The volunteer-run Pride in the South West Award annually honors individuals dedicated to water advocacy, enriching the lives of people, communities, and the environment in the region.
This Award is now open for nominations in 2025, so please read the below to find out how to apply.
The “Pride in the South West Award” was launched in April 2022 in memory of Dr. Stephen Bird. Stephen was South West Water’s Managing Director, he was born and lived in Plymouth and worked at South West Water since 1992. Prior to which he worked for Welsh Water Authority and the then National Rivers Authority.
Those who knew Stephen will tell you he was passionate about the South West and not just South West Water, his leadership included work across the region’s business and economic interests, he was a board member on the Heart of the South West local enterprise partnership, South West Business Council and Devon and Plymouth Chamber of Commerce.
He was also very passionate about people and would always make sure that there was always the right person in the right role. He loved innovation and research as well as establishing training and helped to establish the South Devon University Technical Collage in Newton Abbot.
What we’re looking for
We are looking for those individuals who are passionate about Water and the South West and can show how they deliver meaningful benefits to the people, communities or the environment in the region. We’re dedicated to an inclusive nomination process, so only two requirements must be met for a candidate to be eligible.
Candidates need to be:
- Based within the Institute of Water’s South West Area – Bristol, Cornwall, Devon and across to Bournemouth and up to Swindon.
- Working in and around the UK water sector.
Hot to Apply
This award focuses on the individual, and we want the judges to know three things:
- Why is this candidate exceptional?
- What contributions have they made to the South West?
- How have they delivered these contributions with a passion that sets them apart?
The competition is open until Friday September 2nd 2024, after which our panel of judges will select a winner from the entries.
The Prize
The winner will receive an array of prestigious prizes designed to celebrate and support their achievements, including:
- A complimentary spot at the two day Institute of Water Annual Conference 2025, including a place at the President’s Dinner with the South West Area Committee.
- A cash prize of £200, sponsored by South West Water.
- The honor of keeping the ‘Pride in the South West’ Blue Glass Kanagawa Wave trophy for a year.
To apply, download and complete the nomination form, then email it to Kimberley Dodge, IWater’s South West Area Secretary, at Kimberleydodge@stonbury.co.uk