Alstom Recognised as ‘Trailblazer’ for Workplace Inclusion

Alstom has received national recognition for its commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace, achieving ‘Trailblazer’ status under Stonewall’s Proud Employers Accreditation scheme – the highest level available.

The accreditation, awarded by LGBTQ+ rights charity Stonewall, is reserved for organisations that demonstrate outstanding leadership in promoting inclusion and equality. In its assessment, Stonewall highlighted Alstom’s strong policies, focus on intersectionality, and efforts to extend inclusive practices across its supply chain and the wider rail industry.

As a major supplier of trains, signalling and infrastructure in the UK, Alstom has placed inclusivity at the centre of its organisational culture. A key part of this has been the establishment of its employee network, Voices of Pride+, launched in 2018 to support LGBTQ+ staff and allies and help shape a more inclusive working environment.

The company has also rolled out extensive diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) training, reaching more than 2,100 employees across the UK and Ireland. In addition, its “Be the U in inclUsive” roadshow has visited most of its 37 sites, raising awareness and encouraging engagement across the business.

Piers Wood, Managing Director for Ireland and senior sponsor of Voices of Pride+, said the recognition reflects Alstom’s ongoing commitment to creating a workplace where individuals feel able to be themselves. He credited employees for driving cultural change through advocacy, openness and continuous improvement.

Alstom has also taken a data-led approach to inclusion, introducing a biannual equality, diversity and inclusion census to identify areas for progress. Insights from this have informed targeted initiatives, including workshops designed to equip staff with practical tools to support inclusive behaviours.

The company’s wider inclusion strategy is supported by four employee-led groups focused on cultural diversity, disability, gender and LGBTQ+ issues. These networks provide a platform for sharing lived experiences, influencing policy and monitoring progress against key performance indicators.

Chair of Voices of Pride+, Pippa Armstrong, said achieving the top-level accreditation reflects years of collaboration and sustained effort across the organisation, noting that the recognition demonstrates the tangible impact of practical changes made to support LGBTQ+ colleagues.

Beyond its internal initiatives, Alstom works with external partners such as Micro Rainbow, supporting LGBTQI asylum seekers and refugees through employment and training

opportunities. The company also contributes funding to provide tailored support services for individuals seeking to rebuild their lives.

Alstom has also promoted visibility through symbolic initiatives, including Pride-themed liveries on trains and trams, and by maintaining year-round displays such as Progress Pride flags at its sites. These efforts aim to reinforce the message that inclusion is an ongoing commitment rather than a one-off campaign.

The company’s work has also been recognised more widely across the sector. Its involvement in initiatives such as a Pride parade on a train during the Railway 200 celebrations has received industry awards, while it has also been shortlisted for an Inclusive Company award at the 2026 British LGBT Awards.