Adrian Caffrey is currently seconded into the role of Head of Performance at Northern, where he’s leading a dynamic team on a range of performance improvement projects. His railway journey began in 2007 as a conductor based in Leeds—an experience that laid the foundations for his progression into leadership roles. “It was a great introduction to railway operations and opened the door to many opportunities,” he reflects.
Beyond the railway, Adrian is a passionate traveller who’s visited nearly 80 countries. “I enjoy immersing myself in new cultures,” he says, naming Myanmar and Japan as personal favourites. He often travels by rail abroad too – turning every trip into a learning opportunity about global railway systems.
As Chair of the CIRO North East Area Council, Adrian is responsible for leading a team of committed volunteers in delivering engaging, relevant events for CIRO members. These events support professional development and foster connections across the industry. “It’s about creating spaces for people to come together, share ideas, and grow,” he says.
Adrian’s own CIRO journey began while looking for his next career step after 10 years as a conductor. He credits CIRO with broadening his understanding of the railway as a whole system. “When the chance to join the council came up, I jumped at it. I’m passionate about helping frontline colleagues realise their potential beyond day-to-day operations.”
Now with over 10 years on the council, Adrian has seen CIRO go from strength to strength. A highlight for him was attending a Chairs meeting in London, which included an event for CIRO degree students—an inspiring glimpse into the next generation of railway professionals.
With CIRO’s membership set to hit 14,000 this year, Adrian encourages new members to get involved. “If you’re unsure where to start, speak to your local council. CIRO has helped me build invaluable knowledge and connections I wouldn’t have made otherwise.”
Looking ahead, the North East council plans to deliver a programme of events that reflect key industry changes—from rolling stock upgrades to digital technologies like ETCS. Adrian and his team are always open to member feedback. “If there’s a topic you’d like to explore or if you’re interested in volunteering, we’d love to hear from you.
If you’re interested in volunteering, visit our volunteering informational page.
