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.
Today, on World Environment Day, we are reminded of our shared responsibility to protect the planet that sustains us all.
This year’s theme, #BeatPlasticPollution highlights one of the most urgent environmental challenges of our time. Plastic pollution has reached every corner of the Earth, polluting our precious rivers, lakes, and oceans. Addressing this crisis requires collective action across all sectors, and the water industry plays a vital role.
Water sustains all life, and protecting it from plastic pollution is a responsibility we all share. At IWater, one of our core values is sustainability, and we are proud to support our members who are professionals driving positive change every day.
If you’re a skilled, practicing environmentalist using today to reflect on what more you can do for the planet, consider becoming a registered environmentalist with IWater. We are licensed to award professional registrations on behalf of the Society for the Environment, ensuring we adhere to the highest environmental standards.
Natalie Akroyd CEnv, Vice President Environment at IWater and Director of Quality and Environment at South Staffs and Cambridge Water, states:
“The environment deserves the very best people working to restore it, protect it, and advocate for it. I know we have those people in the water industry, and professional registration is the best way to recognise and validate the skills and experience of those people.
As Vice President, I want to help everyone in our industry see the part they’re already playing in looking after our environment, and support them to get the professional recognition they have earned.”
We thank our members and volunteers for sharing our continued commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Together, we can all join the fight to beat plastic pollution and safeguard the water environment for generations to come.
The IWater Inspire Award celebrates individuals across the water sector who uplift, empower and influence others through leadership, support and professional development. These are the people who help shape the careers of others while leaving a legacy that strengthens our community.
First awarded in 2024 to Peter Simpson, former CEO of Anglian Water Services and former IWater President, the award recognises those who go beyond their own success to elevate others. Peter was honoured for his inspirational leadership, commitment to talent development, and the long-term impact of his work in the sector.
We’re now inviting IWater members to submit nominations for the 2025 award. We’re looking for individuals who:
- Inspire excellence in others, encouraging ambition and growth
- Demonstrate leadership that strengthens the sector or our IWater community
- Support professional development, whether through mentoring, training, or opening up new opportunities
- Leave a lasting legacy, with a positive and ongoing impact on peers and the wider profession
If someone comes to mind—a colleague, mentor or leader—now’s the time to recognise them.
Key details:
- Who can be nominated? IWater members
- Who can nominate? All IWater members
- Deadline: Submit nominations by 30th June 2025
- Winner announcement: 18th September 2025, at our President’s Dinner and Awards Evening in Plymouth
Submit Your Nomination HERE
Celebrate the people whose actions continue to inspire and shape our industry.
As part of our “80 Years of IWater” campaign, we’re proud to celebrate the extraordinary career of Sandy Squires IEng MICE DMS MSc MCIM FIWater. A passionate and dedicated professional, Sandy began his journey in the water industry in 1966 at the age of 17 and has been an active member of IWater for over 52 years. His story reflects not only personal achievement but also the evolution of the UK water industry over more than five decades.
“I began working in the Water Industry in July 1966 at the age of 17 as a Trainee Engineering Technician with Berwickshire County Council. I worked with the County Water Engineer, Deputy County Water Engineer and Superintendent, learning the business of providing a constant water supply to the consumers in the area. This involved surveying for new water mains, supervising the works of direct labour gangs who laid and renewed water mains.
In 1968, the South East of Scotland Water Board was formed and all staff were transferred to it. I was appointed a Civil Engineering Technician covering the Berwickshire area. The role involved the designing of new and renewal of water schemes, preparing Bills of Quantities and Estimates, plan preparation and site supervision of construction. During this period, I was awarded an HNC in Civil Engineering at Napier College, Edinburgh.
In 1975, the Water Boards in Scotland were dissolved and responsibility for all Water Industry works was returned to the Regional Council.
I was appointed Area Technician Operations with the Borders Regional Council. I worked with the Area Engineer responsible for the operation, maintenance, repair and improvement of the water supply treatment and distribution function in Selkirkshire and Berwickshire areas of the Borders Region.
In 1979, I obtained the post of Distribution Officer in Lancaster and District, part of North West Wate,r responsible for the management of the water mains, distribution network, operation of the area control room, drawing office, inspectors and supervisory staff and works gang.
Following reorganisation, I was appointed Sub-District Manager at Kendal, responsible for setting up the organisation of a new depot to carry out the management of the water mains network and the Direct Labour organisation in Kendal. During this time, I achieved a Diploma in Management Studies (DMS). I was then the Sub District Manager in the Lancaster Area.
Following reorganisation, I was appointed System Manager in Fylde and North Lancashire, working for North West Water, engaged in the management and operation of the Water Mains Network, identifying improvement projects and ensuring that customers received a good standard of service. During this time, I completed an MSc in Management (part-time). Privatisation of the Water Industry took place during this time.
I was then appointed Territory Manager in Preston and Ribble Valley to be the face of United Utilities in the district, responsible for Hodder Water Treatment works in the Hodder Valley and White Bull Water Treatment Works, Preston and responsible for the wastewater distribution function. This role required a good understanding of the principles of water supply and wastewater treatment and the operation of the water mains networks. There was also a responsibility for all customer issues and media approaches in the area, I was required to be proactive with local media.
In 2000, I came off-line to write a Technical Licence as required by the Drinking Water Inspectorate. I retired from United Utilities in 2002. During this period, I obtained an NVQ D32, D33 Assessors certificate.
I then became a part-time NVQ Assessor – University of Central Lancashire, carrying out assessments of Candidates undertaking the NVQ in Utility Planning and Management Level 4. This also involved presentations at the Induction process and preparing and presenting workshops to Candidates on the needs of the NVQ4.
In May 2003, I became a part-time Associate Lecturer at Bolton Community College, which involved presenting BTEC Advanced Diploma courses on Water and Wastewater Engineering. I also acted as Advisor to coordinate the work of students to link their work experiences between the BTEC Advanced course and the NVQ3 in Leakage Control, both of which they were undertaking. I continued to work for Bolton College until 2014.
I believe that becoming Registered as a Chartered Engineer (CEng), Incorporated Engineer (IEng), or Engineering Technician (EngTech) is recognition of your ability as an Engineer to meet the national academic and engineering standard set for the appropriate professional qualification. Achievement of these qualifications demonstrates that you have the knowledge and awareness of modern equipment and techniques available to the industry and the ability to adopt the most appropriate of these in your everyday work projects. Also, a good recognition of customer expectations and the need to carry out work with as little disruption as possible.
I would encourage all who have the correct qualifications or experience to undertake a Professional Review to become registered.”
Volunteers’ Week 2025 is here, and we’re taking this opportunity to celebrate the incredible water professionals who give their time, energy, and expertise to support the Institute of Water.
At IWater, our work is underpinned by dedicated volunteers who bring real-world sector experience to help deliver our core offerings. They support every facet of our activities and form the backbone of our organisation.
We are incredibly proud and grateful to have over 240 engaged volunteers like you across our Areas, Committees, Networks, Panels, Assessor pool, and Board. A caring and diverse group of people who generously dedicate their time to support their colleagues, help our members develop, and build trust in our sector.
Volunteers are truly at the heart of the IWater family, making everything we do possible. We know volunteering isn’t always easy, and things don’t always go to plan — but our volunteers embrace challenges, stretch themselves, and know they’re making a real impact.
While we’re highlighting their work during Volunteers’ Week, our appreciation extends year-round because volunteering happens every day of the year.
In this anniversary year, we remember that volunteers formed IWater 80 years ago. Belonging and contributing to a professional body was so important to our founders that they poured countless hours into communicating, coordinating and doing everything it takes to set up and run our organisation. That same volunteer spirit and commitment continue today, helping IWater to inspire and support our members and our sector going forward.
During this week of appreciation, we’ll be sharing inspiring volunteer stories, highlighting incredible contributions, shining a spotlight on our various volunteer roles, and showcasing the many opportunities members have to get involved. We’ll also be featuring testimonials from our community, so keep on eye on our social media, your emails, and the website to see what we get up to.
Thank you to our volunteers for everything you do. It’s a privilege to work with such a passionate and dedicated community.
To learn more about becoming an IWater volunteer, visit: https://instituteofwater.org.uk/volunteering-at-iwater/
Matt Bower, Chair, and Gaby Mandell, Chief Executive
Institute of Water
As part of our “80 Years of IWater” campaign, we’re aiming to share 80 stories from our members and volunteers to celebrate this milestone year. Today, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on the career of Wing-Shum Lee IEng MIWater CEnv, Network Performance Engineer North at United Utilities. Read Wing’s water industry journey below.
“Life at North West Water Ltd. began after graduating from Lancashire Polytechnic in 1989, some 35+ years ago. Taking on various roles in the drawing and systems offices in Preston. A two-year distribution trainee placement followed in the Blackburn works office, where I was actively encouraged to join the IWO (now IWater) in 1992 by my manager (Chris Edmonson), which included a six-month secondment at HQ in Warrington.
I was part of a team that diverted the trunk main for the extension of the M65 motorway near Darwen in the early 1990s. On completion, I headed back to Lancashire and into the world of installing new water mains. My proudest moment was directionally drilling a 10” pipeline under the M61 and the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in Chorley to reinforce the water network of a growing town. I was also involved with the design and estimating of over 2,000 km of Cast Iron mains rehabilitation in AMP 3/4 and in AMP 5, carrying out mains cleaning design to improve our drinking water quality, stretching from the Scottish Borders & down into Manchester City Centre.
I was encouraged & supported by my managers (Nicholas Preston & Peter Duffy) to look at the wider business, which led to successfully completing the CIWEM Diploma at Liverpool JM University.
I progressed to the Professional Review, achieving my IEng through IWater. This quickly led to a change in direction and into the Network Performance Team in Merseyside and currently in Lancashire, where I keep the taps flowing to our customers’ homes and businesses.
Twelve years ago, I volunteered to become a mentor to Network Apprentices, which I thoroughly enjoyed and benefited from for personal development. I have continued to do so in an informal capacity. Happy to report that both mentees are doing well within the business at United Utilities.
IWater has an extremely important role to play in supporting and advising in the water industry in AMP8 and beyond. We have many experts with bags of experience readily available; make use of them.
I hope to keep the taps flowing & customers “happy” in the North West of England.
Nurture & encourage our young people, they are our future in the water industry.
My advice to the next generation: be humble, be kind & live your life with integrity.“
The Institute of Water has submitted its response to the Cunliffe Review, led by the Independent Water Commission, highlighting the critical importance of investing in people, skills and professional standards across the water sector.
As the only professional body open to anyone working in water, the Institute’s response reflects the views and experiences of members working at all levels across the UK industry. It reinforces the message that a professional, well-trained, values-led and sustainable workforce is essential if the sector is to rise to current and future challenges—whether that’s improving resilience, delivering innovation or restoring trust.
The submission calls for stronger focus on workforce development as a shared priority for regulators, government, and employers. It also sets out practical steps to attract and retain talent, close skills gaps and promote ethical, professional standards at all levels of the workforce.
Gabrielle Mandell, Chief Executive of the Institute of Water, said:
“The water sector has ambitious goals for the future—but none of them can be achieved without the people who design, deliver and improve the services we all rely on. Our members are committed, passionate professionals. They are also clear that more needs to be done to support long-term investment in skills and professional development.
“We welcome the work of the Independent Water Commission and its focus on the future. By recognising the importance of people, and the culture they shape, the Commission has an opportunity to help rebuild trust and confidence in the sector.”
You can read our full response here.
The Institute of Water is delighted to announce the appointment of Oliver Grievson and Sally Walters as its new Co-Vice Presidents of Engineering. Both bring a wealth of experience and expertise that will be instrumental in shaping the future of engineering within the water industry.
Oliver Grievson is a highly respected figure in the water sector, having worked with various water companies and engineering consultancies throughout his career. He is currently an Associate Director and Technical Authority at AtkinsRéalis, as well as a Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor in Digital Water at the University of Exeter. Oliver is a recognised expert in regulatory monitoring, supporting water companies across all aspects of wastewater compliance and investigations.
Commenting on his appointment, Oliver said: “I am looking forward to taking up my role as Co-Vice President of Engineering at the Institute of Water to support the development of engineers and technical professionals within the water industry and help develop the next generation of technical leaders.”
Sally Walters is a Chartered Civil Engineer and the Civil & Structural Discipline Lead for Stantec‘s UK and Ireland Water business. With over 22 years of experience, she has played a key role in delivering major engineering programmes, specialising in water and wastewater infrastructure. A passionate advocate for the water profession, Sally is an Experienced Professional Member of the Institute of Water and an active participant on the IWater Engineering Panel. She holds fellowships with the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Institution of Engineering and Technology, and the Women’s Engineering Society. In addition, she is a Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor at Exeter University.
Speaking about her new role, Sally said: “I am enthusiastic about supporting and cultivating the next generation of engineers, as well as contributing to the Institute’s advancement and recognition within the wider industry. I am particularly looking forward to strengthening connections within the water engineering community and other professional engineering institutions while fostering a robust, inclusive membership.”
Oliver and Sally will be working with the current Vice President, Jo Parker, until she formally steps down in September this year. Jo has served as Vice President of Engineering since 2018 and was the first woman to hold this position, as well as the first female National Chair of the Institute of Water. Her dedication and leadership have been instrumental in shaping the Institute’s engineering focus and inspiring the next generation of professionals.
Reflecting on her time in the role, Jo said: “I am delighted to be handing over the role to such excellent members of the engineering profession who I know will ensure that the Institute’s firm foundation in technology and engineering will continue to be strengthened. The industry faces a huge engineering challenge over the coming years and strong leadership is essential.”
These appointments reflect the Institute of Water’s ongoing dedication to supporting engineering excellence and innovation in the water sector. We look forward to working with Oliver and Sally as they help drive the profession forward.