Senior rail leaders gathered in Swindon last week to mark the official launch of the Integrated Railway Operations Leadership Scheme (IROLS) pilot programme, a new industry initiative designed to strengthen operational leadership and whole-system understanding across the railway.
The programme, developed and delivered by the Chartered Institution of Railway Operators (CIRO), aims to address long-standing concerns about gaps in operational knowledge and cross-industry collaboration as the sector moves towards a more integrated structure under Great British Railways.
The launch event brought together representatives from train operating companies, infrastructure organisations and the wider rail supply chain. Guests attended welcome speeches, networking sessions and guided tours of the Integrated Control Centre in Swindon, where teams from Great Western Railway (GWR) and Network Rail work side-by-side under a single operational leadership structure.
The event was hosted by Mark Hopwood CBE, Managing Director of Great Western Railway and Chair of CIRO, alongside Marcus Jones, Western Route Director at Network Rail. A video message from Lord Hendy, Minister of State at the Department for Transport, highlighted the importance of developing the next generation of operational leaders.
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.”
Building whole-system leadership
IROLS has been developed following extensive research and consultation with senior figures across the industry. The programme responds to growing concerns about the loss of experienced operational knowledge and the need for leaders who understand how the railway operates as a complete system.
The scheme combines structured workshops delivered by subject matter experts with practical operational placements, exposing participants to both track and train environments. This approach is designed to help future leaders understand the challenges faced by different parts of the railway and the impact operational decisions have on safety, performance and passenger experience.
Phil Sherratt, Chief Executive of 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.”
The scheme has been designed to be accessible to individuals at different career stages, including those new to the rail sector as well as experienced operational managers seeking broader system knowledge.
Watch the IROL Promotional Video here.
Supporting a more integrated railway
As the industry prepares for the transition to Great British Railways, developing leaders who can work across organisational boundaries is becoming increasingly important.
Justin Willett FCIRO, Director of Operational Capability at Network Rail, said: “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 test and refine the programme before decisions are made on wider rollout across the industry. Insights and learning from the scheme will be shared to support ongoing improvement in leadership development across the rail sector.
