Alstom engineer recognised with national leadership award

An engineer at train-maker Alstom has been recognised with a national award for her leadership in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives within the rail industry.

Charlotte Briers, rolling stock performance lead and chair of the Voices of Women employee resource group at the Litchurch Lane firm, has been awarded the Verena Winifred Holmes Award by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

The award celebrates individuals who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to valuing diversity and fostering inclusivity through innovative programmes.

Charlotte’s contributions include spearheading programmes such as the ‘Women@Alstom Spotlight’ series – with over 400 employees participating in interviews with senior female leaders from across the company – and the ‘Be the U in inclUsive’ roadshow, which visited most of the business’ 37 sites across the UK and Ireland.

More recently, Charlotte was instrumental in shaping Alstom’s new sector-leading maternity and adoption policy for staff in the UK, which offers eligible employees full pay for up to 12 months.

This policy is viewed as a critical part of Alstom’s commitment to supporting female retention and attracting new talent into the organisation and wider rail sector.

Charlotte said: “I am deeply honoured to receive the Verena Winifred Holmes Award.

“This recognition is not just for me but for everyone at Alstom who believes in the power of inclusivity to drive innovation and growth.

“Together, we are creating a workplace where every voice is valued and heard.

“I’m proud to be part of this journey and look forward to continuing our efforts to make a lasting impact.”

Matthew Byrne, services product line president and global lead for equality, diversity and inclusion at Alstom, said: “Charlotte has been an inspirational catalyst for workplace equity and diversity, not only within the UK but globally.

“Her drive and focus have helped transform our organisation, embedding inclusivity into the heart of what we do. This award is a well-deserved recognition of her outstanding efforts.”