DRS comes out on top

Direct Rail Services has been named ‘Top Employer’ at the 2019 Women in Rail Awards. DRS’ engineer, Lisa Graham, was also shortlisted as ‘Female Apprentice of the Year’ at the prestigious event in London earlier this month. 

The awards evening was hosted by television presenter and STEM ambassador, Rachel Riley, and attracted hundreds of representatives from across all areas of the UK’s rail industry.

In only its second year, the awards ceremony has become the flagship ‘Women in Rail’ event – rewarding those companies and individuals who work tirelessly to improve gender balance, diversity and inclusion.

Debbie Francis, Managing Director of DRS, commented: “What really makes our company a ‘Top Employer’ is the people, and we have some of the very best.

“This award is recognition of all the fantastic work by everyone at DRS in making it a more diverse and inclusive place to work. I really am so very happy and proud to lead DRS, and I look forward to seeing what other changes we can make together to further build and strengthen our organisation.”

DRS collect the award, left to right: Rachel Riley, TV presenter and host, Neil Curtis, Director of Security and Resilience, DRS, Debbie Francis, Managing Director, DRS and Terry Eastmond, Finance Manager, Railway Industry Association.

DRS also sponsored the ‘Most Inspirational Man’ category, for the second year running, which was won by Abu Siddeeq from Great Western Railway.

DRS is delighted to be involved with Women in Rail, which was created to improve diversity in the UK rail industry through providing opportunities and support for all women within the sector – encouraging more women in to the rail industry.