Head Office Team

Gabrielle Mandell – Chief Executive

Gabrielle joined the Institute of Water in 2022, having worked for almost 30 years in the non-profit sector, in staff and volunteer roles. 

Born and bred in multicultural Toronto, Gabrielle went to a French school and then went on to study history and languages at University, followed by Law School. An adoptive Geordie, Gabrielle came to the UK in 2000 to work with an international charity dedicated to educating and inspiring for peace through building inter-cultural friendship, cooperation, and understanding. 

Empowering organisations and their people is a passion for her and she also serves on a number of volunteer boards. She is proud to bring that passion to a sector that has the privilege of caring for the world’s most precious resource. 

Tel: 0191 422 0088

Email: gabrielle@instituteofwater.org.uk

Rob Bradley CEnv. FIWater – Professional Standards Manager

Elected as a Fellow in March 2023, Rob has been a volunteer with the Institute for over a decade. His work with the Society for the Environment and mentoring registrants have helped provide the experience to support disciplines throughout the water sector. Being a chef working across the UK and US for a decade before going to university in his early 30’s saw Rob adapt to different places and cultures as a matter of course. Joining the water sector in 2007 and moving from technical consultancy into supporting career development, he relishes talking with people whilst helping them achieve their professional goals and dreams.

Tel: 0191 422 0088 (206)

Email: registration@instituteofwater.org.uk

Fiona Punchard – Head of Membership and Communications

Fiona heads up the Institute’s Membership, Marketing and Communications Team who are passionate about using the wide range of communications channels and techniques to build engagement, value and impact for our members and the wider sector.

She has over 20 years of experience as a communications and engagement professional spanning diverse sectors including water, healthcare, insurance, transport, and international non-profits.

In her spare time, she’s an avid listener of politics and history podcasts and loves reading a cosy-murder mystery or dozen.

Tel: 0191 422 0088 (208)

Email: fiona@instituteofwater.org.uk

Abbie Thornton CMktr – Events and Marketing Manager

Originally from Newcastle, Abbie joined the Institute of Water in early 2022 after earning a BA (Hons) in Event Management from Leeds Beckett University. Since then, she has played a key role in delivering IWater’s largest national events, including the flagship Annual Conference.

In addition to event planning and execution, Abbie leads on digital marketing and communications, managing social media, member e-communications, and the website to enhance engagement and visibility. She also supports regional events run by volunteers, ensuring they align with the wider strategy and receive the promotional backing they need.

Additionally, Abbie oversees sponsorship and partnerships, working closely with external organisations to expand the reach and impact of IWater’s initiatives.

Tel: 0191 422 0088 (203)

Email: abbie@instituteofwater.org.uk

Jordan Maloy – Membership and Accounts Administrator

Jordan has been with the Institute of Water since 2015 and originally joined as our first ever apprentice. After completing his apprenticeship with a Merit, Merit Distinction grade Jordan continued his studies and moved on to Accountancy and passed his level 3. Jordan’s role within the company is to provide financial and admin support for Institute of Water Members, Volunteers and Staff and to manage member retention. He looks after the complete membership cycle and is the main point of contact for any matters regarding membership and mentoring. Jordan likes to spend his spare time with his Son, going out to the beach, farm and play-areas as well as playing and watching Football.

Tel: 0191 422 0088 (205)

Email: jordan@instituteofwater.org.uk

Gina Turner – Membership and Communications Co-Ordinator

Gina, the newest member of the Head Office team, joined us in mid-2024.

Gina brings a wealth of experience focused on improving the experience of members, students, and staff. Her background combines studies and professional experience at the University of Exeter in both communications and user research. This, coupled with her lifelong dedication to volunteering, means Gina understands and values the need to put our members and volunteers at the heart of what we do.

Gina likes to spend her spare time playing and coaching korfball – a niche mixed-gender team sport with similarities to basketball and netball which originated in the Netherlands.

Tel: 0191 422 0088 (211)

Email: gina@instituteofwater.org.uk