The Chartered Institution of Railway Operators Awarding Organisation (CIROAO) joined industry leaders at the Houses of Parliament this week to celebrate the Railway Mission’s ongoing pastoral support for the rail workforce and the launch of its newly endorsed Paideia Coaching Resilience Training Programme, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to strengthen wellbeing and resilience across the UK rail industry.
The event brought together representatives from across the rail sector to recognise the importance of emotional wellbeing and resilience among those who keep Britain’s railway moving.
A Collaborative Approach to Professional and Personal Growth
Developed through a close partnership between the Railway Mission and CIROAO, the Paideia Coaching Resilience Programme equips rail professionals with the skills to manage the mental and emotional demands of working in a complex, safety-critical environment.
Derived from the Greek word Paideia, meaning lifelong education, the programme offers structured, evidence-informed training that promotes self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and resilience. It was created in response to requests from rail organisations seeking practical, high-quality learning to support staff wellbeing and performance.
The programme’s endorsement by CIROAO recognises the Railway Mission’s expertise in providing impactful, industry-relevant training that meets CIROAO’s rigorous standards of educational quality and professional relevance. Under CIROAO’s endorsement framework, this means the training has undergone the same external quality assurance processes applied to regulated qualifications, ensuring learners receive a trusted, high-quality learning experience.
Endorsement That Elevates Industry Standards
Adam Fenton, Chief Operating Officer at CIRO, said:
“Endorsing the Paideia Coaching Resilience Programme is an important milestone in our shared commitment to supporting the people who make our railway thrive. This collaboration reflects CIRO’s mission to lead, inspire and accelerate the growth of rail professionals — cultivating collaboration to support the success of rail organisations, now and in the future.
The Railway Mission has demonstrated an outstanding ability to translate its pastoral experience into structured, high-quality training. Through our endorsement, we’re helping ensure that this vital work reaches more individuals and organisations across the rail industry.”
Recognising the Railway Mission’s Enduring Contribution
Speaking at the Houses of Parliament, Lilian Greenwood MP said:
“As many of you know, this reception is a chance to celebrate and recognise the vital role the Railway Mission plays in supporting our rail industry. Whether it’s offering pastoral care after traumatic incidents or simply being a non-judgemental listening ear and calming voice during life’s journey, the chaplains of the Railway Mission are a quiet but powerful force for good.”
Strengthening the Culture of Care Across the Railway
Through its collaboration with CIROAO and the support of partners across the sector, the Railway Mission aims to make pastoral care, mental health awareness, and resilience training integral parts of the UK railway’s culture.
The initiative exemplifies CIROAO’s commitment to shaping the future of rail together, by supporting innovative, industry-driven learning programmes that raise standards, enhance wellbeing, and put people at the heart of a safer, more resilient railway.
Work with CIROAO
If your organisation is developing a learning or training programme and would like to explore endorsement through CIROAO, we’d love to collaborate.
Contact ciroao@railwayoperators.co.uk to discuss how we can help ensure your programme meets the highest standards of quality, integrity, and professional relevance.
