Employees are in on the act at theatre workshops

Seven employees representing each of Arriva's UK businesses havebeen recognised for their efforts in organising a series oftraining workshops for around 1,600 people.

Arriva's 'Valuing and Managing Difference' forum theatreworkshops involved around 1,600 managers and supervisors fromaround the Group's UK bus, train, vehicle rental and head officeoperations. A Certificate of appreciation was presented fromArriva's chairman Gareth Cooper to each of the seven employeestasked with organising the events.

The workshops, which were developed by Arriva and the GarnettFoundation, were used to raise understanding and awareness andultimately improve behaviours focusing on diversity issues. Usingtheatre forum, prepared scenes, written by the Garnett Foundationbased on company research, were played out in front of the audienceand then discussed in facilitated sessions.

Part-funded by Equal – a European transport developmentproject – the workshops were supported by the InternationalUnion of Public Transport, Race for Opportunity and OpportunityNow. The initiative has also been entered for a National TrainingAward.

Mark Saxton, Arriva's group HR director, said:

The training was invaluable to help build capabilityfor the future by raising the awareness of diversity issues at asenior level across the Group. We must ensure that we create anenvironment in which people's differences are acknowledged,understood and appreciated.

The support team used excellent organisational skillsto ensure that the workshops were a success and the Arriva Boardwas delighted to recognise their efforts.

Note to editors

The photograph below is available in electronicformat.

Front row: Anita Dale (PA andfacilities manager, UK Bus), Clare Hasler (HR advisor, ArrivaVehicle Rental), Linda Pearce (PA to chief executive and HRdirector, Arriva plc), Lynn Green (PA to directors, Arriva Trains),Nick Griffiths (training assistant, Arriva TrainsNorthern).

Middle row: Steve Clayton (MD, UKBus), Michael Allen (non-executive director), Kate Franklin(training manager, Arriva Trains Wales ), Jill Pearson (HR teamorganiser Arriva Trains Northern), Jenifer Digby (HR executive, UKBus), Gareth Cooper (non-executive chairman), Veronica Palmer(non-executive director).

Back row: David Martin (MD,international), Steve Lonsdale (group finance director), Bob Davies(chief executive), Simon Batey (non-executive director), DavidTurner (company secretary), Mark Saxton (Group HRdirector).