WET News

S treet Works UK has confirmed Clive Bairsto CBE as its new chief executive. Bairsto takes over from Bob Gallienne, who is retiring after nearly five years at the helm of the organisation, which represents the interests of utilities and contractors who conduct streetworks. Bairsto had a distinguished military career in the RAF that culminated in his role as RAF Commander Scotland. This was followed by senior roles in a number of government departments, including the Ministry of Defence and Department of Culture, Media and Sport. As director of integration New chief executive for Street Works UK and readiness for the London 2012 Olympics, Bairsto oversaw the strategic level training, risk assessment and readiness of LOCOG, transport, security, the mayor's office and several other government departments and supporting bodies. Most recently, he was the global head of resilience and crisis at National Grid, where he led the design and delivery of a new resilience and crisis management programme. Bairsto said: "I am delighted to be taking on this important role at an exciting time for the streetworks sector. "Under the leadership of Bob Gallienne, Street Works Œ Bairsto arrives from National Grid following Gallienne retirement AŽ er the open water market reached its ' rst birthday on April 1, we look at how Twitter reacted. A coroner has said "more could have been done" to prevent a man falling to his death in a hole dug on behalf of A" nity Water. Matthew Wilmot fell head' rst into a 5Ž hole in Luton on 28 May last year aŽ er drinking at several pubs and watching the FA Cup ' nal. The inquest at Ampthill Coroner's Court heard the 40-year-old was drunk at the time of the incident, but safety barriers had been removed from the hole, which was dug by contractors on behalf of A" nity Water. John Gleasure, a senior supervisor from M&S Water, which was contracted by Amey to dig the hole, had told the inquest that barriers had been put up and the footpath was shut with signage, adding: "In my opinion we did all that we could." The death was ruled accidental but acting senior coroner Ian Pears said: "I have great concerns about the location [of the hole], a single pathway with no alternative. More could have been done." In a statement on its website, A" nity Water said: "Mr Wilmot's death was a sad and tragic accident and our thoughts are with his family and friends. "Each year, A" nity Water and our contractors undertake thousands of excavations to maintain the network of water pipes supplying water to 1.4 million homes and businesses in the south east of England. "We are committed to ensuring, and expect those working on our behalf to ensure, that the public are protected at all times by following national standards for the fencing and signage of utility works." Happy 1st birthday to the #openwatermarket! Thousands of customers already bene• tting from greater choice, lower prices & improved customer service - with so much more to come #yourwateryourchoice @DefraWater JOIN THE CELEBRATION Network with the water industry's key players as we announce the winners of the Water Industry Awards 2018. Awards night: 21st May, 2018 at The Vox Birmingham CATEGORY SPONSORS: ASSOCIATE SPONSORS: waterindustryawards.co.uk/WIA18 Book your table at: WIA-shortlist-A4ad-vs2.indd 1 26/03/2018 09:40 Whilst awareness of the #openwatermarket has increased signi• cantly, customer satisfaction has remained virtually unchanged in the • rst year of the open water market, reports Ofwat. Certainly something to build on in year two. @Waterscan Today marks one year since the #BusinessRetailWaterMarket opened. And what a year it's been! #OpenWaterOneYearOn #YourWaterYourChoice #Water #Wastewater #UKBiz @OpenWaterOrg continues to engage with policy makers to make the case for the contribution that streetworks make, and to work towards a policy landscape which reflects this. "I am looking forward to working with our members to make sure we continue to have a constructive, working relationship with government and highways partners." Gallienne said: "It's been a privilege to have served as the chief executive of Street Works UK. The organisation is a champion of the industry and the role of streetworks, and an effective voice on behalf of its members. "I am convinced that Clive, who comes into the role with a wealth of experience at the heart of government and in senior business positions, will move Street Works UK even further forward and I wish him, the board and our members continued success for the years ahead." wwtonline.co.uk | MAY2018 WET NEWS 3 Coroner concerned by streetworks hole death UK has gone from strength to strength and cemented its position as the authoritative voice of the industry. "With the government's key priorities on infrastructure including broadband rollout, the installation of electric vehicle charging points and the housing programme being dependent on streetworks, it is more important than ever for utilities and their contractor partners to have a strong voice. "It is vital that the industry Can't believe it's already been a year! Congrats again to all involved and here's to many more great years for the #openwatermarket and all its customers #YourWaterYourChoice #OpenWaterOneYearOn @JessKeedy WET News is registered at Stationers' Hall. Origination by Faversham House and TR Clash Ltd. Printed by Buxton Press, Palace Road, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6AE. Copyright 2018. Faversham House. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission from the publishers. Every e™ ort is made to ensure the accuracy of material published in WET News. However, Faversham House will not be liable for any inaccuracies. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the editor or publishers. The text and cover paper are manufactured from certi• ed sustainable sources and are produced with reduced environmental impacts via a recognised and independently audited management scheme. Technical articles of full page, or more appearing in this journal are indexed by British Technical Index. 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If you think that we have not met those standards and want to make a complaint, please contact the editor. If we are unable to resolve your complaint, or if you would like more information about IPSO or the Editors' Code, contact IPSO on 0300 123 2220 or visit www.ipso.co.uk Average circulation Jan-Dec 2017: 6,110 Clive Bairsto

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