Inspire Award
Launched in 2024, this annual award honours individuals in the water sector who go the extra mile to support, guide and empower others.
About the Inspire Award
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.
Congratulations to our Inspire Award 2025 Recipient
Congratulations to the winner, Ian Barker, Senior Independent Non-Executive Director at South Staffs Water, who has truly embodied everything this award stands for and continues to inspire us all.
On presenting him the Award, IWater Fellow and judging panel member Nicci Russell, shared:
“This person is a truly exceptional leader, inspiring excellence and confidence in everyone they meet over many years. They are generous with their time and insight. They bring an understated authority to everything they do, and have made an incredible impact within IWater and across the sector.”
Hear from our Inspire Award recipients:
“The Institute of Water is an amazing organisation. It’s the only body committed to supporting the careers of anyone who works in the UK water sector. And it does so in a non-hierarchical, incredibly friendly way. Being given the Inspire Award, which reflects the views of my peers, was a very proud moment. A big surprise but very gratefully received! Inspiration is a two-way process.”
Professor Ian Barker, Independent Non-Executive Director, South Staffs Water
“Throughout my career, being part of the Institute has provided unparalleled support, camaraderie, and learning from peers. A key differentiator of the Institute is the practical application of shared knowledge, a vision set by founder Allen Bolton. As a young Supply Superintendent, I benefited greatly from the willingness of colleagues in other companies to share and offer support, a network that continued to support me throughout my career. At the dinner, I was humbled to receive the Inspire Award and to hear how I had helped others develop. For me, the true reward was seeing them succeed.”
Peter Simpson, former CEO of Anglian Water Services
The nomination process
Please note that nominations are currently closed and will reopen in summer 2026.
Each year, we ask IWater members to nominate someone they feel has made inspiring contributions to both our organisation and the sector via a dedicated form.
From there, a panel of judges carefully reviews and shortlists anonymised applications to highlight those making the most remarkable difference. Then, a winner is selected from this shortlist by the judging panel.
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.
Criteria:
- Inspiration: How has the nominee inspired others to achieve excellence or strive for professional growth?
- Leadership: How has the nominee demonstrated leadership that positively impacted the water sector or the IWater community?
- Professional Development: How has the nominee helped others in their professional journey, whether through mentorship, training, or creating opportunities for others?
- Legacy: What lasting impact has the nominee had on the water sector, their peers, and the IWater community?
Key details:
- Who can be nominated? IWater members
- Who can nominate? All IWater members