Network Rail, in partnership with the Chartered Institution of Railway Operators (CIRO), has launched a new industry-endorsed weather learning programme aimed at operational staff and rail professionals. The initiative is designed to address the growing challenges posed by extreme weather on Britain’s railway network.
Developed with external weather experts, the training strengthens meteorological knowledge among staff, supporting more confident and informed decision-making during adverse weather conditions. The programme is a key initiative under Network Rail’s Weather Academy, which was established in 2022 as part of the company’s commitment to building weather resilience across the network.
Equipping Staff for Informed Decision-Making
The comprehensive training is open to Network Rail staff and the wider rail industry, including Train and Freight Operating Companies. The programme covers weather fundamentals, including forecasting, climate change, and weather hazards, delivered through a series of e-learning modules and classroom-based workshops.
These workshops feature real-life scenarios and case studies, specifically equipping staff with the skills to make local operational decisions relevant to their specific routes and regions.
Lisa Angus, Network Rail’s industry weather response director, said: “Rail staff face increasing challenges from extreme weather that can impact the network and disrupt passenger journeys. This programme combines the use of weather forecast information with staff’s existing railway expertise, empowering them to make swift, informed decisions when conditions demand it. It demonstrates to the rail industry and passengers our commitment to embedding weather resilience thinking at the heart of everything we do. We can’t control the weather but with the right knowledge, tools and training we can control how we respond to it.”
CIRO Endorsement Ensures Quality
CIRO’s involvement provides a mark of quality assurance and helps to accelerate the professional growth of rail personnel dealing with increasingly challenging climate conditions.
Adam Fenton, CIRO’s chief operating officer, said: “The challenges of extreme weather are well known, and we are seeing more events on the railway network, so it is really important that we have people with the skills and knowledge to address those issues. We are pleased to be working with Network Rail to endorse this training through our Awarding Organisation, giving it a mark of quality assurance. Schemes like these are an important contributor to our mission to lead, inspire and accelerate the growth of rail professionals.”
The Weather Academy offers tailored training for industry colleagues across the wider rail sector, reflecting Network Rail’s commitment to enhancing weather resilience training industry-wide.
