Spreading Professional Development Across the Industry
CIRO continues to play a vital role in fostering professional development, collaboration, and innovation across the rail industry. Over recent months, we have participated in a range of events that highlight both challenges and opportunities facing the sector. These events allow us to get the CIRO message about professional development directly to rail ops professionals, as well as strengthening our professional network.
A key highlight was returning to the Network Rail National Ops Conference, where we were pleased to host an exhibition stand, providing an excellent opportunity to engage with industry colleagues, promote professional recognition, and showcase the work of the Institution. We also participated in a syndicate, where we presented on our recent Integrated Railway Operations Leadership Scheme( IROLS). This session allowed us to share insights into its development, its impact on operational professionals, and the benefits it delivers to individuals and organisations across the rail sector.
More recently, we attended the Celebrating Planning Excellence Conference and Awards event in Leeds. CIRO’ s Chair of the Board, Mark Hopwood, delivered the keynote speech at the Awards, providing valuable insight into the importance of planning across the rail system. We also hosted a syndicate session titled“ Broadening your horizons – planning in the whole rail system”, encouraging discussion on how planning supports integration across operational disciplines and improves system-wide outcomes.
Continuous professional development remains central to CIRO’ s mission, ensuring members are equipped to navigate the complexities of modern railway operations.
CIRO finds these opportunities valuable to connect with peers across disciplines and regions. Networking events facilitate meaningful conversations, enabling us to build relationships, share experiences, and collaborate on common challenges. This sense of community remains a defining strength of CIRO and reinforces the value of collective knowledge across the industry.
We were delighted to be a partner of and to attend UK Rail 2026 at the NEC in Birmingham on the 13th and 14th May, where we hosted a networking event, offering an opportunity for members and industry colleagues to connect and exchange ideas. Later that day, we delivered a workshop focused on how CIRO supports individuals in developing their whole-system skills and advancing their learning, highlighting our role in professional growth across the sector. CEO Phil Sherratt also delivered a speaker session in which he explored the topic“ Designing journeys that matter – connecting operations and passenger experience”.
Looking ahead, CIRO will also have an exhibitor stand at Rail Live on the 17th and 18th June, providing another important platform to engage with members and industry partners and showcase our work in supporting operational excellence and professional development. If you are there, come by our stand and say hello!
Through these events, we continue to grow the CIRO community, enabling more railway operators to benefit from the resources, networking, professional development, and recognition that CIRO offers.
Please get in touch if there is an event that you would like us to participate in. www. ciro. org
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