FirstGroup

FirstGroup

We’re big on variety - not just in our services but in our people, too

At FirstGroup, we’re big on variety. We’re one of the UK’s largest bus operators, and we look after around a fifth of bus services outside London. We’re also one of the country’s most experienced rail operators too. And the only one to run every sort of railway - long distance, regional, commuter and sleeper operations - through three passenger franchises, Great Western Railway, South Western Railway and TransPennine Express, and one open access operator, Hull Trains.

It means we carry more than a quarter of a billion passengers on a huge variety of journeys every year. It also means that having an equally wide variety of people on our team has never been more important to us. In fact, we believe that the more diverse we are, the broader our experience will be, and the bigger our opportunities to innovate.

That’s why we’re committed to equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion at every level, both in our Boardroom and in our wider business, and it all begins with our four gender diversity commitments:

  • Increase the numbers of female applicants for all roles
  • Encourage more women to stay and progress
  • Support and develop more women into higher paying roles
  • Ensure men are more aware and can play their part in creating an inclusive workplace which is welcoming to women

What’s more, we recently launched two new development programmes in the UK – ‘Step Up’ and the ‘Women’s Career Development Programme’ - both of which encourage women in all areas of our business to stay with us and progress their careers.

Across FirstGroup, you’ll also find a wide range of brilliant initiatives like ASPECT, Great Western Railway’s LGBTQ+ network which promotes equality and inclusion, supports Pride events, and has already taken part in the Stonewall Workplace Index to benchmark performance.

Day to day, beyond our partnership with Work180, we work closely with Inclusive Employers and Rest Less, and we’ve also partnered with the Wise Campaign. Our commitment to diversity is continually being recognised. For example, TransPennine Express was recently ranked 26th in The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List – a definitive list of UK based organisations that promote inclusion across all protected characteristics.

So, if you’re looking for an employer who puts variety first - not just when it comes to services but in people too, then FirstGroup is the place to start your search.

For information on careers with FirstGroup in the UK click here

For information about inspiring women at FirstGroup, click here

"I left the 'Step Up' course amazed by the possibilities available to women like me within FirstGroup and impressed by the enthusiasm of everyone involved to reach new levels of success in the industry. The programme has empowered me and my peers to push forward with our careers. Shortly after attending Step Up, I was successful in an interview to become a Driver Learning Manager and am currently training the next generation of drivers and helping them start on their own careers."
Gemma Byrne
Driver Learning Manager - Great Western Railway
Gemma Byrne, Driver Learning Manager - Great Western Railway
"I was recently nominated to attend a Step Forward course with First Group, which is part of a women’s development programme, designed to boost professional skills and profile, within the traditionally male-dominated environment of the rail industry. SWR have a great mentoring programme which is a great opportunity to build those influential connections. I’ve had some great mentors over the years, that were kind enough to impart their wisdom and guide me through career hurdles."
Siobahn Neligan
Senior Customer Experience Business Partner
Siobahn Neligan, Senior Customer Experience Business Partner
"I have wanted to work in safety for over three years and I never had the right opportunities to make that happen. I wanted to be part of a bigger change in the rail industry and with me studying Human Factors, this enables me to be a part of that culture change. I’d encourage everyone to believe in yourself and have a positive attitude. There are many opportunities within the rail industry that are open to everyone."
Catherine Horrocks
Safety, Risk & Change Manager
Catherine Horrocks, Safety, Risk & Change Manager