CIRO Awarding Organisation (CIROAO) and Network Rail are proud to announce the launch of the Weather Academy’s first CIRO Endorsed Programme, a groundbreaking step in enhancing the railway industry’s resilience against weather-related challenges.
The Weather Academy course equips railway professionals with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to respond effectively to the increasing demands posed by severe and unpredictable weather. By combining industry expertise with an immersive e-learning and workshop training framework, the programme ensures participants are prepared to manage the operational and safety impacts of weather on Britain’s rail network.
The launch event took place on 19th August at Network Rail’s Waterloo Office in London. CIRO representatives joined colleagues from Network Rail to celebrate the culmination of months of collaborative work.
Reflecting on the importance of the new programme, Lisa Angus, Network Rail’s Industry Weather Response Director, stated:
“Rail staff face increasing challenges from extreme weather that can impact the network and disrupt passenger journeys. This programme combines the use of weather forecast information to staff’s existing railway expertise, empowering them to make swift, informed decisions when conditions demand it.
“It demonstrates to the rail industry and passengers our commitment to embedding weather resilience thinking at the heart of everything we do. We can’t control the weather but with the right knowledge, tools and training we can control how we respond to it.”
Network Rail’s commitment to internal quality assurance is strengthened by the external endorsement of CIRO AO, the UK’s sole Chartered Professional Institution for Railway Operators. Together, the partnership underlines both organisations’ dedication to professional excellence, advancing industry standards, and supporting the development of a skilled and resilient workforce.
CIRO COO, Adam Fenton said,
“The challenges of extreme weather are well known, and we are seeing more events on the railway network, so it is really important that we have people with the skills and knowledge to address those issues. We are pleased to be working with Network Rail to endorse this training through our Awarding Organisation, giving it a mark of quality assurance. Schemes like these are an important contributor to our mission to lead, inspire and accelerate the growth of rail professionals.”
The endorsement of the Weather Academy programme builds on the successful partnership between Network Rail and CIRO AO, following earlier collaborative training initiatives such as the Diploma in Initial Signaller Training and the range of Capacity Planning endorsed programmes of learning. Together, these programmes demonstrate a shared commitment to developing tailored training that addresses the evolving needs of the railway industry and strengthens the skills of its workforce.
For more information on CIRO-endorsed training or how CIRO’s Awarding Organisation can work with you to enhance your training programmes, visit www.ciro.org/awarding-organisation or contact ciroao@railwayoperators.co.uk.
