THE BI-ANNUAL FOR MEMBERS OF THE CHARTERED INSTITUTION OF RAILWAY OPERATORS NOVEMBER 2021

Newly named , Chartered Institution of Railway Operators , the Professional Institution has now been recognised for its value in the industry and its achievement in its 21-year existence .

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 .

The Institution of Railway Operators was formed officially in 2000 in response to the recognition of a need for an organisation which could protect and enhance the existing knowledge and skills of Railway Operations following privatisation . The Institution would be open to all operating staff , including Train Crew , Signallers , Train Planners , etc . right up to and including Board members . Different levels of membership grade were devised , but these would also be open to all , provided that the relevant qualification levels could be met by the applicant through taking advantage of the educational courses to be provided by the IRO .

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 CPD 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 UK and abroad .

Howard Smith

The Chartership was celebrated on Friday 1 October with an inaugural lunch and presentation at London ’ s St Pancras Renaissance Hotel . Over 200 delegates gathered for the historic event as the rail industry came together to celebrate this milestone for the Institution . Attendees comprised a broad range of those who had contributed to the Institution ’ s success over the years , including founders , Fellows , Board Members , early members , area council leaders , trade press and many more senior railway operators .

Howard Smith , Chair of Trustees opened the occasion with a speech , thanking all those who had supported the Institution and helped to develop it ’ s offering in various ways . He highlighted the foresight of the founding

Fiona Tordoff & Howard Smith

Howard Smith welcomes attendees to the CIRO lunch at St Pancreas Renaissance Hotel , London

members in forming the Institution for the industry , thanked the Corporate Members for their loyal and consistent financial support and gave special mention to the Fellows and Members for their belief and advocacy of the Institution . He described them as : “ Dedicated professionals of influence and good faith who have become Members and Fellows and proudly showed off that credential next to their own name .”

By way of an added thank you , each attendee was given a lapel badge sporting the new “ CIRO ” logo as well as a twenty-page commemorative book , charting the evolution of the Institution from its ’ humble beginnings to present day and the awarding of a Royal Charter . Staffordshire based artist Emma Joustra was also commissioned to create a visual representation of the Institutions ’ growth , featuring some of the key individuals involved along the way . This was given as a keepsake to each attendee in the form of a postcard . A large format version of this will also be proudly displayed at the CIRO offices .

CIRO CEO Fiona Tordoff 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 , in particular our 10,000 plus members , to enhance and sustain professionalism in railway operations .

“ 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 .”

Fiona added : “ The Chartership signifies the entrance into our new chapter , allowing us to elevate our profession even further and positioning us as the standard for railway operations globally .”

The awarding of the Charter also happily coincided with another big move for the Institution as it relocated to new premises in Stafford . The new home for CIRO , the Stafford Education & Enterprise Park allows the Institution to offer services such as teaching and End Point Assessment from one central location . With dedicated classrooms and even conference facilities , the new site will become a hub for Rail Operations training and development .