POD In Focus: What is POD and Why is it Important?
What defines excellence in railway operation? That is precisely what the Professional Operators Development( POD) is designed to define and support.
POD is CIRO’ s structured professional development framework that outlines the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to succeed across the rail industry. It is built around key areas of operational expertise, reflecting the reality that rail is a whole system, and operators need to think beyond their individual roles. The POD framework is structured around 12 POD sections that define good railway operational practice.
Why is it Important? As the railway evolves, the need for joined-up thinking, strong operational understanding, and informed decision-making continues to grow. POD supports this by developing professionals who can see the bigger picture and contribute to a more efficient, resilient, and customer-focused railway. It also underpins CIRO’ s learning offer, ensuring training and development across the industry is consistent, relevant, and aligned to real operational needs. In addition, POD provides members with a clear pathway for progression, helping them understand the skills, knowledge, and experience required to upgrade their CIRO membership.
The POD framework also serves as a self-assessment tool to help members evaluate their knowledge and competence across POD sections. Our area events are also structured around the POD elements to ensure well-rounded learning and skills development.
Discover more about POD.
“ The POD framework showed me not only what I needed to learn, but how to structure my development into a clear and achievable pathway.”
Rail Ops Conference 2026
We’ re delighted to welcome members to the Rail Ops Conference this June in Manchester for a packed day of insight, discussion, and shared learning.
last year’ s conference, we’ re pleased to continue our partnership, supporting the delivery of an event that brings the industry together to share knowledge and drive operational excellence.
Can’ t join us in person? Don’ t worry— you’ ll be able to catch up on all the key sessions via CIRO TV.
• W H O L E
R A I L W A Y
People and Change
Railway Engineering, Maintenance and Renewal Management
Railway Organisations Business Context
Learn More about Rail Ops 2026
10
09
Rolling Stock and Fleet Management
11
08
S Y S T E M S T H I N K I N G
Financial and Investment Planning
Train Movement Control Systems
12 01
POD
Emergency and Incident Management
Professional Operators Development
07
06
Operational Planning and Timetabling
02
05
Performance Management
03
04
Delivering Customer Services
Delivering Passenger and Freight Services
Managing Safety
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This year’ s programme features a strong Northern voice, with a panel including Tricia William( Northern), Simon Elliott( TfGM), and Clare Waller( Network Rail), bringing valuable regional perspectives on rail operations.
Rail Ops 2026 Speaker Lineup:
We are also excited to hear from a host of other fantastic speakers, including Jake Kelly, Tennessee Airdrie, Mark Phillips, and Gunnar Lindahl, each offering unique insight from across the industry. |
Tricia Williams
Managing Director, Northern Trains
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Tennessee Airdrie
Head of People Strategy, RDG
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Gunnar Lindahl
Joint Operations Director, LNER & Network Rail
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A special thank you to WSP, our headline sponsor for this year’ s event. Following their successful sponsorship of |
Simon Elliot
Network Director- Rail Transport, TfGM
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Mark Phillips
Chief Executive, RSSB
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Jake Kelly
Managing Director- North West & Central Region, Network Rail
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6 CIRO | Bulletin 57 |
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