Social and environmental impact of rail supply chain recognised in Alstom’s Supplier CSR awards in the UK and Ireland

• Alstom handed out nine awards to companies creating social value
• 125 suppliers in the UK and Ireland took part in Alstom’s wider engagement exercise

Alstom, global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, is celebrating the positive social and environmental impact being made by its UK and Ireland supply chain following the company’s inaugural Supplier Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Awards.

Nine awards were handed out to recognise both small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and large companies who are delivering products and services to Alstom while also improving health and wellbeing, tackling social inequality, helping fight climate change and driving equal opportunity – in alignment with the UK Government’s Social Value Model. 

The Awards followed an engagement exercise run in partnership with the Supply Chain Sustainability School (SCSS) – a virtual learning platform accessible to all Alstom’s UK and Ireland suppliers. Over the last year, 125 suppliers took part in bespoke learning pathways relating to sustainability, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and environment, health and safety (EHS). 

“Engaging with our suppliers is critical to achieving shared success. The quality of submissions we received this year reflects a growing maturity and commitment to corporate social responsibility across our supply base,” said Olivier Quindos, Procurement Director UK and Ireland at Alstom.

He added: “Alstom’s Supplier CSR Awards not only celebrate the remarkable initiatives already making a difference but also set a benchmark for what’s possible when we align our values and ambitions. We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to work hand-in-hand with our partners to shape a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient rail industry.” 

Suppliers recognised by Alstom demonstrated impact across a wide range of social value priorities, from targeted apprenticeship programmes to the establishment of employee resources groups (ERGs) and from staff wellbeing initiatives to science-based solutions that help fight climate change.

“We are incredibly proud to be recognised, as equal opportunities are at the heart of our values and core to how we operate, both within our organisation and in the way we support our workers,” said Lindsay Harrison, Chief Customer Officer at Rullion.

She added: “Listening to all the speakers today really resonated with me, especially as we are already facing significant challenges with skill shortages. However, it doesn’t have to be as daunting if we change our mindsets and approaches to recruitment. There are so many underrepresented communities that we could be tapping into – whether that’s women, people from different industries or other diverse groups. By opening up our ways of working, we can attract a wider pool of talent.”

Those present at the Supplier CSR Awards 2025 also heard speeches from Elaine Clark OBE, Chief Executive Officer at Rail Forum, and Noel Travers, Chairman at the Railway Industry Association, who both reiterated the importance of embedding social value throughout the sector’s supply chain.

The Supplier CSR Awards 2025 winners are listed below:

Tackle Economic Inequality (SME)             

• MPI Recruitment             

Alstom specifically wanted to recognise MPI’s trainee scheme, both internal and sponsoring apprenticeships with clients. They have demonstrated a targeted approach to regions with significant skills shortages, such as in Glasgow, Manchester and Cornwall. Employing local workers reduces the need for long-distance commuting, which not only benefits individuals by lowering their costs and improving work-life balance but also strengthens local economies. Since its launch in 2012, over 70 trainees have successfully gained their Institution of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE) licenses, filling critical gaps in the workforce and ensuring that the rail industry has a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals. 

Tackle Economic Inequality (Large)

• Telent

The judges noted Telent’s impressive apprentice intake, which has been increasing over the years and covers all levels by the digital infrastructure provider.

Improve Health & Wellbeing (SME)           

• Olympus Global  

The judges were particularly impressed with documentation which evidenced the distribution services company’s supportive environment that prioritises physical, mental and emotional wellness through various health and wellbeing initiatives. 

Improve Health & Wellbeing (Large)          

• OCS       

This was a very strong submission from the facilities services group, with clear evidence of policies and support in place. A special mention was given for its Creating Harmony, Respecting Others, Making Allies (CHROMA) Network that shares resources and hosts events such as ‘View from Your Brew’ and ‘Wellbeing Month’ to support colleagues’ mental and physical health.

Drive Equal Opportunity  (SME)

• Shorterm            

Clear and strong evidence provided by the recruiter was noted, especially around setting KPIs and monitoring DEI across the organisation, as well as an emerging ERG that is highly important to achieve inclusion in the workplace. 

Drive Equal Opportunity  (Large)  

• Rullion

An excellent submission that stood out from the crowd with solid and clear evidence to support their application, which demonstrated how DEI is embedded into the way this organisation works. The recruiter also scored particularly highly in health and wellbeing, further emphasising how they care for their people. 

Fight Climate Change (SME)

• Petards Rail Technology  

Petards Rail Technology has a strong policy and CSR commitment. Their KPIs were well reported and validated externally through EcoVadis, a globally recognised assessment platform that rates businesses’ sustainability.

Fight Climate Change (Large)

• HUBER+SUHNER            

The fibre optic manufacturer has shown a strong understanding of how the parts they supply to Alstom play a pivotal role in both companies reaching their commitment to customers and reaching their science-based targets. 

Supply Chain Sustainability School (SME)

• Kadel Engineering            

Following attendance at Alstom’s baseline survey in November 2024, Kadel employees were the first to complete all four of the learning pathways with the SCSS and this award recognised their commitment to the wider initiative. 

The inaugural Alstom UK and Ireland Supplier CSR Awards was held on Wednesday 14 May at Derby College’s Roundhouse Campus, situated on the site of the former Midland Railway Locomotive Works and close to Alstom’s Litchurch Lane rolling stock factory. 

Meanwhile, Alstom recently announced the recipients of its UK and Ireland 2024 Community Project Fund (CPF). Twelve charities and community-led projects across the two countries will share more than £125,000 (€145,000). Alstom employees are also encouraged to use their annual volunteering day to offer additional support to the beneficiaries.

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