Awarding Organisation CIRO’ s Awarding Organisation( AO) continued to expand its portfolio throughout 2025, strengthening its reputation as a trusted awarding body and supporting the development of rail professionals through high-quality, industry-endorsed learning.
During the year, we officially launched the Diploma in Initial Signaller Training, developed in partnership with Network Rail, providing a nationally recognised programme that supports the development of competent signallers from the outset of their careers. We also expanded our portfolio of endorsed programmes through the endorsement of Network Rail’ s Weather Academy and Railway Mission’ s Paideia resilience programme, broadening the range of professional development opportunities available across the industry.
Together, these developments demonstrate a shared commitment with our industry partners to delivering tailored learning that addresses the evolving needs of the railway and strengthens the skills, resilience and capability of its workforce.
Academic CIRO’ s academic team made strong progress in 2025, strengthening its higher-education partnerships and preparing for the next phase of rail-focused programme delivery.
The rail-contextualised Senior Leader Apprenticeship MBA programme has enabled CIRO to establish a strong academic partnership with Keele University, creating a higher-level leadership development route that is directly relevant to the rail sector.
Following its launch in February 2025, a further two cohorts were enrolled during the year, with recruitment also underway for an additional cohort ahead of the removal of levy funding from January 2026. The specialist rail modules in Applied Railway Systems Integration and Applied Comparative Railway Operations are scheduled for delivery during the 2025 / 26 academic year. CIRO is reviewing how the programme could be structured and sustained beyond the current funding route, ensuring the partnership and learning offer remain relevant, accessible and responsive to the needs of the industry.
In March 2025, Vicky Johndrow was appointed as Learning and Development Manager to continue supporting CIRO’ s academic programmes and the ongoing development of the learning offer. The role contributes to programme delivery, quality assurance and future planning across the academic portfolio, building on the work of Adam Fenton, who has moved into the role of Chief Operating Officer.
The academic team continues to support the CIRO Scholarship Fund, providing fully funded places on CIRO’ s academic programme for learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. By reducing financial barriers to higher education, the fund supports social mobility and helps talented individuals access opportunities to develop, progress and build long-term careers within the rail industry.
End-Point Assessment Our End-Point Assessment Organisation( EPAO) continued to strengthen its provision throughout 2025, with the appointment of Sam Turner as Head of EPA and the introduction of enhanced quality assurance processes, including new assessor documentation, more rigorous continuing professional development( CPD), and an updated internal quality assurance strategy.
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