A local, regional and national hunt for a trailblazing Head of Inclusion has been launched this National Inclusion Week by the East West Railway Company (EWR Co) to help ensure the railway meets the needs of local communities and its future customers. The new role is part of EWR Co’s commitment to making East West Rail inclusive for all and coincides with an expert panel discussion it’s chairing this afternoon on Building a more inclusive Arc.
People living and working between Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge will access East West Rail (EWR) services in different ways – and most will have different reasons for using the railway. That’s why EWR Co has launched the new role of Head of Inclusion at EWR Co, who will be tasked with ensuring the new railway is inclusive for all, meeting the needs of its current and future customers and communities.
Simon Blanchflower CBE, Chief Executive, EWR Co, said:
“We aim to put customers at the heart of our railway, which means considering the different needs of our local communities and going beyond the usual standards to deliver a service that is built first and foremost around the people we serve. The Head of Inclusion will play a vital role right across our organisation and will help us to make sure the railway meets the diverse needs of local communities.”
Margarita Ziborova, Head of People and Culture at EWR Co, said:
“We are committed to building a brilliant team of people with diverse skills, different backgrounds and experiences from a range of sectors, not just rail. This exciting new role will champion inclusion in our organisation, ensuring that the principles of equality, diversity and accessibility feed into every part of the business. We’re looking for an inspirational leader, who understands the needs of our local communities and can positively impact the company and the service we provide.
“As we continue to develop plans for the new railway, we are increasing our workforce and there will be an additional fifty jobs available that local people across the Arc can apply for in the next few months.”
The brand-new, permanent role will be based in Milton Keynes and will have both an internal and external focus. Internally, the role will lead and shape EWR Co’s Inclusion Strategy, which covers every phase of the project, and all areas of EWR Co as an organisation. Externally, the focus will be on ensuring the railway widens access to jobs, businesses, housing, and education, bringing prosperity and opportunities along the route.
The announcement of the new role, coincides with National Inclusion Week, taking place from 29th September to 3rd October 2021, which is designed to celebrate everyday inclusion in all its forms and brings together organisations from across the globe to celebrate, share and inspire inclusion practices. It also coincides with today’s East West Main Line 2021 event run by Peloton at Oxford Town Hall, where a panel discussion on inclusivity across the Ox-Cam Arc is taking place. For more information please visit: https://peloton-events.co.uk/east-west-main-line-2021/
As plans for the new railway continue to be developed, the Head of Inclusion post is one of 50 additional, new jobs available at EWR Co in the coming months. More information on current career opportunities can be found at eastwestrail.co.uk/opportunities/careers.
To stay connected with news and updates on the next stages of East West Rail, sign up to the newsletter or visit eastwestrail.co.uk.
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Notes to Editors
About the East West Rail project
East West Rail intends to create a new direct connection between Oxford and Cambridge. Serving communities across the area, it intends to bring faster journey times and lower transport costs as well as ease pressure on local roads.
East West Rail is planned to be delivered in three Connection Stages:
- Connection Stage One: Oxford to Bletchley and Milton Keynes
- Connection Stage Two: Oxford to Bedford
- Connection Stage Three: Oxford to Cambridge
Network Rail was responsible for developing the first part of the East West Rail, connecting Oxford with Bicester, and is a partner in a construction alliance to deliver Connection Stage 1 of the project, where East West Railway Company (EWR Co) and Network Rail are acting as the Department for Transport’s joint sponsors.
EWR Co is now developing the route to enable services to run to Cambridge via Bedford and plans to seek statutory powers under the Planning Act 2008, following a period of extensive consultation.
About East West Railway Company
East West Railway Company (EWR Co) was set up by the Secretary of State for Transport in 2018 to develop East West Rail, a railway with customers and communities at its core.
We have a mission to innovate and challenge the status-quo in the rail and construction industries, leading to a more efficient and cost-effective project delivery, and a great experience for passengers and the communities we serve. Our vision is delivery of a safe and secure railway that is better for the customer; cheaper for the taxpayer; delivered quicker than before and is greener for the environment.
Our distinctive outlook and commitment to doing the right thing
