Women's Network

Women’s Network

We have established a Women’s Network to:

Attract women in the water sector to become members of the Institute of Water and, through our engagement with them, retain them in the sector
Support women’s careers in the water sector
Promote good practice and inclusivity for all across the sector

Our guiding principle is to ensure this programme does not act as a barrier and is inclusive to all.
There is no need to join – all IWater members will be able to access the Women’s Network – but if you have any ideas for activities then please email cdunn2@anglianwater.co.uk

The Women’s Network is led by a steering group comprising:

	Clair Dunn – Chair 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 Z Tech 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.
	Hayley Wakeford Thames Water I am an engineering technician and work as a Project Engineer for Thames Water. I have been a member of the South East Area Committee since 2018 and currently hold the role of Area Forum Rep. I am incredibly passionate about supporting Women and have held annual events for the South East Area and have won an award for my research around a reflection on the status of women in the water industry. I truly believe that we have to keep raising the profile of women to encourage not only the next generation but also to support the women who have already made it into the water industry to continue to break the glass ceiling, I hope the work I complete for the Institute of Water Women’s Network helps to achieve these goals. Outside of work, I have a Spaniel who is an absolute nightmare but is the love of our life and I also love surfing.
	Lynn Cooper Institute of Water I am Chief Executive at the Institute of Water, supported by a small team of four staff and an army of volunteers. I have been with the Institute since leaving Northumbrian Water in 1997, having spent the first 14 years of my career as an accountant. In my spare time I coach athletics where I love helping athletes to be the best they can and to get something from athletics – very similar to what we do at the Institute of Water.
	Jo Parker Independent Consultant I am a Chartered Civil Engineer and have worked in the water industry for over 40 years. When I first considered engineering as a career in the early 1970s I was told by one contractor that ‘they didn’t employ female engineers’ which was perfectly legal then. That lit in me a burning desire not only to succeed as an engineer myself but also to help other women to take up engineering, which I have maintained throughout my career.
	Carmen Snowdon WRc I am a Chartered Environmentalist and Director of Commercial Services at WRc where I work across the business matching client and industry needs with technical expertise, whilst overseeing all the processes that keep the business running smoothly and efficiently! I am an active member of the South West Area committee of the Institute of Water and delighted to be a member of the women’s network promoting an inclusive programme of activities and events that appeal to all our members.
	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.
	Anna Humphrey Welsh Water I have 8 years of experience in the Water Industry and am currently in the role of Customer Insight Manager at Welsh Water. My role helps ensure we listen to the voice of the customer and use their feedback in our decision making as a company. I am a member of the Welsh area Innovations Awards sub-committee and a WaterAid volunteer. I’m delighted to be a part of the women’s network and hoping to support our members in the different stages of their careers.
	Rachel Walters I am a chartered professional of water and environmental management and currently leading our PR24 business planning Customer Engagement programme of activity for Anglian Water. I have joined Anglian Water from the Environment Agency where I was instrumental in establishing a flood risk management women’s network at a national and regional level. I am keen to build strong networks to support and enable women to be the best version of themselves – no matter their level or grade.