The Chief Executive of South West Water, Susan Davy, has been elected as the new President of the Institute of Water.
Susan has championed multiple Graduate and Apprentiship programmes driving talent across the water industry and believes that to truly transform the sector, investment in people is crucial.
Speaking about her appointment after the Institute of Water’s Annual General Meeting last month, Susan said: “I am often asked why I work in the water sector, and my answer is simple: because it’s too important not to. While the billions we’re investing to upgrade the UK’s water and sewerage systems is a remarkable opportunity, the true story is about the people behind it. Generations of families—fathers, mothers, sons, daughters—have dedicated their lives to this vital work. With 30,000 new jobs and 4,000 apprenticeships being created, we’re welcoming the next generation of water specialists. As technology advances and climate change pressures rise, adaptability and environmental skills will be more crucial than ever. I’m proud to be part of this journey, championing the people and skills that will shape the future of water in the UK.”
Susan’s knowledge of the industry, coupled with her financial and regulatory expertise, has underpinned the development of Pennon’s strategy and resulted it in becoming one of the leading businesses in the UK water sector.
The Institute of Water (IWater) seeks to better equip its members to do their day jobs, advocate for the sector and improve the environment and lives of their communities. Membership offers UK water professionals – regardless of qualifications, experience, discipline or department – opportunities to broaden their knowledge, widen their network and develop within the sector.
As President, Susan will lead on the Annual Conference 2025, which is IWater’s flagship event and is expected to take place in the South West next September for its 80th Anniversary. She will also focus on enhancing collaboration across the UK water industry and ensuring IWater continues to be a valuable resource for water professionals at all stages of their careers.
Matt Bower, Chair of the Institute of Water, said: “Susan is widely respected across the water sector, and her experience as Group CEO of a major company like Pennon gives her a deep understanding of the issues we face. We are confident her leadership will benefit our members, especially as we prepare for next year’s conference in her region.”
Gabrielle Mandell, CEO of the Institute of Water, added: “We’re looking forward to working with Susan over the coming year. Her leadership will be instrumental as we prepare for next year’s conference in the South West and continue supporting our members and the workforce of tomorrow.”
We are excited to announce that applications are now open for the Institute of Water’s 2025 Rising Stars Programme!
This tailor-made Programme empowers young professionals to take charge of organizing site visits, enhance their communication abilities, boost their confidence, and connect with industry leaders.
It allows participants to grow personally and professionally, expanding their networks and opening doors to future opportunities.
Why apply?
Past Rising Stars and their employers credited the Programme with helping secure new job opportunities, increase skill sets, and build valuable industry connections. The benefits gained through participation are significant, enhancing employability and providing a strong platform for future career growth.
What is needed to apply
To apply, you must be someone with:
– A full individual IWater membership
– An employer who will support your involvement
– An early-stage water sector career
– A passion for professional development
Please note: We do not accept Rising Stars applications from trial members.
How to apply
Please complete the Application Form and send it with your CV and 1000 words to info@instituteofwater.org.uk
Download the Application Form HERE
Managers: Encourage your teams to apply
If you have talented early professionals on your team who are eager to grow, this programme offers an invaluable opportunity for development. We encourage managers to support and motivate their team members to apply and take advantage of this fantastic chance to build skills, confidence, and connections within the industry.
Application Deadline
The deadline for applications is 23:59 on Sunday, November 3, 2024. Please note we will not accept any applications after this time.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to further your career!
The Institute of Water is proud to announce that Bob Taylor, CEO of Portsmouth Water, has been awarded the 2024 Allen Bolton Award. This prestigious accolade honours individuals who have shown exceptional commitment to the Institute of Water and the professional development of its members.
Established in memory of founding member Allen Bolton, who passed away in 2011, the award is presented annually at the President’s Dinner by our National Chair.
This year, Matt Bower, Team Leader of DWQR, had the honour of presenting the award. Bob Taylor received this well-deserved recognition on September 11th at the Institute of Water National President’s Dinner and Awards Evening in Lincoln.
Bob has been a long-standing member of IWater, serving as both a Board member and Past President. His leadership highlights include successfully steering the Institute through two Annual Conferences and the pandemic, always sharing his expertise and time generously. A strong advocate for personal growth, Bob consistently encourages others to excel and advance their careers.
Upon receiving the award, Bob said:
“Thanks to all of my friends and colleagues at the IOW for this amazing recognition, it was a huge honour, a genuine surprise and I have loved every single moment of my involvement with IOW and the Board over the last 25 years.”
We are deeply grateful for all Bob has contributed to IWater over the years, and we feel incredibly fortunate to have him remain a part of our family UK water professionals. His passion and dedication continue to inspire us all.
As Bob steps down from the Institute of Water’s Board of Directors, we want to extend our deepest thanks for his outstanding service and leadership. While we will miss his presence on the Board, we are incredibly grateful for his lasting impact on the Institute and the entire water industry.
Thank you, Bob!
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
In honour of National Volunteer Week, we have planned a digital campaign that celebrates our volunteers who underpin our work, bringing their day-to-day experience in the sector to run and provide our core offerings.
Throughout the week, we will be highlighting stories and achievements of our volunteers on our social media platforms and website. Follow us on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram to see our featured volunteers. Don’t forget to like, share, and comment on these posts to spread the appreciation!
We also want to hear from you! Share your volunteer experiences, photos, or a message about what volunteering means to you. Use the hashtag #VolunteerWeek2024 and tag us so we can feature your stories in our campaign.
Together, let’s make this National Volunteer Week a memorable and impactful celebration of the spirit of giving and community service.
We are thrilled to announce that Gina Turner has joined IWater’s HO team as our new Membership and Communications Coordinator!
Gina is based in the South West and brings with her a strong background in communications, volunteering, and community engagement.
One of our key strategic aims is to ensure that our volunteers are properly supported, engaged and celebrated, which will be Gina’s area of focus.
On joining the IWater team, Gina said “I’m really looking forward to being part of the IWater team and working to support such a fantastic group of members and volunteers.”.
As Gina settles into her new role, she will attend many meetings and events to get to know us better.
Please join us in welcoming her to the IWater family. Gina can be contacted at gina@instituteofwater.org.uk
You can also find out more about Gina, and the rest of IWater’s HO team via: https://instituteofwater.org.uk/head-office-team/
Welcome, Gina!
In exactly one year, on May 12th, 2025, the Institute of Water (IWater) will be celebrating its 80th anniversary!
In 1945, Allen Bolton, our founder, looked for somewhere to turn for information and insight into the day to day operations of a water undertaking. None of the professional bodies at that time catered to his needs, so he set about creating his own.
For the past eight decades, we have stood in support of developing the UK water sector workforce. This milestone represents not just our longevity, but the commitment and dedication of each and every one of our members, past and present.
Today, we continue to seek to better equip our members to do their day jobs, advocate for the sector and improve the environment and lives of their communities. With a membership comprising from across the UK water sector with diverse and wide-ranging skills and disciplinary backgrounds, we foster collaboration and development for all working in and around water.
Our mission has evolved and our services have grown significantly in 80 years. Through our extensive network of events, registrations, awards and publications, we empower our members to stay ahead of industry trends, navigate challenges, and seize opportunities for growth and improvement.
As we celebrate our 80th anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to our members and the sector, inspiring the next generation of water leaders. We want to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to all who have been a part of this incredible journey. Your passion, expertise, and unwavering support have been instrumental in shaping the IWater into the family it is today.
We have some exciting plans in store to commemorate this special occasion, and we can’t wait to share them with you.
To learn more about our history in the meantime, please visit: https://instituteofwater.org.uk/our-history/
Here’s to 80 years of IWater, and many more to come!
Happy World Earth Day 2024!
Today, as we celebrate, it’s an opportunity to reflect on our collective commitment to preserving and protecting our planet’s precious resources.
This year’s theme, Planet vs. Plastics, serves as a reminder of the critical importance of environmental conservation and sustainability, particularly in addressing the global challenge of plastic pollution.
At the Institute of Water, we seek to better equip our members to do their day jobs, advocate for the sector and improve the environment and lives of their communities. Our Environmental Sustainability Policy, “Smaller carbon footprint, mindful about water”, underscores our commitment to achieving these objectives.
Institute of Water members play a vital role in advocating for responsible water management and environmental stewardship. Whether through their work in the water sector, holding or pursuing Environment Registration, or attending one of our related events, they are actively contributing to the protection and enhancement of the environment.
Let’s seize this day as an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the environment. Whether it’s reducing your own plastic waste, participating in a plastic clean-up event, or donating to a related charitable cause, every action, regardless of its size, contributes to the greater good.
Let’s continue to work together to make a positive impact on our planet.
As we come together to celebrate World Water Day, let us reflect on the vital importance of water in sustaining life and fostering prosperity for all.
This year’s theme, Water for Peace, underscores the intrinsic value of water and reminds us all of the imperative to promote water cooperation, equitable access, and sustainable management practices.
In our sector, we champion that water is not merely a commodity; it is the essence of life itself. It is not only a fundamental human right but also a critical resource that transcends borders and cultures. Yet, despite its undeniable significance, billions of people around the world still lack access to safe and clean water.
As a membership body operating within the UK water sector, we know that our members play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable water management practices, promoting innovation, and advocating for equitable access to water resources. Through their expertise, collaboration, and advocacy efforts, we can as a collective drive positive change and contribute to building a more water-secure world.
As we commemorate World Water Day 2024, let us reaffirm our commitment to being stewards of water, today and every day.
Together, let us work towards a future where every person has access to clean and safe water, and where water is valued, respected, and protected.
Happy World Water Day!
Excitement is brewing as Utility Week Live 2024 approaches. We are once again partnering with this fantastic event, delivering a session focusing on people and talent, and exhibiting at stand K16.
Gabrielle Mandell, our Chief Executive, will be leading a panel discussion on the Innovation Stage. Set to chair the Institute of Water session titled ‘Innovation and beyond: how can we transform the industry’s approach to people and talent?’ on May 21st at 3 pm, Gaby and her panel of experts promise an enlightening exploration into revolutionizing the water sector’s approach to people management.
The session boasts an impressive lineup of speakers, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences to the table:
- Ian Barker, Vice President Environment, Institute of Water
- Jason Elliott, Co-Founder, Get Knowledge
- Gemma Betney, Head of Workforce Demand & Resourcing, Anglian Water Services
- Angela Day, Head of People, Risk and Compliance, Market Operator Services Limited (MOSL)
Together, they’ll delve into insights, strategies, and case studies that highlight innovative initiatives within water sector organizations. Attendees can expect a dynamic exchange of ideas, fostering an environment ripe for learning and collaboration.
In addition to the enlightening session, we’re thrilled to announce our exhibition at Stand K16. Stop by to connect with our team, explore our latest initiatives, and learn more about how we’re driving change in the water sector.
Utility Week Live is renowned for its comprehensive content program, and this year promises to be its most extensive yet. With over 3,000 pan-utility professionals expected to convene at the NEC, Birmingham on May 21-22, attendees will have unparalleled access to the latest innovations, insights, and solutions shaping the industry’s future.
The best part? Access to this enlightening session is absolutely free! Simply secure your place and join us for what promises to be a transformative discussion. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of the conversation driving change in the water management landscape.
Secure your free spot now by registering here: https://register.visitcloud.com/survey/2r8obihui9ndr?actioncode=NTWO000265ZEA&partner-contact=301nxuwugr5x4