Rising Stars

IWater’s Rising Stars programme offers a range of tailored opportunities designed to accelerate the development of a group of early-career professionals who are IWater members.

Membership

About the Rising Stars programme

The Rising Stars programme is a tailor-made opportunity for early-career professionals to explore the water sector, develop leadership and communication skills, organise and participate in site visits, build confidence, and connect with industry leaders. Running throughout the calendar year from January to December, the programme offers a structured journey of growth and insight. Applications typically open in October and close in November each year.

 

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.

Meet our 2026 Rising Stars

 

Maddy Davies

Treatment Strategy Technical Lead at Affinity Water

Maddy began her career in the water industry in January 2024, working onsite as an Operational Scientist. This role ignited Maddy’s passion for water treatment which was continued as she joined the graduate scheme with roles in Asset Planning, Risk and Planning and Cost Estimation. These rotations allowed Maddy to develop a greater understanding of business planning and the impact of positive asset management.

Maddy gained further operational experience as a Production Lead, managing over 40 groundwater sites, boosters and strategic valves and a brilliant team for 3 months. This exposure provided a stronger insight into the operational challenges of day-to-day life and ultimately drew her to her role in the Treatment Strategy team, from October 2025. Maddy’s current role involves developing 25-year strategies for managing critical sites and enjoys working collaboratively with production and other business areas.

 

Wil Chidley

Production Asset Manager | Water Assets at Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water

After completing an MSc in Geophysics at Bangor University, Wil joined the company in 2021 as a Water Services Management Graduate. He progressed to Production Asset Engineer before taking on his current role, where he leads investment planning across water resources, catchments, and production assets. His responsibilities include prioritising risk mitigation and regulatory compliance, managing a multidisciplinary team of engineers, and fostering stakeholder relationships to deliver strategic outcomes.

Fluent in Welsh and English, Wil enjoys playing guitar, rock climbing, and scuba diving, and is passionate about supporting communities across Wales.

Aimee Harte

Apprentice Civil Engineer at McAdam Design

Aimee joined the water industry in 2021 through an eight-year apprenticeship programme in Civil Engineering. After spending two years supporting wastewater connections for new developments through NI Water, she obtained her EngTech MICE with the ICE and joined the Event Duration Monitoring (EDM) project management team. In this role she manages handover of sites and provides technical support, to ensure operational requirements are met during the installation and verification process. Growing a strong background in Environmental Engineering through valuable industry experience, Aimee continues to strengthen her passion for the water industry, and the challenges it faces.

Currently in fifth year of her MEng Civil Engineering, Aimee is keen to continue her professional development and gain a wider understanding of the water industry across the UK.

Jake Parry

Senior Associate, Policy Enforcement at Ofwat

Since joining Ofwat in 2024, he’s worked on a range of programmes, including major projects such as the Havant Thicket Reservoir and the Thames Tideway Tunnel. Until recently, Jake supported Ofwat’s Innovation Fund, a £600 million programme which has funded 109 projects in the water sector to date.

Before Ofwat, Jake worked as a public sector management consultant.  He holds an MA in Political Economy and BA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics.

Outside of work, Jake is a keen environmentalist and an enthusiastic, if poorly skilled, surfer.  Jake cites his love for surfing as a key reason for choosing to work in the water sector.

Olivia Jackson

Technical Science Graduate at Ofwat

After achieving a First-Class honours Chemistry Master’s degree (MChem) from Cardiff University, Olivia began her career in the water sector in 2024 as a Water Treatment Scientist at Cambridge Water/South Staffs Water. Here, she analysed drinking water quality data, implemented procedures to mitigate water quality risk and led critical nitrate mitigation work.

Olivia has since joined Ofwat as a Technical Science Graduate Associate, working across RAPID and Water Supply. In her current role, Olivia is actively involved in long-term planning within RAPID, focusing on the Strategic Resource Options (SRO) pipeline. She also provides support on several of the RAPID gated schemes, applying her technical science knowledge.

Fatima Naeem

Advisory Consultant at Aqua Consultants 

Fatima is an Advisory Consultant working across strategy, assurance, and asset management within the UK water sector. She has supported a range of regulatory, strategic, and innovation projects for water companies across the UK, with experience spanning delivery plan assurance, stakeholder engagement, digital transformation, and long-term resilience planning.

Fatima is particularly interested in how collaboration, evidence-led decision-making, and innovative approaches can help the water industry respond to future challenges. Coming from a diverse background, she is passionate about improving inclusion and representation within the sector and supporting the development of early-career professionals through knowledge sharing and mentorship.

Megan Riley

Communications Executive at MOSL

Following four years as a Primary School Teacher, Megan transitioned to a career in marketing in January 2024. A year later, she joined MOSL as a Communications Executive, where she leads on social media, the monthly Market Focus newsletter, quarterly reporting, and communications for the Strategic Data Programme.

Megan has developed a keen interest in water security and climate resilience since joining the sector, and she’s acutely aware of the importance of education, particularly given the industry’s growing skills gap. Outside of work, she is a writer, yoga teacher, and netball player, where, from page to pitch, clear communication is key

Sarah Wardlaw

Process Engineer at RSE

Sarah is a Process Engineer at RSE, within the in-house design team, working across water and wastewater non-infrastructure upgrade projects. She progressed through RSE’s graduate programme and now leads project design work and testing new technology trials, while contributing to product development and innovation initiatives. Sarah is particularly interested in sustainable and nature-based solutions and focuses on developing efficient process solutions for water treatment that deliver real-world results.

Outside of her technical work, she mentors early-career engineers, promotes diversity in STEM, and engages with the wider industry through industry talks, workshops, and university outreach sharing her experience and enthusiasm.

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

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.

Rising Stars Testimonials

“The Rising Stars programme is a unique opportunity to strengthen your knowledge of the industry, whilst also getting exposure to industry-leading professionals. The regional visits allow you to build a more comprehensive picture of the industry and the contemporary issues that we are facing as a sector, also highlighting the amazing collaborative and innovative efforts to overcome these barriers. My experience on the programme and the opportunity to expand my professional network has been amazing. I highly recommend applying!”

 

Tom Jenkins, 2025 Rising Star and Water Management Graduate, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water.

 

“I’ve loved every moment of the Rising Stars Programme, and I can’t put into words enough what an amazing opportunity it is for a young water professional. The programme has presented the diverse roles within the water industry which is invaluable in helping me shape my career. I have also been able to meet so many different people, from CEOs to Regulators, from clean to waste, growing my network and providing support and advice for both personal and professional development. I’ve really enjoyed the site visits across the country, learning about new projects from nature-based solutions, storm overflow mapping and net zero carbon initiatives and getting to know and collaborate with the other Rising Stars. Another highlight was the IWater Annual Conference where I had the opportunity to chair a session on the importance of our people, a topical conversation going into AMP 8.”

 

Jesie Dyos, 2025 Rising Star and Site Performance Manager, Thames Water

“This past 10 months on the programme has been an acceleration of personal development – providing opportunities to engage with CEOs, gain insight into the operations of other companies and see parts of the industry that would otherwise have been inaccessible so early into my career. The skills I have gained or strengthened throughout the programme and the connections I have made across the industry will, I’m sure, help me for the rest of my career. I highly recommend applying to anyone who is considering it – you won’t regret it!”

 

Elena Downes, 2024 Rising Star and Innovation Project Manager at United Utilities

“The Rising Stars programme was the perfect challenge to push me out of my comfort zone. It gave me the opportunity to meet industry leaders and professionals within the water sector, opening my eyes to the incredible opportunities for collaboration as we face some of the hardest challenges in the industry. I am excited to apply the experiences I’ve gained to future endeavours within the water industry. With this programme, you’re not alone. You become part of a brilliant network of young water professionals who are all like-minded and driven to make a difference”

 

Callum Barrett, 2024 Rising Star and Maintenance Technician Apprentice (Electrical) at Essex and Suffolk Water

“This year has been incredibly valuable, and I highly recommend it to anyone considering applying. The opportunities to visit a range of companies, engage with senior managers and CEOs, and participate in both local and annual IWater events has been an amazing experience. These experiences have significantly enhanced both my professional and personal skills. By gaining insights into different perspectives on the sector and taking advantage of the available networking opportunities, this programme is highly advantageous for those selected and the companies that support us.”

 

Joel Armstrong, 2024 Rising Star and Operational Management Graduate at South West Water

“For me, the Rising Stars 2024 programme has surpassed expectations by introducing me to friendly, knowledgeable, and curious people, who each impart their perspective on water like colourful jigsaw pieces. I am grateful to the Institute of Water for investing in us at the start of our careers, and encouraging our meaningful participation to address water challenges for the coming years.”

 

Caroline Pilat, 2024 Rising Star and Water Scientist at Arup

“The Rising Stars programme has been a truly transformative journey! Traveling from Scotland to various parts of the country, I’ve deepened my understanding of the water industry through connecting with people, meeting influential figures in the industry such as CEOs and Directors, as well as attending various site visits, conferences, and events. This experience has significantly boosted my confidence in public speaking and writing about my work. I’m incredibly grateful to the Institute of Water for this opportunity and to WSP for their support. I wholeheartedly recommend the Rising Stars Programme to any early career professional looking to grow and connect within the water industry!“

 

Desislava Mihova, 2024 Rising Star and Assistant Engineer at WSP

 

“The Rising Stars programme has been a truly one-of-a-kind experience. To be able to meet with CEO’s & other industry leaders at this stage of my career has been invaluable to my career development, and something that I will carry with me as I progress. I have made new connections and friendships which will last a lifetime and I couldn’t speak highly enough about the Programme.”

 

Seán Gilmore, 2024 Rising Star and Water Engineering Apprentice at AECOM

 

“The Rising Stars programme has opened my eyes to the breadth of the sector and allowed me to develop a network of other young professionals in similar positions which has been invaluable. Through the Programme I have been able to discuss new ideas with industry leaders, learn in depth about areas I had previously little experience with, and develop a range of skills that would not have been possible in my day-to-day activities. It has helped me to understand what I want to be doing more of in the future; directly impacting my career pathway and trajectory. Being able to share the learnings from the Programme with my peers at RPS has also had further reaching benefits beyond just for myself.”

 

Robert Bates, 2024 Rising Star and Senior Data Analyst at RPS

“This is a great programme that I highly recommend. No other programme at this stage of your career can see you having valuable discussions with CEO’s or other influential people within our sector. The technical insights, meetings with regulators plus the network I have built this year would not have been possible any other way. Also, you will make some great friends in your fellow Rising Stars!”

 

Dan Cassidy, 2023 Rising Star and Water Technical Officer (West Cumbria) at United Utilities

“Rising Stars is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I have had opportunities I wouldn’t usually experience; my network has grown, my knowledge has expanded and I have made friends for life.”

 

Grace Wilson, 2022 Rising Star and Major Infrastructure Assistant Project Manager at Anglian Water

“The Rising Star programme has been a massive boost to my confidence and has opened up a lot of new learning opportunities for me.”

 

Abbie Mowat, 2022 Rising Star, and Management Sytems Lead, Scottish Water

“Rising Stars has opened my eyes to everything that is going on in the water industry but the best thing has been meeting several other like-minded people across the UK I have been able to count on for support.”

 

Anna Figueras Carril, 2020 Rising Star and Laboratories Team Leader at Scottish Water

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.

Employer Testimonials

“The Rising Stars programme has been great – it’s provided excellent insight into the challenges faced by the water industry, alongside the opportunities that are required to create a water industry that is fit for purpose for the future. Alongside this, the programme has given exposure to a network of like-minded water and environmental professionals, of all career stages.”

 

Josh Gittins, Senior Scientist, Arup

“The fantastic thing about the programme is it allows the Rising Stars to go and see other companies and how they do things and bring great ideas back.”

 

Susannah Clements, Group Organisation Development Director, Anglian Water

“A great opportunity to network and gain a broader understanding of the water industry and the challenges it faces.”

 

Dean Magill, Head of Operational Excellence, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water

Rising Stars FAQs

 

To help support your understanding of the programme, we’ve pulled together some frequently asked questions. If you have any further queries, please call us on 0191 422 0088 or email  info@instituteofwater.org.uk and a member of our Central Team will be happy to assist.

Yes, applicants must be an individual member (not a trial member) of IWater at the time of application. There is no minimum membership duration required to apply.

Rising Stars are required to maintain their membership throughout their time on the programme. Failure to keep a paid-up membership will result in exclusion from the programme.

 

Applicants can be a student member, but must be in employment.

The programme is open to all early-career professionals within the water industry, regardless of role or department. This includes colleagues working in regulatory bodies, supply chain, academia, consulting, and other related sectors of water.

Rising Stars are expected to:

  • Participate in multi-day site visits organised by each Rising Star (8 in total) throughout the year.

  • Join relevant virtual sessions and national IWater events, including the Annual Conference.

  • Support their Area Committee with relevant activities throughout the year.

  • Contribute to IWater’s communications, such as occasionally writing for the magazine or creating content for social media.

There is no fixed schedule, as site visits and activities are planned by the Rising Stars themselves. However, this is a notable time commitment, and participants must be able to actively contribute to the programme and travel as required.

All applicants must have the support of their immediate line manager and ideally also their Chief Executive or Managing Director.

During the 12-month programme, you will have support from:

  • IWater’s Central Team for guidance and any questions you may have.

  • Your local Area Committee, who can assist with activities and logistics.

  • A virtual programme introduction in January 2026, where you will meet our Chief Executive.

  • Fellow Rising Stars, both current participants and alumni, who can offer advice, mentorship, and peer support.

Along with your CV and application form, you are asked to submit a statement of up to 1000 words outlining why you consider yourself a Rising Star. Your statement should include:

  • A short overview of your career so far

  • Why you believe you should be considered a Rising Star

  • What development benefits you hope to gain from the programme

  • Where you see yourself in two years

 

 

Once submitted, applications are received by IWater’s Central Team, who will acknowledge receipt and forward them to the relevant Area Committee for shortlisting. Shortlisting begins immediately after the submission deadline.

Shortlisted applicants are then invited to an interview, where a small panel of IWater Area Committee volunteers will discuss the programme, cover logistics, and ask some questions.

The selection process is completed by mid-November, and successful applicants are notified in early December.

If your application is not successful, please don’t be disheartened. We are committed to providing feedback on your application to help you improve your chances in the future.

Please note that you can apply a maximum of three times over a five-year period.

We also encourage you to remain a member of IWater and take advantage of the Young Professionals’ Network, which supports early-career professionals through events, learning opportunities, networking, social connections, and volunteering.