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The Science Council is celebrating and recognising the collaborative effort of our members to combat climate change in our latest Connecting For COP26 Campaign.
Climate change is an inter-disciplinary issue requiring international co-operation. Securing global net zero by mid-century and limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees requires huge collaboration and connected thinking.
In the lead up to COP26, held for the first time in the UK this November, we want to showcase the outstanding contribution of scientists and science technicians working on the latest research for a greener future.
From air quality and climate modelling to renewable technologies and sustainable inventions, we can only rise to the challenges of climate change by working together.
We want to hear your stories from a diverse range of disciplines.
We are looking for blog entries of around 500-700 words. Entrants from all disciplines are welcome, and the campaign is open to both registrants and non-registrants of the Science Council.
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Contribute your story by getting in touch with our Marketing and Communications team here.
The deadline for submissions is 28th July 2021.
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The Institute of Water continues its series of ‘Black Voices in the Water Industry’ webinars with a discussion between Ian McAulay, CEO of Southern Water and Peter Simpson, CEO of Anglian Water.
The first three events resulted in a video capturing the highlights and aimed at attracting allies and making a difference.
Now Ian and Peter have agreed to discuss what their organisations are doing to raise awareness of and combat racism and to support under-represented groups both in the workplace and the community.
The discussion will be chaired by Shanice Burke, a consultant (Operations Transformation) at Capgemini Invent who has participated in each of the preceding events and features in the video.
Shanice said:
“Following the first 3 Black Voices webinars, I’m excited to hear what changes have been made at Anglian and Southern Water to tackle the inequalities that exist. I feel that focussing on apprenticeships and targeting minorities to increase BAME representation could be the way forward. It will be particularly interesting to hear what the respective organisations plan to do in order to appeal to a young diverse generation.”
Join them in a webinar on Tuesday 3rd August 15.30-17.00 to hear if things have changed for people from minority groups in the water industry in terms of:
• Increasing the number employees
• Changing how they are treated and whether they feel more integrated
• Increasing the number in middle and senior management roles
There will be an opportunity for all to pose questions and extend the discussion: we hope you are able to join them.
The webinar is open to all to attend; simply visit https://instituteofwater.org.uk/events-info/?id=1443 and click the Book Now button at the top of the page.
Our Fall 2021 Group of the European Junior Water Programme (EJWP) kicks off in October.
Registration is Now Open to build professional networks, career skills, digital readiness, and more to meet challenges of a changing water sector!
Email: info@juniorwaterprogramme.eu
Website: https://juniorwaterprogramme.eu
Changes in water resources and technology are happening now with much more to come. As we move towards post-pandemic recovery, the water sector will be increasingly competitive, and managing new working forums will be essential for young water professionals and their organizations.
Sharp international communication and digital skills will be in demand more than ever in addressing limited water resources and climate impacts that intensified while the world was in lockdown. And professional connections you will make in EJWP can be key to opening future job opportunities and to synergies across Europe for tackling problems that are too complex to face alone.
We at the European Junior Water Programme are thrilled to launch a new group this fall to meet these challenges head on. EJWP connects young European water professionals (2 – 8 years experience, <35 years-old) with skills and capacities to co-create, implement, and manage projects in the sector. EJWP also equips participants with expertise in the latest digital communication tools for an innovative expertise that gets noticed in working spheres.
As always, our 2-year, part-time training programme is built on three pillars of development to boost the professional value of individuals and organizations in the European water sector:
- Knowledge creation and transfer: Masterclasses on European policies, water technology and innovations — including local water projects from all of our participating organizations.
- European networking opportunities: Participants’ integration in Water Europe and its activities, sessions with our senior-level EJWP Ambassadors from around Europe, and participation in water-sector events, both online and live.
- Personal and professional skills development in international teams: Emphasis on cultural awareness, diversity, and communication in project exercises.
Are you ready? Contact us to explore how EJWP can accelerate careers and the impact of water-sector organizations. The future is happening. EJWP is happening! Don’t miss this opportunity to join our European water-smart community at a global turning point for the water sector! Deadline for registration is 1 September 2021.
Find out more by joining EJWP Director, Naomi Timmer, online on 1 July for the Start of Summer Drink with EJWP: Meet & Greet EJWP community
Need more reasons? Our EJWP participants say…
“EJWP is good for the development of soft skills in a truly multicultural environment. I’ve also learnt from the on-site visits where we can see the organizations and understand how they work, and within. It’s important to understand the different roles of water professionals in the sector and in their different countries.” Rosa Esposito from Isle Utilities in Italy.
“Being in EJWP is actually an opportunity in itself through the connections that we make, because we interact with other young experts in the water sector with different perspectives. I feel that I’ve grown in my European professional capacities as a result of broader interaction in EJWP.” Loïc Charpentier from Water Europe in Belgium.
“I like to go out of my comfort zone and do things differently… A master class on water complexity made me think about how we approach complex problems and can make changes in our ways of working. This was inspirational.” Ingrid Keupers from De Watergroep in Belgium.
“The EJWP training days can be long and really packed. We complain, but we’re happy. I’m building network connections with an interesting group of organisations participating in EJWP. I’ve also discovered how little I really knew about the EU and its policies.” Martha Bjarnar Gjermo from Aqua Alarm in Norway.
Today marks the publication of our annual Water Matters report. The survey tracks household customers’ views and preferences on the services and support that they receive from the water companies in England and Wales.
Key findings include:
- Satisfaction with water services remains high despite the challenges water companies have faced during Covid-19 restrictions. 92 per cent of customers said they were satisfied with their water service with 85 per cent expressing the same view about their sewerage service.
- Satisfaction with the value for money customers receive has increased over the past decade and currently stands at 76 per cent for water and 78 per cent for sewerage.
- Our more in-depth analysis in our Highlights Report shows that some groups in society that were struggling to afford their water bill prior to the pandemic now seem to be worse off.
- Asian and mixed ethnic groups, people under 30 and disabled households are among those most likely to be facing difficulties affording their water bill.
- Water companies have made efforts to boost support for households struggling to pay their bill during Covid-19 but this is still not reaching many of those that need it most.
- CCW has challenged the water industry to work with it to overcome cultural, language and other barriers to support.
More than 5,400 household customers across England and Wales were interviewed for this year’s report between September 2020 and March 2021. The report provides a snapshot of customers’ experiences against the backdrop of Covid-19 restrictions and their wider impact.
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The Institute of Water is running a competition to come up with a new event to portray the modern skills of water industry front-line staff.
The event will replace Drilling & Tapping – which started in 1989 and ran for 31 years – and the plans are to stage it at Utility Week Live when it returns to the NEC on 17th and 18th May next year.
The new event will be for teams of 2-4 people and must promote teamwork and reflect the current skills of the front line.
Proposals (no more than two A4 pages) should explain the methodology and list the equipment needed; diagrams are welcome.
The competition will be marked on the basis of:
• Portraying the modern skills of the front line
• Interest for the audience
• Practicality to set up any equipment in an indoor arena
• Feasibility to complete heats and finals over two days
• Cost to set up and run
The person who submits the winning entry will have the opportunity to name the event and will be invited to present the prizes in the first year.
Proposals should be submitted to info@instituteofwater.org.uk by Friday 27th August.
We are delighted to announce we have registered our 100th Chartered Scientist (CSci). Charlotte Robinson is currently a Water Quality Technical Support Engineer for the Reservoir Maintenance & Inspection Team at Yorkshire Water and has 8 years’ experience in technical Team Leader and Scientist roles.
Charlotte is the third member from Yorkshire Water to attain CSci, following Dr Krishna Morker (Public Health Manager) and James Keeley (Asset Planning Sponsor).
Charlotte said “Becoming a Chartered Scientist is a career highlight and a source of personal pride and credibility, which will no doubt further my career in the industry. I was delighted to hear that I was the 100th Chartered Scientist and I hope that my colleagues at Yorkshire Water and in the wider industry will consider recognition for their contribution and hard work.
“The Institute of Water has been immensely supportive throughout and the professional review was a positive, friendly and engaging process.
“I would like to give special thanks to my application sponsor, Chartered Scientist Dr Krishna Morker, whose unwavering support gave me the confidence to apply”.
Since gaining a licence from the Science Council to award Chartered Scientist in 2013, our scientific professional development offering has gone from strength to strength with the additions of Registered Scientist and Registered Science Technician.
Building on our pioneering partnership with Anglian Water on scientific development, we now have registrants from a wide range of water companies, regulators, consultants and the supply chain. We are developing partnerships with other water companies – particularly Thames and Yorkshire – and Charlotte, Krishna and James will be well placed to support a cohort of 22 from Yorkshire Water who are embarking on a path to Professional Registration.
Steve Coles – a Potable Water Process Controller at Anglian Water – is the first Institute of Water Member to be awarded Registered Environmental Practitioner (REnvP).
Steve has worked for Anglian Water for 20 years, with 8 years in his current role. He is also the Biodiversity Champion for his operational area and has had a long running project at Wing Water Treatment Works to develop old amenity grassland into a productive wildflower meadow.
Steve was the very first person to attain Registered Environmental Technician (REnvTech) when it became available in 2015, recognising it was a means of formalising his understanding of the environmental responsibilities that come with his role and demonstrating my increasing knowledge of biodiversity, and meadow management through the project.
Steve is passionate about biodiversity and a great ambassador for Environmental Registration, giving presentations, interviews and podcasts. He has recently registered as a mentor and become an assessor for members applying for REnvTech.
REnvP was introduced at the end of last year and sits between the well-established Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) and REnvTech. Steve found that both applications using the same format made for a seamless transition between REnvTech and REnvP. He said:
“I have found that keeping an up-to-date CPD log of my activities has been very useful in guiding the writing process of both applications and has helped me assess the direction of my career.
“The great unseen benefit of working through these applications is showing you just how much you have achieved throughout your career without necessarily taking stock of your development.
“My professional review was conducted by two friendly Chartered Environmentalists, who put me at ease, and gave me every opportunity to talk through the application. I would recommend both accreditations highly from both a personal and professional perspective.”
Professor Ian Barker HonFSE CEnv, Vice-President Environment, Institute of Water and Managing Director of Water Policy International Ltd, has been awarded Honorary Fellowship of the Society for the Environment.
The award of HonFSE recognises exceptional contributions to protect and enhance our environment and to the Society itself. Ian was presented with his award on the eve of World Environment Day at a Virtual 2021 SocEnv Awards Presentation which also recognised Rachel Skinner HonFSE, President, Institution of Civil Engineers and Executive Director at WSP
Dr Emma Wilcox, judging panel member and Chief Executive of SocEnv, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ian Barker and Rachel Skinner as newly awarded recipients of the recognition Honorary Fellow of the Society (HonFSE). Through their exceptional contributions to protect and enhance our environment, in gaining the title HonFSE they have joined an esteemed list of professionals that have demonstrated true leadership when it comes to championing the environment and sustainability. This leadership is vital if we are to achieve our climate and environmental commitments, with esteemed professionals like Rachel and Ian demonstrating the importance and power of achieving tangible, science-based action driven by expertise.”
At the same event, IWater member Gemma Williams CEnv, Ecology & Biodiversity Advisor, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water was Highly Commended in the 2021 Registrant Newcomer of the Year Award which was won by Lara Young CEnv, Group Carbon Manager, Costain.
Reaction from the winners and details of their work will be available at socenv.org.uk in the coming days.
Winners of the 2021 SocEnv Awards to be revealed on 4th June from a high calibre array of nominations.
The showcase virtual ceremony will also celebrate two new Honorary Fellows of the Society and SocEnv’s CEnv and REnvTech Employer Champions – an event not to be missed!
It’s almost time for the highly deserving winners of the prestigious Society for the Environment (SocEnv) Awards to be revealed. The winners have been selected from a record number of nominations from across the environmental profession, including many of an exceptional standard.
Nominations for the two awards categories reflected a melting pot of environmental expertise, with nominations received for environmental professionals working across sectors and disciplines, including consultancy, training, chemical and operational engineering, water supply, health and social care, resources and waste, energy and environmental management, and the built environment.
Nominations were received for professionals registered as a CEnv or REnvP through a number of professional bodies including the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM), Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES), Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), Institute of Water (IWater) and Society of Operations Engineers (SOE).
The Environmental Professional of the Year award is designed to highlight the very best work of Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv), Registered Environmental Practitioner (REnvP) and Registered Environmental Technician (REnvTech) registrants.
The Registrant Newcomer of the Year award, introduced last year and growing in stature, also showcases outstanding environmental work but is specifically available to those who have achieved their registration on or after the 1st January 2020; shining a light on those who have really hit the ground running since becoming a REnvP, REnvTech or CEnv.
The results event will also see two leaders of the environmental profession presented as Honorary Fellows of the Society for the Environment (HonFSE), as well as a showcase of the fantastic achievements of our CEnv and REnvTech Employer Champions. 2021 is an important year for our Employer Champion programme, as it marks two years since it was first established to highlight those organisations supporting their staff to excel via environmental professional registration.
Dr Emma Wilcox, Chief Executive of the Society for the Environment, said: “The annual SocEnv Awards are designed to recognise those individuals who, during the last twelve months, have innovated and inspired in their work. Following a challenging year, it is even more important that we recognise those who have gone above and beyond to protect, preserve, or enhance the environment.
Similarly, celebrating the life achievements of two new Honorary Fellows of the Society, as well as the organisations going the extra mile to support the professional development of their staff via our Employer Champion programme, means we have much to celebrate in 2021! We look forward to our upcoming event as a showcase and celebration of the fantastic work done by the environmental professional community and hope to see many of you there.”
Chair of the Society, Professor Will Pope HonFSE CEnv will announce the winners of both awards categories on a live, online broadcast on Friday 4th June 2021 at 16:00 BST, the eve of World Environment Day. To join this celebration of the environmental profession and give support to the wonderful nominees, please register your attendance via: socenv.org.uk/SocEnvAwards21
Portsmouth Water has signed an initial four-year framework agreement with Trant Engineering for the remainder of the water company’s seventh asset management period (AMP7) to 2025, with the option of a five-year extension for the AMP8 regulatory period to 2030. The contract is worth up to £20 million. Scope of work in the non-infrastructure investment programme includes maintenance and new projects for assets above and below ground. Pictured at the signing, from left, are, seated, Bob Taylor, Chief Executive, Portsmouth Water, and, Gerry Somers, Managing Director, UK, Trant Engineering. From left at the back, James Henderson, Director – Process & Water, Trant Engineering, and Mark Mills, Head of Production & Asset Delivery, Portsmouth Water. Protective face coverings were worn inside Portsmouth Water’s head office in Havant, near Portsmouth, where the signing took place. Portsmouth Water supplies clean drinking water from boreholes, springs and a river to 320,000 properties in Hampshire and West Sussex. An initial four-year framework agreement has been awarded by Portsmouth Water to water sector specialist Trant Engineering. Worth up to £20 million, the contract to maintain and improve assets above and below the ground includes the option of a five-year extension. The investment programme is for the remainder of Portsmouth Water’s seventh asset management period (AMP7) to 2025 and an extension would cover the AMP8 regulatory period to 2030. Portsmouth Water supplies clean drinking water from boreholes, springs and a river to 320,000 properties in Hampshire and West Sussex, including Portsmouth, Havant, Hayling Island, Emsworth, Chichester and Bognor Regis. Trant Engineering, headquartered near Southampton, has worked on bespoke projects for Portsmouth Water for more than 15 years, including the design, installation and commissioning of ultraviolet disinfection technology. Bob Taylor, Portsmouth Water’s Chief Executive, and Gerry Somers, Trant Engineering’s UK Managing Director, signed the contract at Portsmouth Water’s head office in Havant, near Portsmouth. Mr Taylor said: “Portsmouth Water has a laser focus on delivering industry-leading performance – operationally and in customer service – in a dynamic era of water resilience, sustainability, technology and regulatory accountability. “Trant Engineering has consistently proved itself to be a leading contractor to the water industry and its collaborative ‘one team’ approach, innovation and can-do attitude has been well received.” James Henderson, Director – Process & Water, Trant Engineering, said: “Our costreimbursement business model, aligned with collaborative working with Portsmouth Water, means we can efficiently and effectively deliver a programme of maintenance and new works. “The framework agreement builds upon a long and trusted relationship with Portsmouth Water spanning three decades.” Scope of work includes water treatment works, pumping stations, service reservoirs, pressure-reducing values, water treatment processes and equipment, boreholes, reservoirs, pumping stations and monitoring equipment and systems. Disciplines by Trant Engineering cover Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Control and Automation (MEICA) and other specialist activities such as chlorine and sulphur dioxide gas systems, hatch alarms for reservoir and water treatment works, borehole and reservoir rehabilitation work, cathodic protection and telemetry work. Civil engineering and building works by Trant Engineering are also included within the non-infrastructure investment programme.A series of collaborative workshops with Portsmouth Water and Trant Engineering have already been rolled out successfully, Mr Henderson added. Portsmouth Water, which continues to maintain its position of delivering the lowest water bills in England and Wales, does not own or operate wastewater facilities.