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.
Nominations are now open for applicants who are passionate about water and have made a positive impact in their community within the South West.
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 had worked at South West Water since 1992. Before that, he worked for the 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 College 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.
How 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?
We are opening this competition until 31st October 2025 at 5.00pm whereby 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:
- Complimentary place at the 2026 IWater Annual Conference in London
- One year with the iconic ‘Pride in the South West’ Blue Glass Kanagawa Wave trophy
- Your achievement will be celebrated across IWater’s communication channels, including the website, newsletters, and social media — showcasing your success to peers, employers, and the wider industry.
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
