Daniel Hignett

Said the following about Shane Andrews:

“Shane has led Network Rail’s LGBT+ employee network Archway as Chair since October 2019. During this time under Shane’s leadership the network has:

- maintained contact and engagement with the membership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic with weekly newsletter and online events

- led the expansion of Archway’s membership to members of the LGBT+ community and allies from across the railway industry as well as those within Network Rail. Archway currently has over 1300 members from across the industry (which is more than double what the figure was when Shane took over as chair).

- in collaboration with KPMG’s Breathe network, raised over £40,000 for the Terence Higgins Trust to celebrate 40 years of THT. Shane has since said that the £40,000 goal was set by himself and Mel Knight from KPMG after a few glasses of wine made it seem like an achievable target

- Allowed Network Rail to be recognised by Stonewall as a ‘Top 100 Employer for 2023’ for the first time as well as maintaining its ‘LGBTQ+ Inclusive Employer – Silver Award’ status. Archway has previously been recognised as ‘Network Group of the Year’ in 2022

Shane’s approach throughout his time as Chair has been one of collaboration, encouragement, empowerment and empathy which has enabled him, through the network, to achieve these massive goals and to continue pressing forward, all the time advocating for LGBT+ employees within Network Rail.“