Women in Community Rail (WiCR) was established in June 2016 [ following an initial meeting that January ] to help support colleagues in the community rail family to work toward a more inclusive, tolerant and diverse membership, which is a true reflection of community rail users and the wider societal make up. The aim for women in community rail is to have a voice from grass roots to board level within community rail, whilst bringing everyone collectively on a journey to Achieve Change Together.

Recognition in relation to a disproportionate gender representation (particularly at decision making levels) and a younger age profile was, and still remains a constant point of discussion across the wider community rail family.

A steering group of twelve made up of like-minded individuals came together from community rail partnerships, station adoption groups, local authorities, and train operating companies, with an ambition to bring about positive change. Women in Community Rail (WiCR) was established to primarily address diversity and inclusivity imbalances within community rail.