Why Choose Water?
Holly Beeston
I help Utilities focused businesses by Delivering Top Leaders I Creating Diverse and Impactful teams with the Right Talent I Passionately Empowering Women in Utilities
Following on from Friday's celebrations for International Women's Day 2024, I have been reflecting on a recent networking event where I had the opportunity to speak and host a discussion on behalf of WUN - Womens Utilities Network in Birmingham with IWater. The session got me thinking, what can the industry do to build on and harness the inspirational female leadership stories such as Liv Garfield, CEO of Severn Trent and Louise Beardmore CEO of United Utilities to make the Water sector a more appealing industry to those outside and on the periphery?
There are so many amazing success stories to be celebrated and utilised to attract future leaders and more diverse talent, especially when looking to external sector attractions.
It is clear that having strong allies, regardless of demographics will be key. It was clear in the room, that male allies in the sector are curious about how they can really support and want to know what they can do to provide that support to and to champion female and more diverse colleagues in the sector.
So, how do we combat the skills shortage ahead of AMP8?
Innovation funds are unlocking opportunities to explore and test initiatives that have not been seen before across the water industry. We are seeing trials and implementation of projects proven in other sectors.
The innovation funds are enabling stakeholder groups to be creative in their approach and are giving us the opportunity to “fail fast” in a more agile approach than we have typically seen.
And why should / could you work in water?
Luiza Piekarniak MPhil MSc MEng shared that it is estimated, a staggering ‘three out of four jobs in the global workforce are either heavily or moderately dependent on water.’
What makes the water sector one that would inspire people to join?
How do we make water sexy to those that aren't in the sector?
1. Sustainability
2. Impactful sector for the environment
3. Ties to the community
4. The environmental impact
5. Delivery of a legacy to leave for future generations
How should we further promote the water sector?
Investment in education and schools but what more can we do?
National Campaigns Like Water and Bin the Wipe, what other opportunities are here?
A Clarkson's Farm for the Water Industry?
How do we encourage the next and more diverse generation into Water and STEM careers
With changing consumer behaviours, How do we ‘Make Water Famous’ Natasha Wiseman?
A huge thank you to the Institute of Water for pulling together a great Midlands based event, to Jacobs for hosting and to WUN - Womens Utilities Network for allowing me to attend and represent the network. I also had a fabulous opportunity to network with a number of passionate water professionals and leaders, thank you each for the time.
Great post Holly Beeston. Thank you for shining a light on water 💦. There is much to do in this sector for the sake of future customers and nature.
Founder & Chief Executive - Make Water Famous / WiseOnWater
9moGreat blog Holly. Thank you for the mention for Make Water Famous Holly. We make water famous by telling more stories and telling them better - we're always looking for partners to join us in doing just that.
Change leader | Consumer advocate | Institute of Water Fellow & Midlands Area Chair
9moI hope we can circle back around to this topic at a future IWater event. You've certainly got me thinking more about this, Holly.
Delivering results & outcomes for water utility clients | Water, Net Zero and Clean Energy Expert | 20+ years utility & consultancy experience
9moA great article and thank you for being an advocate for this exciting sector. Thank you for mentioning me here, and the statistics I was quoting in my talk during the Institute of Water tevent in Birmingham comes from this 2016 report: https://www.unesco.org/en/wwap/wwdr/2016#:~:text=The%202016%20United%20Nations%20World,to%20decent%20jobs%20and%20sustainable for anyone interested to read more. #proudwaterpro