The Chartered Institution of Railway Operators (CIRO) has been named winner of the Wellbeing Award at the Railway Industry Association (RIA) 2025 Railway Industry Supplier Excellence (RISE) Awards, a recognition of its strong commitment to employee wellbeing and a supportive workplace culture.
Wellbeing was made a strategic priority under the leadership of interim CEO Annette Shipley, who laid the foundation for a range of impactful initiatives. That commitment has been carried forward by current CEO Phil Sherratt, who continues to champion and build on this important work, including the appointment of Vicky Johndrow, Learning and Development Manager, as CIRO’s first dedicated Wellbeing Champion, as part of the organisation’s broader people-focused mission.
Phil Sherratt, CEO of CIRO, commented:
“As a business focused on people, it is important that we set an example by looking after our team as best we can. I am thrilled that CIRO has received this recognition of the brilliant work started last year by my predecessor Annette Shipley. I am also indebted to Vicky Johndrow, our Wellbeing Champion, for her support in continuing to move us forward.
“While it is great that the progress we have made has been recognised in this way, there is still more we can do in the wellbeing area, and I look forward to working with Vicky and the team to make further progress in the coming months.”
Vicky Johndrow, who attended the awards on behalf of the organisation, added:
“As CIRO’s Wellbeing Champion, I was incredibly honoured to represent CIRO at the Railway Industry Association RISE Awards. To receive this recognition for our wellbeing initiatives is fantastic! Championing wellbeing isn’t just part of my role – it’s something l care deeply about. This award reflects the collective effort we have made to build a culture where staff wellbeing isn’t a perk – it’s a priority.”
This latest success follows CIRO’s recent win at the Spotlight Rail Awards 2025, where its CIRO Connect programme earned the Training Excellence Award. It’s the latest in a series of accolades in a year that also marks CIRO’s 25th anniversary of service to the rail industry.
To learn more about CIRO’s recent achievements:
