Utility Week

UTILITY WEEK | APRIL 2023 | 35 Water Beardmore acknowledges that the eco- nomic environment that puts pressure on career and lifestyle choices but says UU makes e orts to appeal as a choice. "Flex- ibility in the workplace, coupled with excit- ing development opportunities and tangible support programmes, are crucial elements in helping us retain our great people." The former director of customer service and people explains that she was particu- larly proud of work to enhance diversity in apprenticeship programmes. "In 2019, prior to our focused e orts on apprentice- ship recruitment, just 17% of applications for apprenticeships were from women. In the 2021 applications, this increased to nearly„31%." "We have also just recruited our gradu- ates for September 2023 and there's nearly a 50/50 split male/female in these important roles, which is also really encouraging and reassures us that young women are open to careers in the water sector." She adds: "We're working really hard on encouraging girls to consider a career in our industry from an early age. We have a region-wide programme of school activities that bring water and wastewater to life and give pupils the chance to meet some of our amazing female colleagues. This visibility of women actually doing the job is vital, and we back that up with plenty of hands-on learn- ing opportunities too, such as work expe- rience and being part of the 10,000 Black Interns programme." Heidi Mottram, chief executive of North- umbrian Water also celebrates how far gen- der balance has come. "We're in 2023 and we're at a stage now where everyone under- stands the importance of diversity in all its forms – and how it can really add bene" ts to all aspects of a business," she says. Having worked in traditionally male- centric careers – in the rail sector before water – Mottram explains the inspiration to her was seeing the di erence these services make to people's lives. She adds: "When we do our jobs well, our whole country succeeds. I " nd that being involved in a job like this and providing such a critical service is very motivating and is something worth getting out of bed for." She describes both the water and rail industries as incredibly welcoming to work in. "I think that the water industry is par- ticularly inclusive to everyone, regardless of gender, background, sexuality or race. Throughout my career, I have learned that if you come to work to put a good shi• in and get the job done, then everyone welcomes you regardless of your background." Northumbrian has a 50/50 executive leadership team and is constantly increas- ing female roles across the business. "Of course," Mottram says, "there is always more to do but I am really proud of the way we are leading in this space." One way she says the sector could reach more young women would be making itself more visible. "It's important where we can to try and interact with young girls and women and share how fantastic the careers are in our industry, and creating visibility of all of the opportunities available," Mottram says. She praises the female ambassadors who engage with people through social media with posi- tive content to help inspire the next genera- tion of girls. "Our role is to make sure they see what careers are available in our industry, and how to do it in a positive way," Mottram says. "It's all about where our voice is landing, and how we make that louder." So what's the next step for the water industry? Davy says she wants the promo- tion of a culture and environment where women can seize every opportunity. "We need to create workplaces which work for "When girls see women fi xing leaking pipes, driving water tankers, or building new treatment works, they will know it's possible for them to do that too." Lou Beardmore, chief executive designate, United Utilities "We're in 2023 and we're at a stage now where everyone understands the importance of diversity in all its forms." Heidi Mottram, chief executive, Northumbrian Water "Whatever your aspiration, or goal in life, I think you need two things – tenacity and opportunity." Susan Davy, chief executive, Pennon "When girls see women fi xing leaking pipes, driving water tankers, or building new treatment works, they will know it's possible for them to do that too." , chief executive designate, United Utilities "We're in 2023 and we're at a stage now where everyone understands the importance of diversity in all its forms." , chief executive, Northumbrian Water "Whatever your aspiration, or goal in life, I think you need two things – tenacity and opportunity." Susan Davy, chief executive, Pennon everyone, regardless of gender, ethnicity or background. In doing so, we will ensure that the sector will continue to innovate, bring- ing together the best minds, and diversity of thought and build a lasting legacy for our customers and communities." Mottram wants there to be nothing "o - limits or restrictive" about a career in this industry. She says: "I think it would be good to see an increase in diversity as a whole across the sector – encouraging more people from any walk of life. I hope we continue to celebrate that and champion diversity in all its forms." Ruth Williams, water correspondent Water Industry Awards 2023 The water industry returns to Birmingham's Vox to celebrate hard work, dedication and innovation in the water sector. Book your place: waterindustryawards.co.uk

• Cover