History

The Rail Summit, sponsored by the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions in late 1998, identified the shortage of key railway operations skills as a potential block to its ambition of creating a first class public rail transport system.

A group of founder members of the Institution met with John Prescott, the Deputy Prime Minister, in July 1999 to explain the aims and objectives of the Institution. Mr. Prescott expressed his personal support for the creation of the Institution of Railway Operators. Thereafter a Project Group was formed which turned the concept into a reality with the launch of the Institution on 3rd May 2000.

During 2001, it became apparent that the Institution needed – and the industry was willing to offer – support and financial backing for both its recruitment and the education programme. Accordingly, the Institution applied for funding from the Strategic Rail Authority and was awarded a grant to develop an Education Programme.

In addition, a number of major companies within the industry agreed to assist with recruitment and to sponsor membership from within their employees by paying their subscriptions. A majority have taken out Corporate Membership of the Institution which covers all their employees graded as Associates or Affiliates.