For Jonathan Goode MCIRO, a career in the railway industry has been shaped by a willingness to learn, embrace new challenges, and continually develop his expertise. In 20 years, he has built an impressive track record across operational planning, major events management, and contingency planning, helping deliver some of the UK’s most significant rail-supported events while developing into a respected leader within the industry.
Jonathan began his railway career in February 2006 with Arriva Trains Wales as an Engineering and Special Events Planning Officer. In this early role, he was responsible for planning amended timetables and capacity enhancements to support engineering works and special events, gaining valuable insight into the complexities of railway operations from the very start.
As his experience grew, he progressed through a number of train planning roles, developing a deep understanding of operational delivery and strategic planning. By March 2012, he had stepped into the position of Special Events Manager, a role that placed him at the centre of some of the UK’s most high profile events.
Overseeing everything from crowd management planning and stakeholder engagement to risk management and timetable specifications, he played a key role in delivering rail operations for major occasions including the London 2012 Olympic Games, the 2015 Rugby World Cup, and the 2017 UEFA Champions League Final.
Reflecting on this period, Jonathan credits these experiences with helping him build the confidence, resilience, and operational expertise that continue to shape his career today.
In 2022, Jonathan moved into his current role at Transport for Wales as Control Contingency & Planning Manager. Alongside overseeing service contingency arrangements for Control, he also maintains competence as a Train Service Manager and Duty Control Manager, ensuring he remains closely connected to operational delivery while helping shape strategic responses to service disruption and contingency planning.
Last year, Jonathan upgraded his CIRO membership to Member level, a milestone that represented much more than a professional qualification.
“I wanted to recognise how much I have learned and the skills I have developed throughout my railway career,” he explains. “It was also important to me to be able to mentor others who could benefit from my experience.”
The upgrade process provided an opportunity to reflect on the breadth of knowledge and expertise he has gained throughout his career. More importantly, it reinforced his confidence in his abilities and motivated him to continue striving for further professional growth.
“Upgrading has given me confidence in my abilities and the drive to push myself further in my work endeavours.”
Throughout his professional development journey, Jonathan has made extensive use of the resources and opportunities available through CIRO.
“The resources have been plentiful and very varied,” he says.
Among the tools he found particularly valuable are CIRO’s webinars and the Operators’ Handbook, both of which have supported his ongoing learning and broadened his understanding of railway operations. He has also benefited from attending industry events, highlighting his experience travelling on the Network Measurement Train (NMT) as a particularly insightful opportunity to see another aspect of the railway in action.
Achieving Member status holds significant personal and professional value for Jonathan.
“It means a lot to me personally. I’m very proud to have reached Member status within CIRO because it reflects all of the years of learning and effort I’ve put into my career.”
Professionally, he believes the designation helps demonstrate his experience and expertise within the railway sector, providing additional credibility and recognition among colleagues and industry peers.
“It has helped me gain credibility as an experienced railway professional, and people respect the knowledge and perspective I can bring to discussions.”
For members who may be uncertain about upgrading their CIRO membership, Jonathan’s advice is straightforward: don’t underestimate your own experience.
“The process helps identify any gaps in your knowledge, but it also helps you realise just how much expertise you’ve already gained, often without recognising it.”
He emphasises that there is no need to rush the application process and encourages members to take the time they need to fully demonstrate their experience.
“You can take as long as you need during your application. I wouldn’t hesitate. Start upgrading as soon as you feel confident.”
Jonathan’s ambitions remain firmly focused on continued growth and leadership.
His long-term career goal is to progress into a Head of Department role, where he can further apply and develop his strategic thinking and leadership skills. Alongside this, he has already set his sights on the next stage of his CIRO journey: Fellowship.
“I’m always eager to learn something new, and becoming a Fellow is my next professional development goal.”
Having spent almost two decades working across multiple areas of railway operations, Jonathan understands the challenges that newcomers can face when entering such a complex industry.
“The railway is like no other organisation in the world and can be difficult to get your head around.”
His advice is simple but powerful: stay curious, ask questions, and immerse yourself in every opportunity to learn.
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get stuck in. Learning how something is done and then putting it into practice has been hugely beneficial for me. It helps you understand how all the different parts work together to power our great railway industry.”
Accelerate your career journey by upgrading you CIRO membership. Find out how, and take the first step here: https://www.ciro.org/upgrade-your-membership/
