During Volunteers’ Week 2026, we shone a spotlight on our volunteers by sharing their reflections, experiences and personal stories. It was a chance to hear what inspired people to get involved, what they enjoy about volunteering, and the difference it makes to them and the wider IWater community.
Across the week, a range of voices highlighted just how varied and rewarding volunteering can be. For some, it’s about building skills and confidence early in their career. As Dr Sarah McMath shared, volunteering offers opportunities at every stage, from gaining leadership experience to broadening networks and perspectives.
For others, it’s about connection and growth. Ciara Dysart spoke about how volunteering introduced her to inspiring people across the industry and gave her confidence and a sense of purpose, especially stepping into a leadership role early in her career.
Many volunteers highlighted the importance of community. Kevin Mooney reflected on returning to the Scottish Area Committee and the strong sense of support and welcome he’s always experienced. His story shows how volunteering can fit around different stages of life and career, and how people can stay involved over time.
For Mary-Anne Kilroe, volunteering has been a key part of her professional journey, helping her build confidence, expand her network, and connect with others across the sector. Now, as a Chair, she sees first-hand the passion volunteers bring to supporting members and developing others.
Volunteering also means different things to different people. For some, like Ken Pratt, it’s a way to stay active and give back after retirement, sharing knowledge and continuing to learn. Others, like Helen Taylor and Michelle Ford, are motivated by a desire to give back to the profession and support others to progress, while continuing to learn from the experiences of others.
Together, these stories highlight the many ways volunteers contribute, whether that’s developing skills, building connections, supporting others, or simply staying involved in a community they care about.
Volunteers are at the heart of the Institute of Water. Your time, energy and commitment make a real difference, and we’re grateful for everything you do.
We’re also delighted to again share a personal message from our CEO, Gaby Mandell, and our Chair, Kara Sandler.
Dr Sarah McMath (EIWater)
CEO of MOSL
“Volunteering for the Institute of Water offers so many opportunities for people at any point in their career.
Early on in your career it provides opportunities to lead work and develop skills that are transferable into your day job.
I continue to get huge value personally from volunteering, widening my network and providing me with a range of different perspectives and also access to technical areas of the water sector that I no longer have in my day job.”
Ciara Dysart (EmIWater)
Assistant Project Lead, South West Water
Chair, IWater South West Area
“Volunteering with the Institute of Water has introduced me to incredible people across the industry. Stepping into the Chair role at an early stage in my career has opened doors I never expected, connecting me with professionals I truly admire and learn from.
It’s given me confidence, inspiration, and a strong sense of purpose all whilst also allowing me to champion the Institute and share the impact of what we do with others.”
Kevin Mooney (EIWater)
Business Development Manager
Eliquo Hydrok
“I’ve recently become a member of the Scottish Area Committee for the third time.
Why a third time? Things change in your career and life, and my respect for the Committee has meant I’ve had to allow another volunteer to take over my role and do it full justice. I truly love being a volunteer, but it comes with responsibilities to each other, and sometimes it can be hard to juggle everything. I’ve always been made welcome by the Committee members, no matter the situation, and it feels great to be valued by people I like and respect.
It has never been goodbye, and I was welcomed back as Membership Lead. My employer, ELIQUO Hydrok, supports my participation and is also supporting me on my chartership journey. I am delighted to be active and involved again, working with such a great committee at IWater! The other Area Committees are pretty awesome too.”
Mary-Anne Kilroe (MIWater)
Integrated Catchment Strategy Manager, United Utilities
Chair, IWater Northern Area
“Volunteering with the Institute of Water has been a huge part of my professional journey. I first got involved after attending a Northern Area event early in my career, which inspired me to become more actively involved with the Institute.
Since then, volunteering has helped me build confidence, grow my network, and connect with people across the industry whom I may not otherwise have met.
Now, as Chair of the Northern Area Committee, I’ve seen first-hand the passion volunteers bring to supporting members, sharing knowledge, and developing water professionals across the sector.”
Ken Pratt (Fellow)
Now retired, Ken was keen to find a meaningful way to stay active. He enjoys mentoring, sharing his knowledge and learning from people outside his own area of expertise
Helen Taylor (MIWater)
Process Scientist at Scottish Water
Helen volunteers because she believes in giving back and wants others to have the same opportunities she had to progress and gain professional recognition.
Michelle Ford (EIWater)
Environmental Process Scientist at Anglian Water
Michelle enjoys volunteering because it allows her to give back to the profession, while also learning from others. She has found the assessment process rewarding and values the opportunity to see different experiences and approaches from across the sector.
