CIRO Connect Wins Prestigious Training Excellence Award at Spotlight Rail Awards 2025
On 20 March, CIRO Connect was named winner of the Training Excellence category at the Spotlight Rail Awards 2025, recognising the programme’ s innovation and impact since its 2024 launch.
Held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London, the awards celebrate outstanding contributions across the rail sector.
The win highlights CIRO Connect’ s success in addressing critical workforce challenges, including skills shortages, leadership development, and knowledge transfer. Designed as an immersive, expert-led 12-session programme, it equips professionals with the practical skills and crossindustry insight needed to succeed in today’ s evolving rail landscape.
Adam Fenton, CIRO’ s Chief Operating Officer and a key figure behind the programme, said:
“ This award is a testament to the passion and dedication that went into developing CIRO Connect. It’ s an incredibly proud moment for our team.”
Carol Deveney, Transport Projects Consultant and course leader, added:
“ CIRO has been bold, collaborative, and forwardthinking throughout. This is the kind of programme I wish existed 20 years ago.”
CIRO Connect’ s momentum continues, having also been shortlisted for the Skills Development Excellence award at the Rail Business Awards 2025 and named a finalist at the upcoming Women in Rail Awards 2025— affirming its role in promoting inclusion and future-proofing the workforce.
With 75,000 rail workers expected to leave the industry by 2030, and skills shortages already costing the UK economy up to £ 181 million annually( NSAR), high-quality training is more urgent than ever.
CIRO Connect responds to this need, offering training in:
- Incident & Emergency Management- Operational Planning & Performance- Leadership Development- Cross-Industry Knowledge
The programme strengthens both individuals and organisations— supporting a resilient, efficient, and future-ready rail industry.
Following this award milestone, CIRO Connect will expand further in 2025, continuing to bring new insights, expert guidance, and practical skills development to professionals across the sector.
To explore how CIRO Connect can support your organisation’ s training goals, contact learning @ railwayoperators. co. uk or visit www. ciro. org / ciroconnect. www. ciro. org
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