IRO


IRO launches new development schemes


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The Institution of Railway Operators (IRO) is encouraging students to take control of their own careers through two new development schemes. Currently being piloted in the South East area, the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Mentoring schemes allow IRO members of any grade to manage their own developmental requirements. Using guidance documents and


a portfolio of evidence, the CPD scheme enables members to ensure their skills and knowledge are up to date and capable of supporting their aspirations. It does this by tracking progression through the evidence portfolio, allowing members to proactively demonstrate


‘Mentoring can also be beneficial when taking on a new role or responsibility’


their professional development. Registration to the CPD also enables members to apply for an upgrade to their existing IRO membership (dependent upon the grade.) In addition to the CPD scheme,


the new Mentoring initiative pairs skilled and experienced IRO members (mentors) with junior members (mentees), helping guide them through their career development. Endorsing the Mentoring scheme, Charles Belcher, a fellow of the IRO, board member for Transport for London and IRO


mentor says: ‘Mentoring provides a safe and stimulating environment to discuss business problems and personal development, with the scheme benefiting both the mentor and mentee.’


Mentoring can also be beneficial


when taking on a new role or responsibility, where skills and experience are needed quickly or where a personal assessment to determine strengths and weakness is required to maximise potential. Matthew Lee, project manager for First Great Western and a current mentee on the pilot scheme, says: ‘I registered with the Mentoring scheme to gain a broader understanding of the rail industry and already it has provided me with access to career guidance via the external expertise and knowledge


of my mentor. It has certainly been a worthwhile exercise and one I would strongly recommend to fellow IRO members and colleagues.’ Additional benefits to


Mentoring include network development, access to new ideas, increased confidence, self-awareness and creativity, and the opportunity to tap into the knowledge and experience of some of the country’s leading rail operators.


For further information about the IRO’s Continuing Professional Development Programme and Mentoring scheme, contact the IRO’s learning and development manager, Tricia Meade, at: tricia.meade@ railwayoperators.org.


Irish Area


For information on Irish Area events, contact Kay Doyle at: kay.doyle@railwayoperators.org or Hilton Parr at: hilton.parr@ railwayoperators.org


Scottish Area North West Area


8 September: Scottish Area AGM. Time: 17:00. Venue: Network Rail Offices, Buchanan House, 58 Port Dundas Road, Glasgow G4 0HG. 21 September: Visit to the Malcolm Group intermodal terminal. Time: 17:45. Venue: Laurieston Road, Grangemouth. Numbers are limited, email: scottish@railwayoperators.org if you would like to attend. For further information on the IRO Scottish Area, contact Ross Campbell on: 0141 242 8620 or email Jim Gillies at: scottish@ railwayoperators.org


North East Area


11 September: AGM and visit to Corus Steel Plant, Scunthorpe. Time:


9 September: Visit to John Lennon Airport. Time: 18:00. Places are limited; members interested in attending should contact Tom Cox at thomascox1@sky.com. 16-18 September: Visit to Ireland to look at its railway operations. Now fully booked. 7 October: Master Class – Train Planning Principles with David Langton of First TransPennine Express. Time: 18:00. Venue: Manchester.


All events and enquiries should be via Roy Chapman at: ironw. booking@railwayoperators.org General membership enquires to Carl Phillips at: northwest@ railwayoperators.org


13:00. Further details are available on the IRO website. For information on North East Area events, contact David Monk-Steel at: northeast@ railwayoperators.org or by telephone on: 01751 473799 during office hours.


Midlands Area


8 September: Ride on the New Measurement Train from Crewe to Euston. Time: 12:30. 13 September: Talk on the Birmingham Gateway Project. Time: 17:30. Venue: Board Room, Mailbox, Birmingham. 22 September: Ride on the New Measurement Train from Crewe to Euston. Time: 12:30. 11 October: Talk on Performance and Operating Challenges. Venue: Derby.


20 October: Visit to Railcare at Wolverton Works. For information on Midlands Area events, contact Julia Stanyard on: 0121 345 3833 or email: midlands@railwayoperators.org Unless otherwise indicated, Midlands Area events start at 17.30.


South West Area


6 October: Signal Sighting and Spad Management Master Class. Time: 17:30. Venue: Brunel’s Board Room, Old Station, Temple Meads.


For information on the South West Area, or to attend the event, contact Andy Castledine at: Andy. Castledine@firstgroup.com


South East Area


All South East events take place at London Underground’s HQ, 55 Broadway, St James Park, SW1, unless otherwise indicated, with a 17:30 for 18:00 start. For further information on the IRO South East Area, contact Chris Howard at: southeast@ railwayoperators.org 20 September: Event to commemorate the first year of the new Southern franchise. Contact: glen.merryman@londonmidland.com 24-26 September: Operating Skills Weekend, Ffestiniog Railway. The cost is £175 including train travel, lunch, tuition and two nights B&B. Limited places. To book, contact: andy.castledine@firstgroup.com


More details of area events are listed on the website at www. railwayoperators.org/Events.aspx


SEPTEMBER 2010 PAGE 31


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