Train operator, Northern, has been recognised by a leading equality organisation for its work to address the gender imbalance in the rail industry.

Northern Power Women, a leading 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 award.

Announcing the shortlist, Northern was praised for its commitment to developing an inclusive culture in the workplace by demonstrating 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 and 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.

In the ‘Large Organisation’ category, Northern has been shortlisted alongside: Fujitsu, Kellogg’s, Learning Curve Group, Deloitte, DHL Supply Chain, The Co-Operative Bank, Nugent, IKEA, Siemens, Bank of America, and CGI.

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with nearly 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.

Northern’s new timetable came into effect in December 2022 and all customers, especially those who have made regular journeys on specific train times, are advised to use the new 'Check My Timetable' feature on Northern’s website to see changes specific to their local station.