Celebrations were high on the agenda for Avanti West Coast at the 2021 Women in Rail Awards as their team member Karen Paton, who is a Glasgow Onboard Manager, was awarded the ‘Women in Rail' award and their ‘Lead the Way' campaign won ‘Best Apprenticeship Scheme'
The Women in Rail Awards focus on those who have made a significant contribution to the bettering of gender balance within UK rail and aims to showcase individuals and companies who go above and beyond when it comes to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Credit: Avanti West Coast
Karen is based in Glasgow and was very proud to receive her award, which is given in recognition of somebody who goes beyond all expectation of their day job to support others, individuals or communities during the pandemic.
At the beginning of the pandemic, Karen was conscious of the impact on her local community and devised an idea of making boxes of supplies which were distributed to local hospitals and care homes.
Following plenty of positive feedback, her idea was moved forward onto the Anglo Scottish rail route, where the parcels were sent by trains to other stations down the line. Karen liaised with her colleagues to organise distribution to their local communities.
Karen also created a video for her 3,500+ Avanti West Coast colleagues in a bid to encourage simple acts of kindness, to bring a smile and show their willingness to help each other, whilst keeping positive and remaining motivated.
Karen said: “I'm a bit overwhelmed if I'm honest, whilst my name is on the award, its more about teamwork, and how we have all stuck together to deal with the challenges of the last 18 months.”
The judging panel realised Karen's incredible contribution to others, as she had clearly demonstrated outstanding kindness, care and compassion and also being an inspiration to many others.
The Best Apprenticeship Scheme also went to Avanti West Coast's ‘Lead the Way' campaign. The project was developed by the Talent Management Team to in a bid to help re-energise team members following a difficult year and to offer self-development opportunities which support career progression.
The judging panel recognised the impressive apprenticeship scheme that has received positive internal and external feedback, it was also recognised that evidence of genuine improvements in apprentices' career progression with Avanti West Coast has been made.
Credit: Avanti West Coast
Also shortlisted for the Inspiration Woman of the Year Award was Caroline Donaldson, Managing Director for West Coast Partnership Development.
Emily Hall, Quality and Apprenticeship Manager at Avanti West Coast said: “The Best Apprenticeship Scheme Award is a celebration of the value that apprenticeships can bring to our business and our people. This award is not just for the Talent Team but for every apprentice undertaking an apprenticeship programme who is working hard to self-develop and meet their career goals.”
Phil Whittingham, Manager Director at Avanti West Coast, added: “We want our people to represent the communities we serve, so its great news our Lead the Way campaign has been recognised for taking positive steps in addressing diversity and inclusion.
“And in Karen we have a real superstar. She's a credit to us all and her award is well deserved.”
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