CIRO AO and Network Rail Launch Endorsed Weather Academy Programme
CIRO Awarding Organisation( CIRO AO) and Network Rail have launched the Weather Academy’ s first CIRO Endorsed Programme, marking a significant step in strengthening the railway industry’ s resilience to weather-related challenges.
The programme equips railway professionals with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to respond effectively to severe and unpredictable weather. Delivered through a combination of immersive e-learning and workshop training, it ensures participants are prepared to manage both the operational and safety impacts of adverse conditions on the UK rail network.
The launch was celebrated on 19 August at Network Rail’ s Waterloo office, bringing together representatives from both organisations following months of close collaboration.
Lisa Angus, Industry Weather Response Director, emphasised the importance of the initiative:“ Weather is something we can’ t control, but with the right knowledge and tools, we can control how we respond to it. The Weather Academy’ s CIRO Endorsed Programme is here to help us do just that.”
By receiving CIRO AO endorsement, the Weather Academy gains external recognition from the UK’ s sole Chartered Professional Institution for Railway Operators. This not only strengthens Network Rail’ s internal quality assurance but also demonstrates a joint commitment to professional excellence, advancing industry standards, and developing a skilled and resilient workforce.
Adam Fenton, COO at CIRO, said:“ The challenges of extreme weather are well known, and we are seeing more events on the railway network, so it is really important that we have people with the skills and knowledge to address those issues. We are pleased to be working with Network Rail to endorse this training through our Awarding Organisation, giving it a mark of quality assurance. Schemes like these are an important contributor to our mission to lead, inspire and accelerate the growth of rail professionals.”
The Weather Academy joins previous CIRO AO collaborations with Network Rail, including the Diploma in Initial Signaller Training and the Capacity Planning Endorsed Programme, further evidence of a shared vision to deliver tailored training that meets the evolving needs of the rail industry.
For more information, visit: www. ciro. org / awarding-organisation
www. ciro. org
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