Women’s Network

Clair Dunn

Anglian Water 

I am a Chartered Scientist and have over 20 years experience in the water industry which is so vital to public health and the environment.  There have been huge steps forward in the representation of women in roles across our industry since I joined but there is still more to be done and so I am really keen to work with the Institute of Water on supporting and encouraging women in their careers in this great industry. 

Kara Sadler

South Staffs Water

I am a Chartered Scientist with 11 years’ experience within the Water Industry. Having worked within varying disciplines during my career, I am eager to help build support networks for women and help them succeed at any role and level within this exciting industry. I am a strong advocate and supporter of the Institute of Water and currently sit as Vice Chair on the Eastern Area Committee.

Rachael Picken

Scottish Water 

I am a Chartered water industry professional with 9 years’ experience working for Scottish Water and previous experience working within a professional membership body. My current role is as the Investment Appraisal Transformation Manager, working to ensure we make smarter investment choices to generate value for our customers. Outside of work I am a Non-Exec Director for a local community leisure centre and sit on the Scottish Area Committee. 

Gill Edwards

Skewb 

I am a Senior Project Manager for a utilities consultancy in the water sector, combining programme delivery expertise with a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, particularly for women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and other underrepresented groups. I’m also the Chair of the Women’s Network Steering Group.

I am passionate about proactively championing women at all stages of their life and career across the sector, and helping to shape a more diverse, inclusive, and resilient future for the industry. I’ve seen first‑hand the value of inclusive networks in driving innovation, collaboration, and professional growth, and I am looking forward to continuing this work within our network.

I am proud to support initiatives that empower individuals and organisations alike, recognising the critical role that diversity plays in strengthening both people and the sector as a whole.

Fiona Punchard

Institute of Water 

I lead the Institute’s Membership, Marketing and Communications Team, and I’m passionate about using a wide range of communication channels and approaches to build engagement, value and impact for our members and the wider sector.

I have over 20 years’ experience as a communications and engagement professional, working across the water industry, healthcare, insurance, transport and international non‑profits.

Rose Shisler

Anglian Water  

I am a Regional Water Recycling Network Manager at Anglian Water, with over a decade of experience in the water industry. I lead frontline operational teams across my region, including pollution response technicians and jetting operations, playing a key role in protecting the water environment and supporting local communities.

I am a people‑focused leader who is passionate about building capable, engaged teams and creating a culture where colleagues feel trusted, supported, and empowered to do the right thing. I work closely with operational leaders and technicians to strengthen capability, improve ways of working, and ensure safe, effective service delivery.

Environmental protection sits at the heart of my role, with a strong focus on pollution prevention, response, and recovery. As a Board member of the Institute of Water, I bring an operational perspective and actively advocate for diversity, equality, and inclusion, supporting inclusive leadership and representation across the sector.

Anna Reeves

Drinking Water Inspectorate

I am an Inspector in the Risk Assessment Team at the DWI, with around 20 years’ experience in the water industry from laboratory analysis to water treatment process science and risk assessment.

I have seen a gradual increase in the number of women in field operational teams and engineering roles over my time in the industry, and I am passionate about promoting the value we all contribute. I am proud to continue to support work to close the gaps in inclusivity and diversity as part of the Women’s Network Steering Group.

Kirsty Ayres

WRc

I am a Principal Consultant at WRc (Water Research Centre) with 14 years’ experience in the water industry, specialising in holistic source‑to‑tap solutions that deliver multiple benefits. I wear many hats for the Institute, including SE Area Chair, Professional Registration Assessor and Environmental Panellist.

I’m passionate about inclusion for all and co‑led the setup of the YPN in 2019 to support new people entering the water sector. My focus for the Women’s Network is to help overcome some of the challenges I experienced as a woman in the water industry.

Francesca Henderson

Yorkshire Water  

I am an early‑careers professional, joining the sector 18 months ago after completing a Master’s degree in Zoology at Queen’s University Belfast. With a strong interest in environmental policy and the future of sustainable water management, I now work as a Sustainability, Innovation & Partnerships Graduate at Yorkshire Water, supporting projects that deliver environmental and social value.

I also play an active leadership role in shaping inclusion and community within the organisation as Co‑Chair of the Women & Gender Network at Yorkshire Water, championing equity and supporting women across all areas of the business. Beyond Yorkshire Water, I contribute to the wider industry through my position as an Institute of Water Northern Area Committee Member, helping to strengthen professional networks and sector collaboration.