The Women in Rail awards, hosted by Women in Rail, were created to improve diversity in the UK's rail industry, through providing opportunities and support for all women within the sector - encouraging more women into the rail industry.

The Social Inclusion Award gives recognition to an organisation which has developed a strong and successful inclusion programme, reaching out to communities in their area, to ensure local people have access and opportunities to a career in UK rail, whilst also demonstrating a proactive, inclusive and diversity-focussed mindset in its effort to bring local communities into rail.

MSVF is currently building the vital transport infrastructure needed to support the development of one of Europe’s largest brownfield sites, helping to facilitate the construction of a new, vibrant, London neighbourhood, aiming to offer real opportunities for everyone.

As part of the development, MSVF has constructed a new station at Barking, as well as extending the existing London/Tilbury/Southend railway line by 4.5km, to the London Overground Gospel Oak to Barking line.

Enhancing the communities in which it works is a fundamental part of MSVF, which has continued to support local communities in East London, since work began in 2019 - leading to £173m of social value being created by the project.

The judges praised MSVF for its targeted commitment and continued support for local schools, and community and outreach programmes.

Commenting on the award, Chris Dransfield, MSVF social value manager, said: “We are extremely proud to have been recognised for our commitment to social value. Our social value approach goes beyond enhancing the communities in which we work. Our aim is to provide long-term benefits, and a lasting legacy for the whole community.

“I have had the privilege of seeing – first-hand – the positive impact we have had on some of our closest neighbours, over the past two years, which has been incredibly rewarding. Thank you to everyone involved, and a huge well done.”