Network Rail and the Chartered Institute of Railway Operators (CIRO) have entered a partnership to formulate three new capacity planning qualifications that Network Rail will use in its internal training programme.

The new qualifications will be awarded by CIRO, but they will be delivered by Network Rail‘s Capacity Planning Training and Development Team at Milton Keynes. Taken together, the new qualifications will standardise capacity planning and provide a clear career path and development experience for Network Rail‘s Operational Planners and Specialists through the following grades:

• CIRO AO, Level 2 (Certificate) in System Operator Timetable Development
• CIRO AO, Level 3 (Certificate) in System Operator Strategic Timetable Development
• CIRO AO, Level 4 (Diploma) in System Operator Strategic Timetable Development and Production

The project started in 2019 when it was recognised that there was a need for a more robust framework and Carolyn O’Sullivan was appointed as Network Rail’s Training and Development Manager (Capacity Planning).

Collaboration between Network Rail and CIRO used the knowledge of several subject matter experts to produce a third capacity planning paper that supplements the two existing competencies. With the third level, there is now a comprehensive training plan that all new entrant planners must complete to achieve a full Level 4 Diploma.

After running a pilot scheme of the new paper successfully, Network Rail entered discussions with CIRO, which had been awarded a Royal Charter in 2021. The charter allowed CIRO to award qualifications and enabled it to become the only sector-specific body that sets standards for rail.

The partnership makes use of CIRO’s strengths in quality assurance disciplines from its successful EPA service whilst at the same time providing Network Rail with a unique, employer-led solution that connects its workforce to professional development and recognition.

Carolyn O’Sullivan, who led the project for Network Rail, explained the partnership: “By collaborating closely and harnessing our collective expertise, Network Rail and CIRO have created something which will enhance the training experience of our Operational planners, and ultimately raise the standards for our organisation and wider industry.

“Our teams have worked hard over the past few years to bring this to reality and were delighted to see the first Operational planners and Specialists coming through the programme”.

The first certificates (level 2 and 3 certificates) will be awarded during the Autumn as our Operational Planners and Specialists complete the course and competencies.

“Thanks to the success of the programme, Network Rail and CIRO are currently looking at further opportunities for collaborative training product development.

Further information about careers or training opportunities with Network Rail careers can be found on its website at Network Rail – Chartered Institution of Railway Operators (ciro.org)