Merseyrail Champions Gender Equality at International Event

MERSEYRAIL proudly marked International Women's Day with an event reaffirming its commitment to gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. The event, hosted in partnership with Blackburne House, a local charity championing women's issues, featured an inspiring agenda designed to celebrate achievements, discuss challenges, and drive positive change for women within the rail industry and beyond.

James Smith, Merseyrail's HR Director, opened the event by reflecting on the progress made over the past 12 months and reinforcing the organisation's dedication to accelerating action for women's advancement. A video montage showcased key initiatives, including:- menopause support, period positivity, pregnancy related safety measures, and targeted recruitment strategies to attract and retain female talent.

Attendees engaged in a thought provoking panel discussion featuring influential women from across various sectors, including:- Suzanne Grant, Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy Managing Director of Merseyrail, who shared insights into her career journey and the importance of supporting women in leadership. Ithalia Johnson, ADHD Coach, Multidisciplinary Artist, and EDI Trainer also spoke on overcoming barriers to success.

Ithalia also led an interactive session to energise participants, followed by a collaborative workshop focused on how Merseyrail can enhance the recruitment and retention of women within the industry. The day concluded with a wellbeing session facilitated by Blackburne House.

Speaking at the event, Suzanne Grant, Deputy Managing Director and Chief Commercial Officer at Merseyrail, said:- "International Women's Day is more than just a celebration it's a call to action. At Merseyrail, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture where all women feel supported, valued, and empowered to succeed. Merseyrail is dedicated to ensuring equal opportunities for women through its ongoing initiatives, including:- the launch of its new Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion strategy. This plan will focus on recruiting and retaining female talent, promoting apprenticeship opportunities, and creating a more inclusive workforce at all levels."

At the event, attendees gathered for a group photo, to mark this year's International Women's Day.

Recruiting Additional Adults in Schools: A Framework for Success

A new framework has been designed to help schools recruit Additional Adults by prioritising the skills, attributes, and characteristics needed for the role - rather than prior qualification and experience alone.

Primary schools across Liverpool are facing challenges in recruiting and retaining suitable staff for Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant and Additional Adult roles.

Not having the relevant qualifications or experience has sometimes limited the pool of potential candidates and resulted in a lack of suitable applications.

To address this, SIL has developed a training programme focusing on themes such as being a good role model, the importance of effective questioning and active listening, understanding the SEND code of practice, and recognising that all behaviour is communication. Tiered training is embedded within employment; ensuring that candidates acquire the appropriate knowledge and skills on the job.

The new framework offers:-

• Multiple pathways to employment - schools can recruit through apprenticeships, volunteer programs, by direct hire or via SIL Staffing Solutions Supply Agency.
  

• Competitive pay structure - suggested salary bands that are attractive to potential candidates and offer clear progression routes.
  

• Tiered approach to training - structured, yet flexible training including pay-as-you-go options or embedded through candidates recruited via SIL Staffing Solutions. (Depending on the needs of the school there may be subtle variations between those participating.)

Yvonne Sutton, Inclusive Learning Manager at SIL and member of the working party shared:- "We understand the challenges schools and settings face in recruiting and retaining support staff. Proudly leading the working group on behalf of local head teachers, we have developed a framework to support colleagues in their approach to recruitment of Additional Adult roles. By adopting this new framework and engaging with the available resources, schools can not only fill essential roles but also advance social mobility—giving individuals from all backgrounds the chance to work in education, with their unique skills, attributes, and potential being truly recognized and valued like never before. It also provides fulfilling opportunities for adults who can potentially make a meaningful impact on children's learning."

Laura Moreton, Headteacher at St. Michael in the Hamlet Community Primary School shared how a member of her team retrained after a career in the hair and beauty industry. She said:- "Despite having no prior education experience, our staff member brought a wealth of skills gained from previous roles and life experience. She transitioned into an Additional Adult / Learning Support Assistant role with no formal experience, quickly adapting and using her strong communication, problem solving, and organizational abilities to make a huge impact in supporting students' success. She has proved to be an invaluable asset, demonstrating exceptional dedication, empathy, and creativity in helping children thrive academically and emotionally."

Are you ready to start or progress your career as an Additional Adult?

From apprentices to established practitioners - Additional Adult roles offer fulfilling opportunities which make a meaningful impact to children's learning.

You can register with SIL Staffing Solutions, please go to:- SchoolImprovementLiverpool.Co.UK.

Search for current education vacancies across the City please visit:- SchoolImprovementLiverpool.Co.UK.