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

Arriva's 'Valuing and Managing Difference' forum theatre workshops involved around 1,600 managers and supervisors from around the Group's UK bus, train, vehicle rental and head office operations. A Certificate of appreciation was presented from Arriva's chairman Gareth Cooper to each of the seven employees tasked with organising the events.

The workshops, which were developed by Arriva and the Garnett Foundation, were used to raise understanding and awareness and ultimately improve behaviours focusing on diversity issues. Using theatre forum, prepared scenes, written by the Garnett Foundation based on company research, were played out in front of the audience and then discussed in facilitated sessions.

Part-funded by Equal – a European transport development project – the workshops were supported by the International Union of Public Transport, Race for Opportunity and Opportunity Now. The initiative has also been entered for a National Training Award.

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

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

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

Note to editors

The photograph below is available in electronic format.

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

Middle row: Steve Clayton (MD, UK Bus), Michael Allen (non-executive director), Kate Franklin (training manager, Arriva Trains Wales ), Jill Pearson (HR team organiser Arriva Trains Northern), Jenifer Digby (HR executive, UK Bus), 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), David Turner (company secretary), Mark Saxton (Group HR director).