Rebecca Meggs

Said the following about Fiona Burke and McGinley Apprenticeship Team:

“Fiona Burke, our HR Director, and the McGinley Apprenticeship Team, whose unwavering dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion within the rail industry deserves the utmost recognition.

“In September 2022 a new team was recruited to work as part of a fresh apprentice team within McGinley. The team quickly demonstrated a dedication and commitment to growing entry-level roles in the infrastructure industry with a particular focus on rail workforce labour.

Hitting the ground running in eleven months the team recruited 188 apprentices placing 124 into host employers in the rail network, tackling inevitable challenges that come with managing such a dynamic and impactful program in their stride. It also has to be said that the team have an unwavering dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion within the rail industry, which comes from the ‘top down’ approach instilled in the team's lead HR Director, Fiona Burke.

Fiona Burke - A beacon of Inclusion: Fiona Burke, as our HR Director, not only shoulders the responsibilities of a demanding HR role but also leads our Apprenticeship Team. With a vision deeply rooted in empowerment and inclusivity, she has become a symbol of progress and innovation within the rail sector. Fiona's exemplary leadership has driven transformative change that has exceeded that of her peers.

Key Achievements:

With an unwavering commitment to diversity & inclusion, Fiona and the team have placed 124 apprentices in the industry across the country, making us not just a rail industry leader: but a catalyst for change.

1. Their tireless efforts have resulted in not only the largest number of apprentices being trained simultaneously for McGinley and at level 2 in the rail industry this year but in a remarkable increase in the number of workers from diverse backgrounds.

2. Diversity Recruitment Initiatives: Fiona and her team have implemented comprehensive diversity recruitment initiatives, actively seeking to increase the representation of underrepresented groups within our workforce. Their tireless efforts have resulted in a remarkable increase in the number of employees from diverse backgrounds, including women, people of colour, and individuals with disabilities. As a result, our statistics now proudly stand at:

• 13% female, 47% from BAME communities, 75% aged between 18-25 years old, LGBTIQA+ - 5%, Disabled – 7%, Care Leaver - 2%, Ex-refugee status - 1%, Prison leaver – 3%

3. Inclusive Training and Development: Our bespoke courses are tailored to meet the needs of our host employers and candidates simultaneously. Facilitating a great partnership, creating sustainable employment and long-term career development. They ensure that all employees, regardless of their background, have equal opportunities for growth and advancement within the rail industry. This has not only improved satisfaction but has also boosted productivity and efficiency.

4. Innovative Inclusion Programs: Fiona and her team have pioneered a range of innovative inclusion programs, including mentoring, networking, and kinship (WhatsApp groups) groups, designed to foster a profound sense of belonging and community among our apprentices. These programs have facilitated open dialogues on diversity-related issues and have led to tangible improvements in our workplace culture.

5. Impact on the Rail Industry: Fiona Burke and the McGinley Apprenticeship Team's collective efforts have had a profound impact on the rail industry, inspiring other organisations to prioritise, apprenticeships, diversity and inclusion. They have actively engaged in industry-wide partnerships and initiatives, driving positive change throughout our supply chain and the rail sector as a whole.

At McGinley, we firmly believe that diversity is the cornerstone of innovation and progress. Under Fiona Burke's leadership, and alongside the dedicated Apprenticeship Team, we have successfully attracted and retained a diverse workforce, leading to enhanced creativity, problem-solving, and overall business success. Their unwavering dedication to HR, Diversity, and inclusion has reshaped the rail industry, making it more equitable, innovative, and inclusive. We are immensely proud of our achievements and remain committed to our promise to advancing diversity and inclusion in the rail sector.“