By Ganymede

​Charlotte Cruise Takes on Chair Role at Women in Rail East Midlands

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Ganymede is proud to announce that Charlotte Cruise, Client Relationship Manager, has been appointed Chair of the Women in Rail East Midlands Regional Group.

This appointment reflects Charlotte’s ongoing commitment to improving equity, diversity and inclusion across the rail sector.

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Supporting Diversity in the Rail Industry

Women in Rail was established to improve diversity across the UK rail industry. Its work is centred around four key pillars. Attract, Engage, Support and Promote. Together, these focus on breaking down barriers into the sector, building stronger industry networks, supporting career development and raising the profile of women across rail.

The East Midlands Regional Group, launched in 2017, plays an important role in delivering this at a local level. It gives members a space to build networks, develop professionally and grow in confidence, while helping raise awareness of opportunities within rail across the region.

Charlotte’s appointment comes at a time when attracting, supporting and retaining diverse talent remains an important priority for the industry.

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A Long-standing Member of Women in Rail East Midlands

Charlotte has been a committee member of Women in Rail East Midlands since 2018, supporting the group through events, outreach and initiatives including Never Mind the Gap.

She takes on the Chair role from Nicola McGuire, who stepped down at the start of 2026 after several years on the committee and serving as Regional Chair since 2023.

Nicola has helped grow a strong and engaged network in the region and will continue to support the committee through local industry engagement, STEM activity and early careers outreach.

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Driving Impact Through Industry Collaboration

In her role as Chair, Charlotte will focus on strengthening the regional network and creating more opportunities for individuals to connect, develop and progress within the rail industry.

This includes:

• Expanding engagement across the East Midlands rail community

• Supporting initiatives that encourage more women into rail careers

• Creating platforms for knowledge sharing and peer support

Her leadership will help ensure that diversity remains a key focus for the region, supporting both individuals and businesses in building stronger, more inclusive teams.

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Ganymede’s Commitment to People and Progress

At Ganymede, people are at the centre of everything we do. Our approach, Tailored People Solutions, is built on understanding the challenges our clients face and delivering workforce solutions that support both immediate needs and long-term success. It reflects a simple belief across our business, People are our Passion.

Charlotte’s appointment is a strong example of that in practice. Through supporting initiatives like Women in Rail, we are helping encourage greater inclusion across the sector and supporting the development of future talent in rail.

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Looking Ahead

As the rail industry continues to evolve, attracting diverse talent and supporting career development will remain critical to long-term success.

Charlotte’s appointment as Chair of Women in Rail East Midlands is a positive step forward, strengthening the connection between industry, talent and opportunity across the region.

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Charlotte comments on joining as East Midlands WIR Chair:

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"I am really excited to take on the Regional Chair position at Women in Rail. I have been passionate about ED&I for many years. Attending the first regional Women in Rail events in 2017 and meeting so many inspiring women who became instant role models for me is what initially sparked my interest in ED&I and advocating for gender equity in the workplace.

I have learned so much about ED&I and advocacy since that initial spark and I continue to learn every day thanks to our ever-growing community and the effort education and inspiration it provides. I joined the committee in 2018 and, as someone working in recruitment, I felt I could offer a unique perspective and voice for women joining the industry and facing barriers to entry or progression.

The attraction and retention of women in the sector are areas I am personally very passionate about and I am very excited to support this work in my role as Regional Chair. I believe rail is a fantastic sector to work in with so many brilliant opportunities and I want to do whatever I can to ensure those opportunities are accessible to women and that women feel included supported and inspired to achieve great things in this sector."

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Get in Touch

​Women in Rail is currently planning the 2026/2027 events calendar across the East Midlands Region and would love members and corporate supporters to get involved. The organisation is keen to hear your ideas for events and initiatives and to explore ways to work together to achieve gender equity.

Events range from small site-based tours and activities to large networking events with over 100 attendees. If your organisation is interested in sponsorship opportunities or hosting an event, please contact Charlotte directly or email EastMidlands@womeninrail.org with the subject ‘WOMEN IN RAIL PARTNERING’. The regional events plan and sponsorship options can be shared directly.

Individuals can also get involved by supporting the regional committee as a volunteer. Please email with the subject ‘VOLUNTEERING’ and any opportunities or openings will be shared. Feedback on past or future events is also welcome; please use the subject ‘MEMBER FEEDBACK’.

For anything related to Women in Rail or to connect with the East Midlands network, you can contact Charlotte directly:

Charlotte Cruise
📧 charlotte.cruise@ganymedesolutions.co.uk
📞 07583 083 743
Connect with Charlote on Linkedin

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