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 pleased to share the reflections below, together with personal messages 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.

We’re delighted to share that Nicola Fomes, Managing Director at Navigate Infrastructure and Chair of the Institute of Water Midlands Area, has been awarded as a Fellow of the Institute of Water (FIWater).

Fellowship recognises those who’ve made a real difference to the water sector, and Nicky’s award reflects both her professional expertise and the time and energy she gives back to the industry, always looking to #MakeItCount.

As Midlands Area Chair, Nicky has played a key role in shaping a supportive and active regional community, bringing people together, creating opportunities for members, and encouraging others to get involved and develop. Her impact is felt not just in what she delivers, but in how she supports others to make their own contributions count.

Here are a few words from our Midlands Area volunteers:

Charley Maher, Midlands Area President, said:
“ Her impressive technical expertise, combined with a deep understanding of the broader sector, proved invaluable in helping us shape a robust strategy, address longstanding challenges, and achieve both strong performance and compliance with licence conditions.“

Selena Zang, Midlands Committee Volunteer, added:
“Nicola has created a welcoming, ‘family-like’ culture where people feel encouraged and supported to contribute and grow.”

Evan Joanette, Former Area Chair, said: “I have worked with, then volunteered with Nicky for over 10 years where she brings energy, good judgement and commitment to sector regulation and the Institute of Water. In the Midlands, she has been a consistent leader, dedicated chair, action coordinator and recruiter and mentor to new and established volunteers.  

This recognition is a well-deserved milestone, and we’re proud to have Nicky as part of the Institute.

Congratulations, Nicky!

Every day is a good day to thank our volunteers for their vital contribution. But Volunteer Week gives us a special reason to really celebrate our vibrant volunteer community.

From day one, volunteers have been the lifeblood of IWater. Last year, we marked 80 years since the organisation was founded by volunteers. That is 80 years of development shaped, driven, and delivered by volunteers; and 80 years of reasons to recognise their commitment and say thank you.

And now, we have another year of outstanding achievement and dedication from IWater’s over 260 active volunteers. They know that volunteering is a powerful way to make their IWater membership count.

Our volunteers have organised webinars and conferences, mentored and assessed applications for professional registration, given their time and expertise to committees, and so much more. They do this with enthusiasm, insight, and professionalism, creating a welcoming environment where we can all learn from one another.

Throughout this week, we’ll be sharing inspiring volunteer stories and highlighting the wide range of volunteer roles available. There are countless ways to get involved, with opportunities that reflect different skills, interests, formats, and time commitments. What unites them all is a shared commitment to making a meaningful difference for our members, our sector, and for personal growth and development.

So, please allow us to take the opportunity, as part of national volunteer week, to say a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of our IWater volunteers. You make IWater possible and you make it count!

To learn more about becoming an IWater volunteer, visit: https://instituteofwater.org.uk/volunteering-at-iwater/

Kara Sadler, Chair, and Gaby Mandell, Chief Executive
Institute of Water

An Institute of Water member is among the latest professionals to join the Society for the Environment (SocEnv) register, helping it pass 9,000 current environmental registrants for the first time. 

Maria Woods CEnv, Senior Environmental Engineer at Thames Water, achieved Chartered Environmentalist status through the Institute of Water and is one of many members strengthening professional standards across the water sector. 

Maria said: 

“Becoming a Chartered Environmentalist is an exciting milestone for me. Joining this community means connecting with like-minded people and I look forward to sharing knowledge, ideas and working together to create lasting positive change for our environment.” 

Gabrielle Mandell, Chief Executive of the Institute of Water, commented: 

“Maria’s achievement reflects the dedication, skill and vision our members bring to protecting and enhancing the water environment. Professional registration through SocEnv is more than a mark of competence, it is a celebration of commitment to excellence, to ethical practice, and to making a tangible difference for our environment. We are proud to support our members on their registration journey.” 

Phil Underwood, Engagement Manager at SocEnv, added: 

“Whilst reaching a milestone number of environmental professionals with externally verified competence doesn’t immediately solve the challenges that face us, it is adding to the roadmap of change and a signal of intent.” 

As a licensed member for SocEnv, the Institute of Water provides one of the professional routes to becoming a CEnv, REnvP or REnvTech and continues to support members working towards registration. Further details on registering through the Institute of Water are available at https://instituteofwater.org.uk/environment-registration/  

This year has marked 80 incredible years of the Institute of Water (IWater), a milestone that’s brought together members and professionals from across the UK water sector to celebrate, reflect, and look forward to the future.

One of the highlights of our anniversary year has been sharing The Living Timeline, an interactive activity that’s been sparking great conversations at our in-person events. Now, we’re delighted to make this resource available for everyone to download and enjoy.

From Our History to Yours

When we published our 80 Years of IWater Timeline earlier this year, we reflected on the key milestones that have shaped who we are today, from our founding roots to the people, accomplishments, and innovations that continue to move our organisation forward.

But our story doesn’t stop there. Every member, at every stage of their career, contributes to the evolving story of IWater. That’s why we created The Living Timeline, an editable version of our timeline designed just for you.

Reflect, Celebrate, and Look Ahead

The Living Timeline gives you the chance to map out your own professional journey. Whether you’re just starting out in the sector or have decades of experience, it’s a meaningful way to celebrate your achievements, recognise how far you’ve come, and think about what’s next.

Earlier this year, at our 80th Anniversary Celebration, one of our longest-standing members, Kathy Irvine, Change Lead at Scottish Water, shared her own Living Timeline, inspiring others to do the same and reminding us that every story is part of a much bigger picture.

Download and Share Your Story

We’re honoured to be part of your professional journey and hope you’ll take a few moments to complete your own Living Timeline.

👉 [Download The Living Timeline Worksheet here]

Once you’ve completed yours, why not share it on LinkedIn? Tag us and use #80YearsOfIWater! We’d love to see your stories, reflections, and the paths you’ve taken in the water sector.

Together, we continue to build the next chapter in the IWater story, one member, one milestone, and one journey at a time.

We’re excited to announce that submissions are now open for the Winter 2025 edition of the IWater Magazine.

This issue marks the final magazine of our 80th anniversary year and to celebrate, we’re inviting members to take part in an exclusive cover competition.

Cover Competition Submission Guidance

We’re inviting members to share their favourite water photograph, or capture a brand-new one, for the chance to be featured on the cover of our Winter 2025 edition. Whether it’s a water environment you work in, live in, or one that holds personal meaning, we’d love to see your perspective.

To make sure your image is suitable for print, please follow the submission guidance below.

  • Resolution: Set your camera/phone to capture at the highest resolution possible (e.g. HDR on phones). When sending by email, select original/maximum size.
  • Final Image Specifications:
    • Orientation: Portrait
    • Resolution: 300 dpi
    • Dimensions: 213mm (W) x 260mm (H)
  • Composition note: Please allow for the cover’s wave shape design, which crops into the top-left corner of the image.

Tip: Many cameras and phones default to 72dpi, so be sure to check your settings before shooting.

Contribute to the Magazine

Why contribute to the Magazine?

  • Engage with a rapidly expanding digital readership of over 16,000 professionals per quarterly edition.
  • Share your projects, innovations, and ideas with a national audience across the water sector.
  • Position yourself as a forward-thinking voice in the industry.
  • Contributing editorial content supports your CPD while enriching the knowledge of others.

We’re looking for contributions across the following subject areas:

  • Innovative Water Technologies
  • Sustainability
  • Customer Engagement
  • Sludge Disposal

Article submission guidance 

Please note that all submissions should be non-commercial and must not promote specific products or services. Learn more about paid-for advertising HERE.

Word count guide for articles

  • One page – 500-600 words plus one/two images
  • Two pages – 800 -1000 words plus two/three images

Don’t miss out as entries for submissions and the cover competition close on 12 November 2025.

If you’d like to submit your contribution or have any questions, please contact our publisher, Martin, at martin@instituteofwater.org.uk or call 07342 850289.

Please note that only IWater members can contribute.

Applications for the 2026 Rising Stars programme are now open!

The Rising Stars programme is a tailor-made opportunity for early career professionals to explore the water industry, develop leadership and communication skills, organise and participate in events and site visits, build confidence, and connect with industry leaders.

Rising Stars and their employers have praised the programme for providing valuable insights into the industry, fostering a network of like-minded professionals, expanding knowledge beyond their current roles, and delivering actionable learning that can be applied directly in the workplace.

About the programme

Running throughout the calendar year from January to December, the programme offers a structured journey of growth and industry insight.

There are 8 places available on the programme, with one place allocated to each IWater Area: Eastern, Midlands, Northern, Northern Ireland, Scotland, South East, South West, and Wales.

Three must-haves to apply:

1.      You must be an individual member of IWater at the time of applying but cannot be a trial member.

2.     You must be at an early stage in your water sector career. You may be in an academic or apprenticeship programme, but you must be in employment.

3.     You must have the support and backing of your immediate line manager and ideally also your Chief Executive or Managing Director.

Find out more about the programme and explore the FAQs by clicking here.

Why you should apply for the Rising Stars programme: Tanisha’s advice

Click here to hear from 2025 IWater Rising Star, Tanisha Bisla, Graduate Leadership Trainee at Anglian Water, as she shares why becoming an IWater member and applying for the Rising Stars Programme is such a valuable opportunity. Tanisha talks about the experiences and opportunities the programme has given her, and also offers thoughtful advice for those who may not be successful the first time around.

How to apply

To apply, you will need to complete the Application Form on our website, and then share it along with your CV and 1000 words maximum outlining why you consider yourself to be a Rising Star, to info@instituteofwater.org.uk 

Applications are submitted to IWater’s Central Team, who will acknowledge receipt and forward them to the relevant Area Committee, who will shortlist candidates.

The deadline for applications is 23:59 on November 2nd 2025.

As part of our 2025 #80YearsofIWater campaign, we’re proud to be running a storytelling series called “80 Years, 80 Voices.” For this contribution, we’re sharing a blog authored by IWater Affiliate, ELIQUO HYDROK.

ELIQUO HYDROK is part of a global network of companies that strive to protect our most precious resource; water.

As a leading water engineering solutions company, working alongside all the major water utility companies in the UK and Ireland, ELIQUO HYDROK provides innovative, environmentally considerate, cost-effective and practical solutions. With an extensive portfolio of products and solutions (for wastewater management, wastewater treatment, clean water treatment, surface water management and sludge treatment), we bring a wealth of project experience and learnings.

With established teams in Cornwall, Wolverhampton and Wombwell, ELIQUO HYDROK are well-equipped to support operations – from start to finish; with design, manufacture, management and install capabilities – across the UK and Ireland. This wealth of in-house expertise is backed by a forward-thinking mindset to help customers achieve their long-term goals sustainably; to deliver results in AMP 8 and beyond.

Alongside the Institute of Water and fellow members, much of what we do aims to reduce harmful impacts on the water environment as much as possible… It’s what drives us. ELIQUO HYDROK has been a proud Company Affiliate with IWater for over 12 years and it’s fantastic to share in the 80th anniversary celebrations.

Now more than ever, it’s important for Water Companies to be part of the conversation and pull together to ensure the long-term success of the water sector. Membership with the Institute of Water facilitates these important discussions through focus groups, conferences and webinars.

Most recently, colleagues attended the IWater webinar ‘The Cunliffe Review: A Turning Point for the Industry?’ This particular conversation is, of course, significant for all of us across the water industry as the findings of the Cunliffe Review have far-reaching implications. Knowledge sharing in the industry is vital to enable all UK water professionals to deepen our understanding, strive towards positive change and deliver better outcomes for our customers and the environment.

Peter Wroe, Managing Director and individual member of IWater, commented:

“IWater’s webinar enabled a timely discussion with industry leaders on the key findings, their implications, and whether this could mark the beginning of the transformative change we’ve all been anticipating. Whilst everyone recognised the enormity of the challenges ahead, I think the overwhelming message was one of hope – we are all here for the right reasons and want the sector to succeed, so it’s up to us to do our part.

I’m looking forward to connecting with peers at the Annual Conference later this year in Plymouth. The theme is all about driving actionand gaining practical insights to help us, as an industry, turn our ambition into impact. Eliquo Hydrok are proud to be a part of the change and we look forward to continuing the conversation.”

If you’d like to read more of the contributions to our 80 Years, 80 Voices campaign, head over to our LinkedIn, or view our dedicated campaign page.

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

The Institute of Water (IWater) is delighted to announce the appointment of Sarah McMath, Chief Executive of MOSL, to its Board of Directors. Sarah will formally take up the role of President at the end of September 2025.

Sarah has been a long-standing member and supporter of IWater, previously serving as South East Area President and actively contributing to the organisation’s work to support water professionals across the UK.

Speaking following her appointment at last week’s IWater Board meeting, Sarah said:

“The Institute of Water has become its own institution in the water industry and is a family of water professionals supporting one another’s development whilst promoting the expertise and passion of those working in the sector. Having been President of the South East area, I feel privileged to be taking on the position of President of IWater. I look forward to working with Gaby and her team to support the organisation in the next stage of its journey in what is a pivotal time for the water industry and, indeed, our planet.”

With over 32 years of experience in the water sector, Sarah has held a wide range of roles spanning technical, asset management and operational functions. She is a recognised leader in the industry and a passionate advocate for water efficiency, sector resilience, and inclusion.

Beyond her role at MOSL, Sarah serves as a trustee of the Don McMath Foundation, a charity providing free education to children in The Gambia. She also holds board positions at the Women’s Utilities Network, and is Chair of the Water Efficiency Strategy Steering Group. In addition, she is a member of the National Drought Group and sits on the advisory groups for Ofwat’s Water Efficiency Campaign and Water Efficiency Fund, further demonstrating her commitment to long-term environmental stewardship.

In her role as President, Sarah will lead the development and delivery of IWater’s Annual Conference 2026, the organisation’s flagship event. She will also continue to champion equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), playing a key role in the upcoming EDI Conference later this year, as she has done in previous years.

This appointment comes at a significant time for IWater, as it celebrates its 80th anniversary, a milestone that highlights eight decades of supporting and developing water professionals and the sector.

Gabrielle Mandell, Chief Executive of the Institute of Water, commented:
“We are delighted to welcome Sarah to the Board. Her passion for water and inclusion, and her commitment to developing people, shine through in everything she does. Her leadership embodies our values.”

Matt Bower, Chair of the Institute of Water, added:
“I’m delighted that Sarah has agreed to be our next President. She is already very active in IWater at both regional and national levels. She is the perfect person to lead us in our mission to better equip people working in the water industry with the skills and support they need to thrive.”

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. Their work is underpinned by dedicated volunteers who bring their day-to-day experience in the sector to support every facet of their activities and organisation.

IWater’s Board currently comprises the Chief Executive and 11 Non-Executive Directors, all of whom are volunteers and members.