Learning From Best Practice - Japanese Railway Operations
Area Events
The CIRO South East Area Council were delighted to invite Tamzin Readman ACIRO , Operations Director , Network Rail for Kent , as guest speaker at their event in London on 11 th of June .
Tamzin provided members with an engaging insight into her , once in a lifetime , visit to Japan in November 2023 as part of the Railway Exchange Programme . During her talk , Tamzin took the opportunity to share learnings with members and what can be taken forward within the UK rail industry .
Tamzin spoke about some of the unique differences in the way the two countries ’ railways are operated but also the remarkable similarities and the myriad of opportunities they found to learn and share ideas with each other .
The professionalism , pride & discipline of everyone the exchange group met left an impression . From those dressing the trains to those working at stations , in the control rooms , in the rolling stock & infrastructure depots , & many more , everyone was wanting to impart their knowledge & experience .
Other observations leaving a strong imprint included how processes were embraced , the continuous striving for better and innovation , and the pride , respect and engagement they have in all they do and for each other , which were aligned to Network Rail Southern Region ’ s culture principles of ‘ keep it simple ’, ‘ listen , learn , improve ’ and ‘ show you care ’.
The exchange group saw some incredible technology in place and learned how innovation is constantly ongoing - their R & D Centre is impressive ! But having a robust process in place , with the right tools , equipment and systems to effectively facilitate the process , which everyone is properly trained in and regularly practices , is a huge factor in their ability to run an on-time railway .
Time and effort taken to embed change , to ensure lasting transformation , for example their ‘ Real Value Service ’ campaign has been ongoing since 2019 , resulting in a culture and behaviours that everyone has adopted , providing a strong foundation for the next phase of the campaign .
The exchange programme has been an incredible knowledge experience , to learn and share and best practice .
CIRO North West & Wales Family Fun Day
Tom Cox – CIRO North West & Wales Area Council
North West & Wales Area Members and their families went on a fun trip to Jodrell Bank for their 2024 Family Fun Day . This UNESCO World Heritage Site , established in 1945 by the visionary Sir Bernard Lovell , has been at the forefront of astrophysics .
It played a crucial role during the Cold War by tracking Soviet satellites as humanity took its first steps into space . The families and their friends explored the impressive array of four telescopes , with the Lovell Telescope standing tallest and the largest . The site also boasts four engaging Pavilions , where stunning films and static exhibitions brought to life the groundbreaking work conducted here . These Pavilions serve as educational hubs , hosting school groups and special events , ensuring that visitors of all ages can grasp the significance of the installation ’ s scientific role .
The Jodrell Bank is on 35 acres of beautiful grounds . The site features an Arboretum , a visible Exhibition , and Telescope Pathways . Despite the typical Manchester weather , the group made the most of the day , soaking in the beauty of the surroundings . Many took a well-deserved break to enjoy refreshments at the two cafes , while the well-stocked shop provided the perfect opportunity to buy some exclusive Jodrell Bank merchandise .
The group thanked the dedicated staff who made their day at Jodrell Bank enjoyable , informative , and unforgettable , with special recognition to Lisa and Lesley for their exceptional support !
The Bulletin | Issue 54 | November 2024 33