Maxinie Joicey

Said the following about Matthew Foote:

““We work in an industry and a region that is still dominated by white, middle-aged, middle-class men. Our business does not truly reflect the diversity of the society we serve. Matt Foote is working hard to change all that. Matt recognises that successful teams and businesses comprise of a diverse range, whether it be gender, ethnicity, culture, or age. Matt has taken a concept like Diversity and Inclusion and implemented genuine change across his team. He's been prepared to look outside the normal recruitment pipeline, bringing people who are new to the railway into the role and investing in their training.

Matt has successfully created a team where he has encouraged graduates into Local Operations Manager roles and supported them through that process. Matt instantly recognises that creativity comes before the norm and manages successfully to increase employee engagement and diversity programmes within his area. Matt is the ultimate dedicated employee that wears multiple hats and gets things done, leading, and supporting others in his team in a diverse range of interventions around positive recruitment and career development, empowering women in their quest to develop and advance within the rail industry.

Matt is known for his radical thinking, and it has fundamentally underpinned the movement of equal rights and inspired an entire team to rethink equality. It took undeniable determination and courage of his convictions to start his programme of change in an industry that was dominated by white men. His great belief in his actions has formed the basis for much more diverse thinking within the operations functions and is a key contributor to the wider organisational programme of diversity.

He is also known for his passionate speeches on subjects such as women’s careers, compassion, and tolerance of all and is truly inspirational.

With the right mix of positivity and the ability to tap into others’ strengths and thinking outside the box, Matt has created a diverse successful team and continues to pioneer efforts for change within his region, wider functional team, and route.

Matt has used his leadership skills to act as a mentor, sponsor, or advocate, helping women advance in their career. He is currently sponsoring a new local operations management apprenticeship scheme which will attract a young, diverse audience. Matt is leading the creation of the programme and with his insight he will leverage the content to appeal to women to join this great industry.

It's great to see young women, some graduates some not, successfully securing Local Operations Manager roles and excelling in the roles because of the support and encouragement of Matt. He's taking us on a journey towards a future where senior Operations leadership roles will more genuinely reflect the diversity we serve.

Outside of work Matt enjoys life with his partner who is on a successful career journey through Network Rail and their young son. One of Matts passions is football; you will find him using his leadership and mentoring skills on a local football pitch most weekends as he coaches a team of young children with the same passion he displays in his role.““