The Institution of Railway Operators (IRO) was awarded Chartered status on 1 October 2021.
Now named the Chartered Institution of Railway Operators (CIRO), the professional organisation has now been recognised for its value in the industry and its achievement during its 21-year existence.
The chartership was celebrated on Friday 1 October with an inaugural lunch and presentation at St Pancras Renaissance Hotel with over 200 delegates joining. This included founders, Fellows, board members, early members, area council leaders, trade press and many more senior railway operators.
Fiona Tordoff, CIRO’s Chief Executive Officer said: “The award of the Institution’s Charter recognises the collective efforts of our founders, our volunteer board and council members, our corporate members, our tutors and staff, and our 10,000 plus members, to enhance and sustain professionalism in railway operations.
On 26 May 2021, the Privy Council recommended, and Her Majesty was pleased to agree, the IRO’s Draft Charter should be approved, and it was instructed a Warrant be prepared for Her Majesty’s Royal Signature. This indicated the Chartered Status was to be awarded on 1 October 2021.
Howard Smith, Chair of Trustees said: “Becoming the Chartered Institution of Railway Operators ensures that we can be more easily recognised across the UK and beyond. It gives our growing membership a new global identity linked by common commitment to high standards of professionalism.”
The Institution of Railway Operators was officially registered in 2000 after years of planning and discussion amongst railway stalwarts who recognised how valuable an organisation of its type would be to the industry. Following the privatisation of rail, the many divisions in the railway industry were siloed and the existing knowledge and experience of its operating professionals was at risk of being lost.
More than two decades later, the institution has over 10,000 members globally and is established in countries such as the UK, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Ireland and Saudi Arabi. It has maintained its commitment to professional development and has continued to increase its Continuing Professional Development offering, with members able to complete a degree with educational partner Glasgow Caledonian University. It has also developed an apprenticeship programme and has area councils across the continent. “The Chartership signifies the entrance into our new chapter,” said Fiona, “allowing us to elevate our profession even further and positioning us as the standard for railway operations globally.”
Photo credit: Chartered Institution of Railway Operators
