Founded in 2000, the Institution of Railway Operators (IRO) was formed for its members and the rail industry, promoting best practice and representing the interests of railway operators at all levels. Membership has continued to grow each year and surpassed 5000 members at the beginning of April 2016.

Throughout March the excitement started to build as the total membership of the Institution grew nearer to 5000. The IRO was delighted when Lucy Garrad, Contact Centre Manager, Chiltern Railways, submitted her membership application and became the 5000th member.

Lucy was very pleased to learn she had become the Institution’s 5000th member and told us more about her career in the industry so far and reasons for joining the IRO:

“I joined the industry working as an Office Administrator with Chiltern Railways in January 2009. Since then I have undertaken various roles in the organisation such as Personal Assistant, Station Manager and currently I am the Contact Centre Manager.”

“I decided to join the IRO after learning that I was eligible for free membership through Chiltern’s Corporate Membership. I feel that the benefits of joining, such as the area events and online learning resources will help me broaden my understanding of the industry more widely. I think it is important to take an active role in your own professional development and look forward to doing this with the Institution.”

The Institution is thrilled to have reached this milestone which symbolises that railway operators worldwide are committed to professional development and raising standards across the industry. The IRO could not exist without the support of its members, so we would like to thank them for their continued membership and involvement in the various and far-ranging benefits membership brings.

We would also like to take this opportunity to offer our thanks to all of the IRO Area Council Members who volunteer their time to organise and host a varied range of learning events and visits. Their efforts epitomise the Institution’s mission to drive forward industry standards and lead the way as custodians of best practice in rail operations.

If you would like to find out more about the benefits of IRO membership and how to join, visit: www.railwayoperators.co.uk/membership