Senior leaders from across the rail industry gathered on 24th February in Swindon to mark the official launch of the Integrated Railway Operations Leadership Scheme (IROLS) pilot programme, a new industry-wide initiative designed and delivered by the Chartered Institution of Railway Operators (CIRO) to strengthen whole-system understanding and leadership capability across rail operations.
The launch event brought together representatives from train operating companies, infrastructure organisations and the wider rail sector. Guests attended an official welcome and speaker session, followed by networking opportunities and guided tours of the integrated control environment.
The event was hosted by Great Western Railway Managing Director and CIRO Chair Mark Hopwood CBE alongside Marcus Jones, Western Route Director at Network Rail. A video message of support from Lord Hendy, Minister of State at the Department for Transport, was played during the event, recognising the importance of collaborative leadership development. Attendees had the opportunity to visit GWR and Network Rail’s Integrated Control Centre in Swindon, where staff from both organisations work together under a single Director.
The Integrated Railway Operations Leadership Scheme has been developed in response to long-standing industry concerns about gaps in operational knowledge, capability and system-wide understanding. The structure of the Scheme has been informed by extensive cross-sector research and senior leader input. As experienced operational leaders leave the workforce and the railway continues to evolve, the Scheme aims to support the development of current and future leaders who can operate confidently across organisational and functional boundaries.
Designed as a sector-wide learning scheme, the programme combines structured learning workshops delivered by subject matter experts with authentic operational placements, exposing participants to both track and train environments. This collaborative approach is intended to help individuals better understand how the railway system fits together, the constraints faced by different parts of the industry, and the impacts of operational decision-making on safety, performance and the customer experience.
IROLS was conceived to be flexible and accessible to individuals at different stages of their careers, including those new to the industry and existing operational managers. By developing whole-system insight over time, the scheme seeks to strengthen leadership capability and support more joined-up, integrated decision-making across the railway.
The launch of the pilot programme represented an important milestone for the rail industry and its approach to people development, closely aligned with the principles and long-term vision of Great British Railways. By focusing on integration, collaboration and system-wide thinking, the scheme supports the industry’s ambition to build a more resilient, efficient and customer-focused railway.
Speaking on the potential of the programme, Lord Hendy said:
“To create a railway fit for the future, we need passionate, skilled and diverse leadership. The Integrated Railways Operations Leadership Scheme will be vital in developing the next generation and creating a pathway for future leaders from all backgrounds.
Great British Railways will put those who know the industry best in the driving seat, with leaders shaping a new culture of accountability to improve the experience of passengers and freight customers.”
Phil Sherratt, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institution of Railway Operators (CIRO), said:
“The launch of the Integrated Railway Operations Leadership Scheme pilot marks an important step forward in developing the next generation of operational leaders. Designed and delivered by CIRO in collaboration with industry partners, the programme is focused on strengthening whole-system understanding and enabling more informed, joined-up decision-making.
Justin Willett FCIRO, Director, Operational Capability at Network rail added:
“As we move towards a simpler, more integrated railway under Great British Railways, it is more important than ever to equip our future leaders with a clear understanding of how the network works as a whole. By recognising how decisions affect different parts of the business and thinking beyond individual teams, we can identify the opportunities that integration will unlock and achieve more together.”
As the industry evolves towards the vision of Great British Railways, leaders who can think beyond organisational boundaries will be critical. IROLS will help build the capability, confidence and shared insight needed to support a more integrated, high-performing railway.”
The pilot phase will now be used to test and refine the programme ahead of future decisions on longer-term delivery, with learning shared across the industry to support continuous improvement in leadership development.
Senior rail leaders have shared their perspectives on why the Integrated Railway Operations Leadership scheme matters, and how it can support the future capability of the industry.
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
WATCH: Industry Leaders Discuss IROLS
The pilot phase of the Integrated Railway Operations Leadership Scheme 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.
