender imbalance in the rail industry.

Northern Power Women, an equality campaign group, has shortlisted Northern as the ‘Large Organisation of the Year’ at its upcoming 2023 awards.

It is the second year running that Northern has been shortlisted for the awards.

The train operator, which provides services across East Lancashire, was praised for its commitment to developing an inclusive culture by having a forward-thinking approach to recruitment, development, and retention of talent.

Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, said: “We’re thrilled to have been shortlisted for a Northern Power Women Award.

“We feel very strongly that equality, diversity and inclusion is not limited to the work of our HR team – it’s a journey everyone at Northern needs to take together.

"As such, we work closely with colleagues from across the business, at all grades, to ensure progress made is visible to all.

“Northern has around 7,000 employees based across the North of England as despite an increase in the number of female employees by over 30 per cent in recent years, women still only account for 18.72 per cent of our workforce – so there is still much more to be done.”

The Northern Power Women awards take place on Monday, March 20, in Manchester.