Operational Leadership for Traincrew Managers programme launches
The Operational Leadership for Traincrew Managers programme has recently launched, marking an important step forward in strengthening leadership capability within traincrew management across the UK rail industry.
Led by the Rail Delivery Group and developed in close partnership with the Chartered Institution of Railway Operators, the programme has been created to address a long-recognised gap in consistent, structured development for traincrew managers— roles that are critical to operational performance, workforce culture and service reliability.
Operating in complex, safety-critical and highly unionised environments, traincrew managers have historically had limited access to tailored leadership development. This programme responds directly to that need, equipping Area Driver Managers, Driver Managers and Depot Managers with the practical skills and confidence to manage people, performance and industrial relations effectively.
A programme built on real operational need
CIRO’ s involvement began at the earliest stages of development, working alongside RDG and industry subject-matter experts to shape the learning objectives, curriculum and delivery approach. Drawing on CIRO’ s experience in professional development and operational leadership, the programme was designed to bridge the gap between policy, guidance and real-world application.
CIRO also played a central role in delivering the pilot phase of the programme, which ran during 2025. The pilot adopted an applied learning model, combining scenario-based activities, experiential learning and cross-industry discussion to reflect the realities of modern traincrew management.
Evaluation of the pilot demonstrated strong gains in participant capability and confidence, reinforcing the value of a practical, industry-aligned approach to
10 CIRO | Bulletin 57 leadership development.
Industry recognition through Rail Business Awards success
The impact of the pilot programme has been recognised at a national level, with the Traincrew Management Training Programme Pilot winning Supplier & Contractor Excellence at the Rail Business Awards 2026.
Presented at the Manchester ceremony and attended by senior rail stakeholders, the award reflects both the quality of the programme and the strength of collaboration between CIRO and Rail Delivery Group, highlighting the value of partnership working in strengthening operational leadership capability across the industry.
Supporting the future of rail operations
With the programme now launched and RDG managing recruitment and future cohorts, CIRO remains a strong supporter of the initiative and its objectives. The partnership has demonstrated how industry-led collaboration can respond effectively to real operational challenges while supporting longterm performance improvement.
As the rail industry continues to evolve, strong, confident traincrew leadership will remain essential to delivering safe, reliable and resilient services. The Operational Leadership for Traincrew Managers programme represents a significant investment in the people who lead at the front-line of rail operations.
Find out more and register your interest
The Operational Leadership for Traincrew Managers programme is delivered by the Rail Delivery Group, who are managing recruitment and future cohorts. To find out more about the programme or to register your interest in joining a future cohort, please contact Rail Delivery Group directly at: traincrewprogramme @ raildeliverygroup. com