What is your current role?
I am a Senior Controller for First Great Western.
How long have you been a member of IRO and at what grade?
Affiliate Member since 2005.
Why join the IRO?
I was very conscious that despite having five years operating experience at the time, my sphere of knowledge was concentrated on office based work such as train planning and operations control. I wanted to broaden my knowledge and understanding of other aspects of railway operations, especially in roles where I don’t have career experience, but which I am still involved with on a day-to-day basis (e.g. traincrew, signallers.)
What do you hope to get from your membership?
I’m looking forward to the South West and South East area’s Operating Experience weekends. It’s a great opportunity to try my hand at something I wouldn't be able to do on the national network due to medical restrictions. I’m especially looking forward to developing a better understanding of the actions required of a signaller (given my experience in such areas has been confined to the odd box visit, yet this is a role pivotal to the delivery of the day-to-day railway.)
What are your future plans/activities with the IRO?
I’m really excited about the programme of events for IRO South West and am also looking forward to developing my knowledge and understanding of key areas and "hot topics" further. I enjoy the opportunity to discuss these issues in intelligent surroundings with professionals, both networking and sharing of best practice. Hopefully the IRO will help me with the motivation to continuously develop myself and pass on some of the skills and techniques I've mastered to others starting out in the industry.