Celebrating being one of the UK’s Best Workplaces for Women™
We’re proud to be included on the UK’s Best Workplaces for Women™ 2025 list, in position 45 for medium-sized organisations.
Accolades like this wouldn’t be possible without the support of our teams, who shared their feedback on working in the NRL Group anonymously with Great Place To Work® last year. 97% of them agreed that they thought the NRL Group was a great place to work when surveyed, earning us the official certification.
Diversity and inclusion are deeply rooted within our culture, and we’re committed to providing new job opportunities and career development support to women across our business. So, we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate our latest accolade, than to shine a spotlight on just some of our wonderful colleagues working across our teams.
Lisa Jackson, Divisional Manager at NRL’s Sunderland recruitment branch
We’re privileged to have had Lisa in our Sunderland team for 22 years and are pleased to have seen her career develop over this time to her current role overseeing the strategic growth of the branch, during an extremely busy and exciting time.
“Throughout my time at NRL, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside some incredibly talented women whose leadership and mentorship have helped shape my career. They have pushed me to back myself and lead with confidence, to really challenge myself and use my voice in high-pressured, often male dominated situations. It’s something I’m really passionate about passing on and supporting others with as they grow in their own careers.
Selina Benton, Operations Manager for NRL’s Rail contracting business
Having worked in NRL’s Rail business for more than 10 years, there isn’t a single thing Selina doesn’t know about our rail maintenance and contracting services. Historically male-dominated, it’s refreshing to see the sector advocating for a better gender balance.
“I can honestly say through my own experience at NRL, roles are filled based on skill, not gender, which is great to see and rewarding as an employee who’s progressed her own career with the company. The National Skills Academy for Rail (NSAR) Workforce Study 2024 highlighted that gender diversity has risen to 17.4%, indicating the rail industry is moving in the right direction. But real progress requires equal access to jobs and training, inclusive growth, and shared success. Career advancement should be driven by experience, proficiency, and opportunity – not gender bias.”
Martha Njue, International Compliance Manager for NRL’s recruitment business
Our international recruitment and global mobilisation capability has grown significantly since Martha’s first day in the office 17 years ago.
“It has been an incredibly uplifting journey to witness the growth of NRL’s International services – from a small team of 3 people to two dynamic teams; International Compliance and International Recruitment, comprising of 6 talented ladies and 6 dedicated gentlemen.
With our operations now spanning multiple regions across the globe, I feel truly fortunate to be part of NRL. Over the past 17 years, I’ve been supported and empowered to grow—from starting as a junior Payroll Assistant to becoming an Office Manager and now serving as the International Compliance Manager. NRL has not only fostered my professional development but has also exemplified what it means to be a workplace that champions women and nurtures talent.”
Natalie Baines, Operations Manager for our Linx business
Within our Linx business we help companies gain better oversight and management of their contingent labour workforce and recruitment supply chain, so it’s always busy for Operations Manager Natalie. Joining the business in 2017, she’s been pivotal in evolving our client services.
“Reflecting on my journey since joining Linx, I’m proud of the growth I’ve experienced both personally and professionally. Over the past eight years, I’ve had the opportunity to develop my skills, broaden my experience and contribute to key areas of business growth, all of which have played a significant role in building my confidence and shaping my career.”
Taylor Gibbons, Technical Assistant/NDT Technician for NRL’s Non-Destructive Testing business
When Taylor joined NRL’s NDT business last year it marked an important milestone, as we look at how we can attract more women into a male-dominated discipline.
“Joining NRL Group has been an exciting step in my career, offering strong professional support and opportunities for growth. As a Radiographer entering a male-dominated sector, I have been encouraged by the inclusive environment and the respect shown for my skills and contributions from day one.”
Jessica Neil, Compliance and Administration Assistant at NRL’s Wigan recruitment branch
Jessica joined NRL’s Wigan team through an apprenticeship opportunity 4 years ago, and we’re pleased to see how much her knowledge and skills have grown over the years.
“When I joined NRL’s Wigan team through an apprenticeship opportunity, I received a great deal of support throughout my learning. I was given dedicated time to revise for exams and complete my Level 3 Business Administration course work, with everyone in the team invested in my learning. Since then, I’ve continued to be given more opportunities to learn new skills and extend my knowledge, including getting more involved with the facilities management side of our operations, and have been encouraged to participate in personal effectiveness training, which has been extremely beneficial.”
Tiffanie Harding, Recruitment Consultant in NRL’s Teesside branch
When Tiffanie joined NRL’s North East operations in 2023, fellow colleagues were only too happy to share their knowledge and help her progress.
“As someone new to the recruitment industry, it is incredibly inspiring to start my journey at a company recognised as one of the UK’s best workplaces for women. In my 2 years recruiting in the engineering sector – a traditionally male-dominated field – I’ve seen first-hand how our company creates a truly inclusive environment where everyone can excel.”
Want to find out more about our UK’s Best Workplaces for Women™ listing?
You can read our full release below.