Arriva highly commended for its commitment to equality

Transport services organisation Arriva plc has received an awardfor its commitment to gender equality in the workplace and theinitiative it has developed which supports women at work.

Arriva was highly commended for its project 'The Arriva approachto diversity – Valuing difference,' at the –Opportunity now awards'. The awards, held every year, recognise theprogress that companies make towards gender equality and thedetermination shown to putting gender on their business agenda.

'The Arriva approach to diversity' is a new initiativeintroduced across the company, designed to create an environmentwhich maximises the potential of all employees and acknowledges,understands and appreciates all differences in people, whethercustomers or employees. It particularly focuses on the recruitmentof all types of people into Arriva.

As part of the initiative, Arriva established a Diversitycommittee, which includes senior managers, and a Diversity bestpractice forum.

Opportunity Now is a business-led campaign that works withemployers to realise the economic potential and business benefitsthat women at all levels contribute to the workforce.

Opportunity now is a part of Business in the community (BitC),an organisation set up to help businesses contribute to the socialand economic regeneration of local communities, by sharing theirskills, expertise, influence and time.

Arriva is a member of BitC and is involved in a number ofinitiatives to support the local communities in which it operatesacross the UK. Activities include playing a key role in the Ruralaction initiative to assist companies make a positive impact inrural communities, as well as the mentoring of youngsters to helpthem make the transition from school to the world of work.

Notes to editors

• A photo to accompany the release is available from Arriva plc'scorporate communications department.

Caption: Clara Freeman, chairman of Opportunity now, presentsArriva's Julie Allan and Jamie Whiteman with their Highly Commendedcertificate.