The Chartered Institute of Railway Operators (CIRO) and the Heritage Railway Association (HRA) have announced an innovative partnership that will bring new opportunities for the heritage rail sector. The new initiative was officially launched at the HRA Spring Conference on 4 March.
The partnership provides new and exciting development opportunities for staff and volunteers at heritage railways, fostering innovation, professional development, and stronger industry collaboration. HRA member railways will be able to gain access to leading resources and expertise from the wider rail industry through CIRO, alongside the specific heritage rail guidance, support and advice already provided by the HRA.
It is also hoped that access to CIRO training and qualifications will help heritage railways enhance the skills and knowledge within their organisation, boosting the long-term success of the sector.
As part of the agreement, CIRO will offer corporate membership to HRA members at a specially tailored rate, ensuring accessibility for heritage railways of varying capacities and financial structures. This initiative aims to bring as many heritage railways as possible into CIRO membership, providing enhanced professional development opportunities for both staff and volunteers. Heritage railway personnel will also be able to join CIRO as individual members for free if their organisation signs up as a corporate member.
This partnership presents a valuable opportunity to grow CIRO’s membership base within the heritage sector, bringing more heritage railways into the fold and strengthening industry-wide collaboration.
Phil Sherratt, CEO of CIRO, highlighted the importance of this partnership: “Heritage railways play a vital role in preserving our railway history while providing economic and social benefits to communities. Through this partnership, CIRO is committed to supporting heritage railway professionals by providing access to high-quality training and development opportunities that will enhance skills, improve safety, and drive operational excellence.”
Steve Oates, Chief Executive of HRA, added: “The dedication and commitment of heritage rail people is no different to others in the wider rail sector. This partnership represents a step change in recognition for heritage rail staff and volunteers, giving them access to increased support, training, and recognition.
“I’m also expecting that the heritage rail community will be able to play a valuable role for the wider rail community through increased CIRO participation. Whether its young volunteers going on to a career with the national network, or experienced national network personnel volunteering with heritage railways in their spare time; the crossover between the two is already substantial. I hope that the partnership will only enhance that.”
Kerry Noble, General Manager of West Somerset Railway, an existing CIRO Corporate Member, also emphasized the benefits of CIRO membership:
“West Somerset Railway joined CIRO in 2021 to add further professionalism to our railway. Our membership of CIRO allows all railway staff to gain further knowledge of the rail industry and gives access to training to enhance their professional development. Through CIRO resources we have been able to keep our railway up to date with the latest issues and opportunities from the wider railway movement, allowing us to adapt to ever changing environments with professional knowledge and support.”
Gus Dunster, Managing Director at Severn Valley Railway and CIRO Fellow and degree graduate, further reinforced the importance of this initiative:
“Throughout my railway career I have experienced at first hand the benefits that come from developing our people to reach their full potential.
For the Heritage Railway Sector, it is particularly important that we provide the opportunity for our next generation of leaders to be fully equipped to keep these unique businesses operating safely and efficiently. This partnership between CIRO and HRA represents a significant step forward towards that objective and I support it unequivocally.”
On Tuesday 4th March, Phil Sherratt presented at the HRA conference on ‘Developing Heritage Railway People,’ outlining the benefits of CIRO membership. Gus Dunster and Kerry Noble also shared their perspectives, highlighting the value CIRO brings to both individuals and corporate members in the heritage sector.
For more information about this partnership and how it benefits heritage railway operators, please visit www.ciro.org and www.hra.uk.com , or to become a heritage member of CIRO, contact membership@railwayoperatrors.co.uk.
