The Chartered Institution of Railway Operators (CIRO) is proud to announce that the Traincrew Management Training Programme Pilot has won Supplier & Contractor Excellence at the Rail Business Awards 2026.
The award was presented at the industry ceremony held at the Manchester Deansgate Hotel, attended by leading rail stakeholders from across the UK sector. The recognition celebrates the programme’s significant contribution to strengthening operational leadership capability across the railway.
Delivered in collaboration with Rail Delivery Group (RDG), the programme was developed to address a long-recognised gap in structured development for traincrew managers. It focuses on building the leadership, people management and industrial relations skills required to operate effectively within complex, safety-critical environments. Through a blend of practical learning, operational context and real-world application, the pilot has supported improved confidence, competence and performance among participants.
Representatives from both CIRO and RDG were present on the evening to receive the award, celebrating the partnership behind the programme’s design and delivery and its positive impact on the wider industry. The development and delivery of the pilot paved the way for the wider rollout of the Operational Leadership for Traincrew Managers programme, which CIRO and RDG are currently working in partnership to deliver. More than 500 industry personnel are scheduled to receive this training over the coming months, supporting the industry’s wider efforts to improve operational performance.
Learn more about the programme: https://www.ciro.org/operational-leadership-for-traincrew-managers-programme-launches/
Speaking after the awards ceremony, Phil Sherratt, Chief Executive of CIRO, said:
“We are incredibly proud to see the Traincrew Management Training Programme recognised at the Rail Business Awards. This achievement reflects the strength of collaboration behind the programme and our shared commitment to investing in the people who keep the railway running every day.
Traincrew managers play a critical role in operational performance, workforce culture and service delivery. This programme was designed to give them the structured development and practical leadership capability they need to succeed, and to see that impact recognised by the industry is something we are immensely proud of.”
Daniel Mann, Director of Industry Operations at RDG, said:
“We’re delighted and proud that the Traincrew Management Training Pilot Programme was the winner of its category at the Rail Business Awards. This is just the beginning of a much wider initiative, underpinned by brilliant collaboration with CIRO and hard work by everyone involved.
“Investing in our traincrew management community is now more important than ever and this bold new approach represents an industry-first. It reflects a real desire to think differently about the way we equip traincrew managers with the skills, knowledge and networks which are so critical to the important roles they play. We look forward to continuing to work alongside CIRO as we welcome new colleagues onto the programme as part of the nationwide rollout.”
The Rail Business Awards celebrate excellence and innovation across the UK rail industry, recognising organisations and individuals who are driving progress, performance and professional standards.
This latest success builds on CIRO’s recognition at last year’s awards, where the CIRO Connect programme was shortlisted for Skills Development Excellence at the 2025 Rail Business Awards, further highlighting the Institution’s growing impact in professional development across the sector.
CIRO would like to extend its congratulations to all fellow winners and finalists, and to the event organisers for hosting such an enjoyable and well-celebrated evening for the industry.
This recognition reinforces CIRO’s ongoing commitment to supporting leadership development, operational excellence and cross-industry collaboration, helping to build a more capable, confident and integrated railway.
Shaping the future of rail, together.
