The upcoming launch of the Integrated Railway Operations Leadership (IROL) pilot programme marks a significant step in the rail industry’s approach to leadership and operational development. Designed as an industry-wide learning initiative, the programme responds to long-standing concerns about operational capability, fragmented decision-making and the loss of experienced talent, with a clear focus on building whole-system understanding across rail operations.
The Integrated Railway Operations Leadership programme is open to individuals across the rail industry, with multiple entry points making it accessible to those new to rail as well as existing operational managers.
The programme brings together structured learning workshops and authentic operational placements, deliberately exposing participants to both track and train environments. This cross-industry model enables individuals to gain insight into areas they would not normally engage with, helping them understand the constraints, priorities and trade-offs that shape operational decision-making.
The learning objectives underpinning the programme have been agreed by senior leaders from across the rail industry, ensuring the content reflects shared priorities and real operational challenges.
By building this understanding over time, the programme aims to support more joined-up, informed decisions that improve safety, performance and the customer experience.
The Chartered Institution of Railway Operators has played a key role in supporting the development and upcoming launch of the Integrated Railway Operations Leader pilot programme, working closely with industry partners to help shape its structure, learning model and objectives.
As a professional body representing railway operations, CIRO brings deep operational insight and a strong focus on standards, capability and professional development. For the pilot phase, CIRO is acting as a proxy delivery organisation, supporting the coordination of learning activity and helping to ensure the programme reflects real operational challenges faced across the industry.
Learning from the pilot will inform the future development of the programme, ahead of longer-term decisions on delivery arrangements.
The launch of the IROL pilot programme closely aligns with the principles and long-term direction of Great British Railways, placing integration, collaboration and whole-system thinking at the heart of leadership development.
As the rail industry continues to evolve, developing leaders who understand how infrastructure, operations, safety, performance, finance and customer outcomes interconnect will be critical to delivering a more resilient, efficient and customer-focused railway.
Senior rail leaders have shared their perspectives on why the Integrated Railway Operations Leader programme matters, and how it can support the future capability of the industry.
Watch the full video featuring insights from:
Claire Mann, Chief Operating Officer, Transport for London
Ellie Burrows, Managing Director (Eastern Region), Network Rail
Mark Hopwood, Managing Director, Great Western Railway
David Sexton, Rail Investment Strategy Manager, Department for Transport
https://vimeo.com/1156477697?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci
The pilot phase of the Integrated Railway Operations Leadership programme marks an important step in strengthening leadership capability across rail operations. CIRO looks forward to sharing insights and learning as the pilot progresses, supporting the continued development of an industry-led approach to whole-system leadership.
Look out for exciting announcements about the launch of the scheme in the coming weeks.
