LGBT+ charity Stonewall has awarded ‘Trailblazer’ status to Alstom.

‘Trailblazer’ is the top category in Stonewall’s Proud Employers Accreditation scheme, with winners described by the charity as showing “leadership at its finest. Trailblazers are at the forefront of change, with exceptional commitment and results that inspire others. 

Stonewall was established in 1989, in the wake of the notorious ‘Section 28’ law. It advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer+ (LGBTQ+) rights.

Stonewall praised Alstom for having inclusive policies, focusing on intersectionality and pushing its inclusion agenda across its supply chain and to the rail sector more widely.

In 2018, Alstom set up an employee resource group for LGBTQ+ staff and allies. The group, called Voices of Pride+ aims to create a more supportive and equitable workplace culture.

Alstom has also carried out diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) training, with courses attended by over 2,100 employees in the UK and Ireland. It also ran a ‘Be the U in inclUsive’ roadshow to most of the company’s 37 sites.

Since 2017, Alstom has run a biannual EDI census, which aims to identify areas for improvement.

Pride+ is one of four ‘Voices of’ groups , the others being Cultural Diversity, Disability, Pride+ and Women. these groups provide a forum for workers to share experiences; challenge elements of the company’s strategy and policies which restrict inclusion; oversee relevant key performance indicators; and act as ambassadors.

Alstom works closely with charity Micro Rainbow, which supports LGBTQI asylum seekers and refugees. The company funds a Moving On Officer at Micro Rainbow, who helps people to find employment, access skills training and pursue further education. They also offer assistance with seeking financial support.

Alstom has also applied inclusive liveries to some of its vehicles. In 2024, the company unveiled a ‘trambow’ with East Midlands Railway (EMR) and tramway Nottingham Express Transit (NET) ahead of Notts Pride. It also hosted the first onboard Pride parade at the Greatest Gathering at its Derby site last year.

‘Trainbow’ designs have appeared on locomotives including Avanti West Coast’s Class 390 Pendolino No. 390119 ‘Progress’, Elizabeth line’s Class 345 Aventra No. 345055 ‘Every Story Matters’, and West Midlands Railway’s Class 730 Aventra No. 730018, which was named ‘Hurst Street’ in honour of Birmingham’s Gay Village.

Alstom flies the Progress Pride year-round outside its Litchurch Lane Works and has a Pride wall inside its Crewe Works.

“Being recognised by Stonewall as a Trailblazing Employer is an enormous honour and a powerful validation of the journey we’re on at Alstom. This accreditation reflects the strength of our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can be their authentic self.

“Our people are at the heart of this achievement. Their openness, advocacy and willingness to challenge and improve how we work has shaped a culture that celebrates diversity and drives meaningful change across our business and the wider rail sector.”

Piers Wood, Managing Director Ireland and Senior Sponsor of Voices of Pride+ at Alstom