About the PWI

History & Impact

Since 1884

For over 130 years, the PWI has been working with professionals, organisations, and government bodies to improve and grow the rail industry. Originally a Supervisory group, we quickly expanded to become a technical body for infrastructure engineers, supervisors, operatives and managers.

Our original objectives from 1884 included promoting the general advancement of technical training in the art of maintaining the way and works of railways; adopting a standard competency in the art of inspection and work of maintaining, and providing a certificate or diploma of competence to any person who acquires practical knowledge and experience of such work; and encouraging the acquisition of technical and scientific knowledge by means of lectures and papers descriptive of railway maintenance and construction. Read on to find out how we developed and the impact we have made.

“The PWI has provided a constant foundation of thought leadership and community for this industry."

Joan Heery, PWI Membership Director & Past President

21st Century Institution

How we changed

In 2008-9, the Committee of Members voted for organisational change. A strategic business review was conducted and the objective of becoming a 21st Century Professional Institution was established.

In 2015, an increasing industry need to recognise the professionalism that exists within railway infrastructure engineering meant that the PWI received significant industry support to begin the application to become a licensed Professional Engineering Institution (PEI). With the support of the Board and in partnership with Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers, an affiliate licence was obtained in 2015 and in early 2019 we became a full PEI in our own right.

Working towards a sustainable future

Find out how the PWI are involved in shaping a sustainable rail infrastructure for the future.

Shaping the present and future

The way we impact industry

Everyday we collaborate with our fifty+ Corporate Members to directly facilitate change and collaboration for the benefit of the wider industry.

Research and innovation

We are involved in many groundbreaking technical projects through our experts.

Community, people and culture

We deliver seminars, meetings and other events throughout the year that unite our people.

Competency and best practice

We review, lead and improve competency standards and best practices across workforces.

Policy making and legislation

We are directly part of the policy making and legislative processes of our stakeholders.

"Our purpose as an Institution is to facilitate change and mobilise a community that can actively shape the industry.”

Stephen Barber, PWI CEO