Background
Soundings taken within the rail industry in 1999 confirmed the belief that “operations” required a dedicated Institution. A Project Group was formed to develop the idea, which turned the concept into a reality with the Institution of Railway Operators (IRO) being formally launched on 3 May 2000.
Financial support from railway companies and a government grant enabled the IRO to design and develop an Education Programme that would meet the standards necessary for accreditation by an awarding body.
In 2004, Glasgow Caledonian University entered into partnership with the IRO to provide distance-learning courses for the award of either BSc Degree or Diploma in Higher Education. A Certificate Level qualification was added in 2008.
Objectives
The Institution is the UK rail industry’s custodian of best practice in operational management, and thereby provides a focus for raising standards and enhancing the professional standing of those directly involved in the safe and reliable operation of railways. It has two prime objectives:
- To advance and promote the safe operation of railways and especially the training of persons engaged therein.
- To ensure that the theory and practice required for operating a safe railway is made available to those who wish to enrol in courses of study.
For more detailed information about the history of the IRO, click here (PDF) or for a copy of the IRO Prospectus click here (PDF).
Background
Soundings taken within the rail industry in 1999 confirmed the belief that “operations” required a dedicated Institution. A Project Group was formed to develop the idea, which turned the concept into a reality with the Institution of Railway Operators (IRO) being formally launched on 3 May 2000.
Financial support from railway companies and a government grant enabled the IRO to design and develop an Education Programme that would meet the standards necessary for accreditation by an awarding body.
In 2004, Glasgow Caledonian University entered into partnership with the IRO to provide distance-learning courses for the award of either BSc Degree or Diploma in Higher Education. A Certificate Level qualification was added in 2008.
Objectives
The Institution is the UK rail industry’s custodian of best practice in operational management, and thereby provides a focus for raising standards and enhancing the professional standing of those directly involved in the safe and reliable operation of railways. It has two prime objectives:
- To advance and promote the safe operation of railways and especially the training of persons engaged therein.
- To ensure that the theory and practice required for operating a safe railway is made available to those who wish to enrol in courses of study.
For more detailed information about the history of the IRO, click here (PDF) or for a copy of the IRO Prospectus click here (PDF).