As part of our exciting 80 Years of IWater campaign, we are launching a new series, “80 Years, 80 Voices”, where we will share personal insights, memories, and experiences from those who have played a significant role in shaping the Institute of Water and the wider water sector.

We are thrilled to kick off the campaign with a special blog from Simon Bennett, Market Improvement Lead at MOSL, who reflects on his journey as an IWater volunteer and member. Simon has been a valued part of our community for many years, and his contributions have helped guide IWater through a period of significant transformation.

Simon began his journey with IWater as a volunteer for the South West Area in 1988, and later served as Chair of the Board from 2008-2010 during a pivotal time of rebranding. As Chair, Simon’s dedication to fostering a collaborative environment helped lay the foundation for many of the initiatives we continue to enjoy today, including the Area Forum, which has been an essential space for knowledge sharing and strategic planning with our volunteer network.

We are excited to share Simon’s story as the first in our 80 Years, 80 Voices series and look forward to featuring more stories that highlight the growth and achievements of IWater and its members, volunteers and partners.

Simon reflects on his time with IWater over the years:

“I was advised to join the Association of Water Officers, as it was known back in 1987, as it would be good for my career, my job and my relationship with my then boss. So, I did!

Back then it was a very middle-aged male-dominated, engineering-based association that seemed to still be stuck in the 1950s.

Within a year, I was on the South West (SW) area committee as honorary treasurer, trying to locate monies from various committee members, accounts, and presenting the annual accounts at the AGM. I had to buy a ‘teach yourself accounting’ book to help me.

In the early days, I also got to meet our founder, Dr Allen Bolton, and many of the original association members who did so much for this organisation.

In 1988, the association became the Institute of Water Officers, and the average age of the SW committee dropped by 10 years, and we started catering for all sorts of events to reach out to a wider audience. We also had privatisation to deal with and get our heads around, which provided some new topics for events. Legends like Richard Barton, Barry Short and Kevin North joined the committee, and it was a great and fun place to be.

Back then the main sponsorship came from the water companies, and in 1993 the SW area successfully held its first overseas weekend school in Ireland as guests of the Dublin Corporation. I can remember staying in Bray, dancing at a traditional Irish-speaking club, taking 10 delegates to Dublin’s finest museums and, of course, the water treatment works in the beautiful Wicklow mountains. This was the start of several excellent overseas visits including France, Belgium, and Jersey (a member of the SW area at the time).

The events also started to improve, and we started to bring in industry suppliers’ sponsorship via the successful annual golf day and their own suppliers’ day, which was a first for the Institute at the time. We also started joint area events with the Midlands and South East areas, having met some of their members at national conferences. It was a successful time for the Institute and events were very well supported.

As an area we also helped put on three successful Bristol [Annual] Conferences in 2000, 2006 and 2012. I made my speaking debut in 2006 talking about the history of Bristol, my home city. Conferences – especially the sponsors’ evening – were fun events. Who can forget the Robin Hood evening in Nottingham, Wine Street in Swansea, monkeying around at Bristol Zoo, singing sea shanties on the SS Great Britain, dancing at Belfast City Hall and drinks at Stormont, and the football quiz evening at Newcastle’s St James Park.

Please note – I blame Richard Barton (former National Chair), Kevin North, Barry Light and Ian Limb (former National Chair) for everything and anything that may have happened. It was never me!

Treasurer, Events Co-ordinator, Chair and National Representative were all roles I was proud to hold in the SW area, so I jumped at the chance of being Neil Morton’s National Vice Chair in 2007, and then followed the great man into the National Chair role (2008-10). The role was generally a one-year term of office, but due to a rebrand and name change I covered two.

What an honour it was receiving my chain of office at King’s College Cambridge and working closely with then President Jack Carnell and the Gateshead head office team.

We had just started the quarterly area forum meetings, which I managed to move around the country. The forum was a great way of sharing good practice and areas supporting each other as well as putting on more joint events. It was a busy but rewarding experience and I received great support from my Vice Chair, Maureen Casagrande. I stayed on the SW committee for a couple more years after that and was made a Fellow.

I still attend events when I can, and I am still in touch with many colleagues, good friends in many cases. We did have some fun, but we also learned an awful lot and built up a great industry network. I was pleased to get involved in the mentoring scheme and share all that knowledge and experience before it was lost.

I for one will be raising a toast and wishing the Institute of Water a very happy 80^th birthday.”

As we mark Chartered Week 2025, we’re excited to share an inspiring story from Jo Parker MBE CEng FIWater, Vice President Engineering at the Institute of Water.

Jo reflects on her journey to becoming a Chartered Engineer, from facing early doubts and industry barriers to breaking new ground in the water sector.

In the 1970s, engineering was still seen by many as a male-dominated profession, and she was told outright that some companies wouldn’t employ women engineers. But she didn’t let that stop her. From designing and overseeing major water projects to paving the way for future generations, Jo’s career is a testament to resilience, passion, and breaking down barriers.

Jo’s story is a reminder that Chartership isn’t just about recognition—it’s about perseverance, credibility, and shaping the future of our industry.

“I shall always remember the day I heard that I had passed my professional review and was a chartered engineer. It was just before Christmas, and I knew that the decisions would have been made and posted in the Institution of Civil Engineers. A friend had promised to check the list and would phone me if I was on it. No phone call. I drove to my boyfriend’s house with a heavy heart. He was already a chartered civil engineer so knew how much it meant to me. I braced myself to phone my parents. My father answered the phone and the first thing he said was ‘Congratulations.’ I don’t think I’ve passed’ I said glumly. Then my father told me the great news – he’d gone to the Institution’s headquarters that day and seen my name on the list. I was a Chartered Engineer. It was the best Christmas Present I could have.    

It was the culmination of a journey which started in my teens when I thought about architecture but wasn’t sure it would use my aptitude for mathematics sufficiently. When I learned about civil engineering I decided there and then that was what I’d like to do. I asked a local civil engineering company if I could have a holiday job with them. They offered me a job in their new data processing department for the summer, but said they would not employ me if I became qualified – they didn’t employ women engineers!

My maths teacher, who had qualified as an electrical engineer was sceptical that I’d get a place at university, but I proved her wrong. She was also sceptical that I’d get a job afterwards, but I was offered several jobs and chose one in the design office of Thames Water in Oxford – the first woman engineer to work for Thames Water Authority which had only be formed the year before.  There I was given a design project to work on – a tertiary treatment plant for Abingdon Sewage Treatment Plant. I then went out on site to supervise the construction of my design – a very steep learning curve and a culture shock for the contractor as well as myself but so exciting to see my designs take shape. I submitted the design and contract documents for my professional review.

The review itself was rather daunting – sitting in the ICE building waiting for my name to be called, then winding my way past a hall full of interviewees and their interviewers separated by screens to meet my two assessors. This was followed by a written exam in the afternoon.

Although the journey to Chartership was not always straightforward for me, and in the 1970s there were many who thought that engineering was no career for a woman and were happy to tell me that. However, I stuck to my goal of becoming a Chartered Engineer. Since that time, I have always been proud of my achievement and loved my work as an engineer in the water industry.”

The Institute of Water (IWater) is thrilled to announce the successful renewal of its licence to award professional registrations on behalf of the Society for the Environment (SocEnv).

Following a rigorous review process, IWater’s systems, procedures, and dedication to environmental professionalism have been recognized and commended.

IWater holds the prestigious authority to award three professional registrations in the environment field:

• Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv)
• Registered Environmental Practitioner (REnvP)
• Registered Environmental Technician (REnvTech)

These registrations are designed to enable structured professional progression, offering an opportunity for individuals to advance their careers and expertise—from REnvTech to REnvP and ultimately to CEnv. Each step reflects a growing commitment to sustainability, environmental responsibility, and professional excellence.

Recognition from the Review Panel

The recent licence review highlighted IWater’s continuous improvement and collaboration. Geoff Atkins, Head of Licence Delivery and Quality at SocEnv, shared his thoughts on the review:

“Whilst IWater have always had good systems and procedures in place, at the recent licence review, the Review Panel were impressed by further improvements made since the last review. Also impressive was the engagement IWater has with our other Licensed Members and with the SocEnv team. The Review Panel appreciated the openness with which IWater approached the review and were delighted to recommend IWater licences be renewed for up to a further five years.

I look forward to continuing to work closely with IWater colleagues, registrants, and members to progress environmental professionalism across the water sector, and welcoming many new CEnv, REnvP and REnvTech IWater members very soon.”

Commitment to Environmental Professionalism

IWater’s commitment to fostering professionalism across the water sector is core to our purpose. Rob Bradley CEnv, Professional Standards Manager at IWater, remarked:

“As befits the diversity of our membership spanning all areas of the water sector across the UK, all of those who hold an environmental registration prove their commitment to upholding these high standards.  As well as holding CEnv since 2013 myself, every part of support we provide to our members extends into the communities and companies they work with, ensuring all of us are trusted to act to the best of our abilities in defence of our environments.”

Natalie Akroyd CEnv, Vice President Environment at IWater, remarked:

“We are delighted to have our licence renewed. We know how critical environmental professional development and registration is to our industry, now more than ever, and environmental registration is an increasing area of focus for our members. The positive feedback from SocEnv on their findings during the review process is recognition of the hard work that Rob and the team have put in to improving our approach and processes to ensure our members can progress their professional development with the Institute.”

Looking Ahead

As IWater continues to support its members in achieving professional registration, the renewed licence reinforces our dedication to advancing environmental standards within the water industry. By fostering collaboration, promoting excellence, and enabling progression, IWater is proud to help shape a sustainable future for the sector.

We’re excited to welcome many new Chartered Environmentalists, Registered Environmental Practitioners, and Registered Environmental Technicians into our growing family. Together, we will continue to make a positive impact on the environment and the water sector.

The Institute of Water (IWater) is proud to participate in Chartered Week 2025, the first in an ongoing annual national awareness week dedicated to celebrating and promoting the role of professional registration and its impact on society today.

This year’s theme, “Celebrating Trusted Professionals,” highlights the dedication, expertise, and integrity of those who achieve chartered status and other professional accreditations—key qualities that our family of UK water professionals embody.

About Professional Registration

Professional registration is a recognition of knowledge, experience, and professionalism, demonstrating an individual’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing their skills through continuing professional development (CPD).

IWater’s approach to Professional Registration is unique and supportive, reflecting our role as seeking to better equip our members to do their day jobs, advocate for the sector and improve the environment and lives of their communities.

As the only professional body licensed to offer nine grades of professional registration across Engineering, Environment, and Science we provide tailored support to help individuals achieve and maintain their status.

Why Chartership Matters

Achieving chartered status is a mark of excellence, demonstrating an individual’s commitment to continuous learning, ethical practice, and leadership within their field. It strengthens trust within the industry and ensures that professionals are equipped to tackle the challenges facing the water sector today and in the future.

Get Involved

To mark Chartered Week 2025, the Institute of Water will be:

• Sharing insights from our Chartered Members about their journeys and achievements
• Highlighting the history and evolution of our professional registration offering in the water sector
• Providing guidance and resources to help members take the next step in their careers

Water professionals at all stages of their careers are encouraged to get involved by following the conversation on social media using #CharteredWeek and exploring our online resources.

For more information on professional registration and how to start your journey, visit: https://instituteofwater.org.uk/professional-registration/

The Institute of Water (IWater) is proud to celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2025, marking eight decades of supporting and developing professionals in the water sector. Supported by headline sponsor Adler & Allan, a leading provider of environmental risk reduction services, the milestone year will highlight IWater’s impact through a dedicated campaign, recognising the past, celebrating the present, and inspiring the future.

Why IWater’s role is more important than ever

Water is essential to all life, and a skilled, adaptable workforce is key to ensuring a resilient and sustainable future. As the world evolves, so do the challenges facing the water sector—from climate change and sustainability to shifting customer expectations and increasing media attention. By investing in talent and expertise, we can continue to deliver the best outcomes for people, the environment, and future generations.

IWater Chief Executive Gabrielle Mandell said:

“Now more than ever, being part of a professional body like IWater is so important. Members gain access to exclusive learning opportunities, industry insights, and a supportive family that fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing to drive positive change. As we celebrate 80 years of developing people in the water sector, we remain as committed to our mission as we were eight decades ago. There has never been a better time to get involved.”

IWater Chair and DWQR Team Leader Matt Bower added:

“The benefits of being part of a community are well known. As an IWater volunteer and Board member, I have experienced firsthand the positive impact that professional development and strong networks have on water professionals. IWater has long been the driving force in supporting individuals no matter the stage of their career. During this anniversary year, a focus on development and connection within our industry is more important than ever. Any water professional who isn’t a member of the IWater community is truly missing out!”

 Looking to the Future

As IWater marks this milestone, it remains committed to equipping members to do their day jobs, advocate for the sector and improve the environment and lives of their communities. By tackling the skills gap, addressing industry challenges head-on, and championing professional development, IWater will continue to shape a skilled, resilient, and forward-thinking workforce for the UK water sector.

For more information about IWater’s 80th anniversary celebrations and how to get involved, or to become a member, visit https://instituteofwater.org.uk/80th-anniversary/

The Institute of Water (IWater) is proud to introduce the 2025 Rising Stars, a group of outstanding professionals from across the UK water sector who have been selected for this development programme.

The Rising Stars Programme offers a range of unique opportunities designed to develop the skills of a select group of early-career professionals each year.

This year’s cohort represents all eight IWater regions. They include:

Eastern Area – Tanisha Kaur, Anglian Water
Midlands Area – Ellie-kay Dawe, Aqua Consultants
Northern Area – Joshua Ketley, WRc Group
Northern Ireland Area – Pádraig Meehan, OutForm Consulting | B Corp Certified
Scottish Area – Nessa Stromberg, WSP
South East Area – Jesie Dyos, Thames Water
South West Area – Ross Walker, RPS
Welsh Area – Thomas Jenkins, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water

This tailor-made Programme allows early career professionals to learn more about their industry, take charge of organising site visits, grow their communicative abilities, increase their confidence, and connect with industry leaders.

Our past Rising Stars cohorts and employers have credited the Programme with helping them secure jobs, enhance their skill set, build their network and increase their future employability opportunities.

Join us in celebrating the achievements of these future leaders as they embark on an exciting year of growth and opportunity. Stay tuned for updates on their journey throughout 2025!

Learn more about this year’s Rising Stars’ here: https://instituteofwater.org.uk/rising-stars/

After nine years of outstanding service as the Institute of Water’s Vice President Environment, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Professor Ian Parker CEnv FIWater for his dedication to championing commitment to the environment and the development of our people.

As Ian transitions to a broader role on the Board, we are delighted to welcome Natalie Akroyd CEnv, Director of Quality and Environment at South Staffs Water and Past Chair of IWater, as our new Vice President Environment!

Natalie brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to this role, and she’s passionate about recognizing the positive contributions of the water sector and renewing pride in the critical work we do to protect our planet.

Join us in thanking Ian for his remarkable contributions and welcoming Natalie as she steps into this pivotal role!

by Professor Ian Barker
Outgoing Vice President Environment, IWater

“The thousands of people who joined the March for Clean Water in London on Sunday 3rd November were a clear reminder of how passionately our customers care about the water environment. Politicians care too: the government is introducing new legislation which will affect water companies and regulators and which demonstrates a commitment to reform. It has also announced a wide-ranging review which will report next summer. In the midst of all this change there are two certainties for those of us who work in water in England and Wales: we can expect more scrutiny and higher expectations of our performance. The same will be true in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

A good friend of mine, who is a Sikh, once told me a proverb from his culture which for me sums up where we are: “When elephants fight, the grass gets trampled.” Faced with what seems like relentless reform, scrutiny, and expectations, it is easy for the grass to get trampled. But I think we are tougher than we look. Those working in our sector should not be rolling their socks off every day if they didn’t care about the environment, their customers, and their colleagues. The grass will always grow back; that is a powerful natural process.

It’s been my privilege to have served as Vice President Environment and to help champion IWater members’ commitment to the environment and to our customers. But I’m now moving on, to take a broader role on the Board which will be the focus for professional standards and personal development for all our members.

I am delighted to be handing the baton of VP Environment to Natalie Akroyd, Director of Quality and Environment at South Staffs Water and Cambridge Water. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Natalie for a number of years and I know that she will bring passion and vitality to the role. And that she will be encouraging even more of our members—that means you!—to become professionally registered and so demonstrate that the environment really matters to us all.

Natalie – over to you!”

by Natalie Akroyd
Vice President Environment, IWater

“I would like to start by saying how excited I am to take this opportunity, particularly at a time when the water industry’s focus on the environment has never been stronger. The elevated role we occupy now places us as environmental stewards at the forefront of leadership, and this is something I’m keen to help our members recognise and be proud of.

The Institute of Water offers a unique opportunity to support each and every one of us through our environmental stewardship journey, whether that be through building technical skills, site visits, webinars, and events, to recognising the experience and contributions of individuals through professional registrations. This also gives us the opportunity to build our confidence in our profession and our skillset. It is so important that we have pride in the work we do, which is ever more important in the current climate we find ourselves in.

I believe the environment deserves the very best people to act and speak on its behalf, protect it, and advocate for it. Fortunately, I know from my 20 years in the industry that we have a wealth of just those people all across our industry. However, the current negative focus on the sector has led many to feel deflated and lose pride in the work that they do. So I actually believe the most important outcome of environmental professional registration is to help each of us to recognize and appreciate the positive contributions we make, celebrate the value of our achievements, and renew our passion and motivation to do more. It’s something I feel very passionately about, and hopefully you will too!

Finally, I’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to Ian for all of his dedication and hard work in his role as VP Environment, for the fantastic conferences and events he has delivered, and his relentless commitment to our members and the environment—they are certainly some huge shoes to fill!”

The International Water Association (IWA) is a global organisation, and here in the UK, they offer opportunities for the wider water community.

The IWA UK Committee, a sub-committee of the Institute of Water, serves the interests of UK IWA members.

With an upcoming restructuring, they are excited to announce a new opportunity for all UK IWA members to apply for a position on the committee.

Why Join?

• Advance professionally with national and international exposure.
• Build your network within the water sector.
• Develop valuable new skills along the way.

How to Apply:
Submit a one-page biography outlining:

• The group you represent (e.g., water company, NGO, academia, supply chain, etc.).
• The skills and expertise you bring to the Committee and the Institute of Water.
• Confirmation (if applicable) that your employer supports your full and active participation in IWA UK activities.

Successful applicants must become members of both IWater and IWA, and agree to maintain membership throughout their term (typically three years). Deadline: Submit applications by 6th January to Committee Member Fionn Boyle at Fionn.Boyle@Jacobs.com

For more information on becoming a member of the committee, please click HERE to view the Terms of Reference.

2024 marks a significant milestone for the Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) registration, a globally recognised designation made possible through the Society for the Environment (SocEnv). Among the founding partners of SocEnv in 2002, the Institute of Water (IWater) has been at the forefront of championing environmental competence, making this anniversary a proud moment for its members and the wider environmental community.

The CEnv designation was established in 2004 following SocEnv’s receipt of a Royal Charter. Its aim was clear: to professionalise environmental practice by recognising individuals with proven expertise and dedication to sustainable development. During these 20 years, over 11,000 professionals, including over 250 from the Institute of Water, have joined or been members of the CEnv community, making invaluable contributions to environmental stewardship and sustainable innovation.

Ministerial Support for Environmental Professionals

In celebration of this 20-year milestone, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Nature, Mary Creagh CBE MP, expressed her appreciation for the vital work of Chartered Environmentalists. In her letter to SocEnv, she wrote:

“I want to express my appreciation for the invaluable contributions of Chartered Environmentalists across the UK, over the hugely impressive 20 years of the Society, its Royal Charter, and the distinguished CEnv professional registration. Your collective expertise, dedication, and innovative approaches are at the heart of efforts to tackle the environmental and wider societal challenges we face today.

Your collective work is vital in ensuring that our natural environment is protected, enhanced and managed sustainably, while developing green skills, creating quality jobs and supporting communities and businesses to ensure that environmental benefits are shared equitably.”

Mary then outlined her eagerness to work with, and learn from, CEnv professionals to collectively tackle the multitude of challenges we face: 

“I look forward to working with the Society and to drawing on the expertise and support of innumerable Chartered Environmentalists as we pursue shared goals to achieve net zero, enhance biodiversity, improve air quality, drive resource efficiency and sustainable food production, and build resilient communities in the face of climate change.”

Institute of Water: A Founding Force

As one of the eight founding bodies of SocEnv, the Institute of Water has played a pivotal role in nurturing environmental professionalism within the water sector. Through its support for the CEnv registration, IWater continues to empower its members to lead the way in sustainability, innovation, and environmental excellence.

Commenting on this milestone, Gabrielle Mandell, Chief Executive of the Institute of Water, said:

“The Institute of Water is incredibly proud to have been a founding partner of the Society for the Environment and to have supported the Chartered Environmentalist registration from the very beginning. For 20 years, CEnv professionals have been making a real difference, and we’re delighted that so many of our members are part of this remarkable community. As we look ahead, we remain committed to equipping our members with the tools, recognition, and opportunities they need to lead the way in achieving a sustainable future.”

Reflecting on this achievement, SocEnv Chief Executive Dr Emma Wilcox CEnv FIMMM CMgr stated:

“Ministerial support for environmental professionals and the superb work they do can only be a good thing—especially if it provides greater opportunities to influence policy and decision-making. The CEnv registration—and more recently REnvP and REnvTech—has amplified the influence and trust in the environmental profession. Together with our partners like the Institute of Water, we share a vision for a sustainable future. If you’re considering becoming a CEnv, there’s no better time than now to take that step.”

Join the Celebration

The Institute of Water invites its members to explore the benefits of CEnv registration and celebrate 20 years of progress in environmental professionalism. Together, let’s continue shaping a sustainable future.

Discover 20 years of CEnv: socenv.org.uk/20-years-of-cenv
Learn about becoming a CEnv: socenv.org.uk/chartered-environmentalist
Become a CEnv via IWater: https://instituteofwater.org.uk/chartered-environmentalist-cenv/

The Chief Executive of South West Water, Susan Davy, has been elected as the new President of the Institute of Water.

Susan has championed multiple Graduate and Apprentiship programmes driving talent across the water industry and believes that to truly transform the sector, investment in people is crucial.

Speaking about her appointment after the Institute of Water’s Annual General Meeting last month, Susan said: “I am often asked why I work in the water sector, and my answer is simple: because it’s too important not to. While the billions we’re investing to upgrade the UK’s water and sewerage systems is a remarkable opportunity, the true story is about the people behind it. Generations of families—fathers, mothers, sons, daughters—have dedicated their lives to this vital work. With 30,000 new jobs and 4,000 apprenticeships being created, we’re welcoming the next generation of water specialists. As technology advances and climate change pressures rise, adaptability and environmental skills will be more crucial than ever. I’m proud to be part of this journey, championing the people and skills that will shape the future of water in the UK.”

Susan’s knowledge of the industry, coupled with her financial and regulatory expertise, has underpinned the development of Pennon’s strategy and resulted it in becoming one of the leading businesses in the UK water sector.

The Institute of Water (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. Membership offers UK water professionals – regardless of qualifications, experience, discipline or department – opportunities to broaden their knowledge, widen their network and develop within the sector.

As President, Susan will lead on the Annual Conference 2025, which is IWater’s flagship event and is expected to take place in the South West next September for its 80^th Anniversary. She will also focus on enhancing collaboration across the UK water industry and ensuring IWater continues to be a valuable resource for water professionals at all stages of their careers.

Matt Bower, Chair of the Institute of Water, said: “Susan is widely respected across the water sector, and her experience as Group CEO of a major company like Pennon gives her a deep understanding of the issues we face. We are confident her leadership will benefit our members, especially as we prepare for next year’s conference in her region.”

Gabrielle Mandell, CEO of the Institute of Water, added: “We’re looking forward to working with Susan over the coming year. Her leadership will be instrumental as we prepare for next year’s conference in the South West and continue supporting our members and the workforce of tomorrow.”