Chartered Institution of Railway Operators

Most of the current train and freight operating companies (TOCs & FOCs) in the UK fall into this category. Also included is the Heritage Railway Association(HRA).[8]

The CIRO has a number of local sections in a number of countries. Internationally, there are sections in:

• Australia[9][10]
• Middle East[11]
• South Africa[12]
• United Kingdom[13]
• Ireland[14]

In the U.K.:

• Midlands[15]
• North East[16]
• North West & Wales[17]
• Scotland[18]
• South East[19]
• South West[20]

There is also a Young Operators section specialised for young people working on the national network and the Railway Engineers Forum (REF) which is a multi-disciplinary body drawn from Professional Institutions with strong railway interests.[21]

Membership grade is dependent on the individual member's experience and / or formal qualification.

• Affiliate Member
• Associate Member (awarded the post-nominal letters ACIRO)
• Member (awarded the post-nominal letters MCIRO)
• Fellow (awarded the post-nominal letters FCIRO)

The headquarters of the CIRO is located in Stafford, West Midlands.[22]

The CIRO has its own section for learning and development, and provides a means of competence certification for personnel undertaking work in the railway operations sector. The CIRO promotes Learning & Development through Continuing Professional Development, the Mentoring Scheme and Academic Courses. The CIRO aims to provide a focus for raising standards through the use of Short Courses in a bespoke training portfolio and longer courses to educate Railway Operations Management to Certificate, Diploma and Degree level.[23]

• CIRO website