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Business Skills Award Winners 2010


""

I started working for Bristol Water's Development Services department almost four years ago and at the time, having trained as a chemist, I had virtually no knowledge of how the water industry functioned. In the following few years I learned a lot about designing new and replacement mains schemes, but only bits and pieces about how what I was doing fitted into the bigger picture. Although I was conscious that I needed and wanted a greater background knowledge of what went on in the rest of water supply process to progress in my role, there wasn't really anything available through my employer's training programme that fitted the bill.


The Business Skills Award has allowed me to attend six modules of Cranfield University's Water Supply Management MSc, which will give me a Postgraduate Certificate. I have spent three weeks in Cranfield already and it has been great. I've learned lots and although we have only covered Surface and Groundwater Hydrology and Water and Waste Water Technology my perception of what water companies do has changed. My eyes have been opened to the many challenges facing the industry. The enthusiasm of the lecturers and other students is also a bit infectious. I had decided, before I applied to USIT, that I planned to have a career in the water industry. I now feel that it is a really worthwhile and interesting industry to work in.


Charlotte Lee


""

Since being granted the Business Skills Award back in May 2010, I am already half way through the course. I am really enjoying Water Operations HNC as it can be applied to my everyday role and can help me appreciate the challenges my colleagues face.


With engaging tutors and a variety of field trips, the course gives me fundamental knowledge about water and its industry. The mix of students in my class, all from different roles within the water industry gives rise to an exchange of experiences and methods. My coursework also helps me engage with the relevant colleagues at work and understand my companies own policies.


I am really grateful for the award; I am applying my new skills and asking the appropriate questions already. I believe the Water Operations HNC is essential start for anyone to fulfil a career in the water industry and without the Business Skills Awards it would not have been possible for me.


Lucy Johnson


""

I applied for the USIT award to assist in completing an MSc in Water Management, at Cranfield University. Before returning to university, I had worked for Grontmij for three years as an environmental consultant. My main work area was assessment of potentially contaminated land and water, on behalf of Severn Trent Water for the AMP4 framework.


I decided that I wanted to specialise in water management and hydrology, and decided on Cranfield due to the university's links to industry and flexibility of the course. When I graduate, I plan to work in hydrology and/or water modelling.


I am currently taking a break from my career to bring up my family. My degree is a way to keep my skills up to date and enable me to return to the workforce on completion.


Helena Preston


No matter how much you think you know about a particular subject there is always a need to continue learning. Taking the 'MSc Water Resources Technology and Management' course will aid me with any knowledge gaps. The Business Skills award provides a rare opportunity to increase awareness and build on skills that open up your potential to others.


David Warren


CPD Award Winners 2010


I attended the Institute of Water Annual Conference 2010 in Belfast after receiving sponsorship from USIT.


I had been keen to attend as the topics to be covered in the sessions really appealed to me. I was interested to learn more on the financial and security challenges, and how these integrated with my own area of interest, environmental challenges. The speakers explored diverse issues including effective regulation, acceptable tariffs Vs spending needs, the Water Framework Directive and emergency response planning.


The conference presented a great opportunity to gain a better understanding of different aspects of the water industry and to network with other members in an informal manner. I would like to thank USIT for the opportunity.


Laura Edwards Business Environmentalist Portsmouth Water Ltd


""

I had been aware of the Institute and had attended quite a few Institute events but I had not actually joined. At a World Environment day event in 2009 I joined what was then IOW. Several months later I joined the Institute and the Eastern Area committee.


Earlier this year I was awarded the USIT sponsorship as a result of which I attended the 3 day Institute of Water National Conference in Belfast.


Strictly speaking the Conference itself was only 2 days, and covered an incredible array of speakers, from graduate speakers to water company MDs, to Ofwat to Water UK to CCW to valve suppliers to a brigadier, all presenting on water but from entirely different and new angles.


There are many conferences advertised and often it is confusing trying to decide which events to attend and which will offer the best opportunities to learn, network and most of all have fun. Having attended the National Conference in 2010 thanks to the USIT sponsorship, I can safely say that Belfast offered all of the above.


Mandhy Senewiratne Halcrow


""

With the help of USIT I was lucky enough to be able to attend The Institute of Water Conference in Belfast, with this being my first major conference since joining the water industry in 2006. The content of the lectures provided by the speakers was very informative and highly interesting. My knowledge of the water industry was increased greatly and opened my eyes to different opportunities available within this sector. It also highlighted the issues that we, as an industry, are facing in the future. As a young person new to the industry these are the issues that will potentially be "troubling" us in the future and therefore was highly beneficial to get a heads up of what is in store!


The conference was also an excellent networking opportunity, where I met many people from water companies outside of my own, and it also allowed me to bond with colleagues from my own employer, Portsmouth Water, who were also in attendance. The evening entertainment was excellent fun and also educational!! The Annual Conference is definitely an event not to be missed by someone looking to further themselves within the water industry.


James Bucknall Laboratory Technician Portsmouth Water


""

I was pleased that USIT provided me with the opportunity to attend the Annual conference in Belfast. I thoroughly enjoyed the 3 days, and was fortunate to beat the ash cloud home. As Belfast was my first Annual Conference, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the level of expertise and delivery of information from the speakers was so high. The topics discussed were both thought provoking and relevant to the current climate within the Water Industry. By attending the event I was able to gain knowledge and information that I would not normally be privy to. From a personal development point of view attendance is a means of adding to your CPD, meeting some fantastic people from within the industry, with varying points of view. Of course the social events, especially the Saint Gobain evening were not to be missed and were very entertaining. Overall I thought that I gained a huge amount from attending the conference that exceeded my expectations, and would like to thank USIT for the opportunity.


I urge anyone thinking of attending the 2011 conference, and have the financial stumbling block to overcome, to apply to USIT for an award to attend. The application in itself provides a reflection of what you want to achieve by attending. As a proud Welshman I know you will all love Swansea, I do and I'll see you there.


Nik McAndrew Bristol Water


Duncan and Stuart Smith

Harvard Award

High-flying Thames Water twins Duncan and Stuart Smith won places on the prestigious Harvard leadership course – after each applied without the other's knowledge.


The brothers, aged 35 and each married with two children, have both worked for Thames Water for 15 years, Stuart as head of revenue and Duncan as head of networks.


Stuart said: "We couldn't believe it when we found out that we had not only both applied for the award but had both been successful. The program was intense but really enjoyable – to be in a room with 100 delegates from 40 different countries, all with different perspectives, was an enriching experience and the quality of teaching really made it work."


Duncan added: "It was a bit bizarre to see Stuart on the course but, then again, we're alike in so many other ways it wasn't that surprising. The Harvard Award course taught us to think and react to issues in a different, more efficient way. It served as an external benchmark for where I was on my leadership journey and the potential that could be achieved."


Along with the twins, the third successful UK applicant was Alan Warren of Severn Trent Water.


Martin Kane, chairman of USIT, explained: "This is a no-strings-attached prize worth up to £15,000 where successful candidates receive an intensive program at arguably the best business school in the world. It is an opportunity to not only enrich their career but also the companies they work for and the industry as a whole."


The six-day intensive course aims to prepare participants to optimise and sustain their leadership potential by teaching strategies on how to handle complex challenges and encourage new, creative ways of thinking.


Candidates are currently being invited to apply for a USIT award to enter the 2011 program in May/June. Any individual employed within the utilities sector can submit an application by 30th September 2010.


Institute of Water Annual Conference Sponsorship


The winners this year attended the Institute of Water's Annual Conference 'Global Challenges – Local Solutions', held in Belfast on 13-15 May. They are:



Why they applied:


"As a young person I am looking to further my career within the water industry and I believe the Conference is a great way to help with this development. I feel that the Conference is an important event in the Institute of Water's calendar and I think that the speakers will give me the chance to hear about the water industry and the issues that come with it on a national scale, In addition, the attendees will provide excellent networking opportunities, something which I have already tried to build since joining the Institute of Water."

James Bucknall


"I am a student member of the Institute of Water and I value the Institute's promotion of graduates and young people in the industry, having recently registered to participate in the Institute's new mentoring scheme. Within Portsmouth Water, I am always keen to take advantage of professional development opportunities and last year I volunteered to represent the Company at the Hampshire Water Festival. I am a keen supporter of WaterAid, having recently taken part in the Trail 100 Challenge where my team raised over £5,000."

Laura Edwards


"I have almost 15 years experience within PR, marketing and communications, working within different sectors. The water industry was a totally new sector for me when I joined Imtech Process. I am very interested to attend the Conference to gain a greater understanding of some of the issues that affect the wider water industry. It is an ideal opportunity for me to find out more of the similarities and differences. Also, although I have attended numerous water conferences and exhibitions, they have been as exhibitor rather than delegate; it would be unique to experience the Conference from the other side."

Clara Hughes


"Meeting others at the event will provide me with a vehicle to add my views and hopefully find like-minded people within the industry who want to improve a procedure or process or even legislation for the better. By bouncing ideas off one another, ideas can spread through the industry quicker than, say, a board room. The social side will be of benefit to interact with other members in a different context which I believe could provide insight into the way we think and work in the industry."

Nik McAndrew


"Knowledge sharing is crucial if we are to find solutions to complex problems, many of which are replicated on a national and even global scale. We must work together to promote best practice and the Conference provides the perfect occasion to do just that. If we can learn from mistakes and successes then we will be able to plan more efficiently and manage issues more effectively. The discussion sessions allow this process to happen and permit people to express openly and in a neutral environment their concerns and advice."

Sharna Richings


"I recently joined the Institute of Water with the intention that it will help further my career and help me develop links with like-minded professionals. If selected to attend the Conference I hope to benefit by:

Dominic Scott


"Conferences such as this are an opportunity to meet, mingle and discuss the issues facing the industry. The mix of consultants, suppliers and water company and utility representatives offers a balanced platform at which to discuss and debate many topics and challenges."

Mandy Senewiratne


"The Annual Conferences provide a forum to make contacts with like-minded people, which can develop into fruitful business relationships or long lasting friendships. I am always surprised by the candid and honest discussions I've had with people throughout the industry regardless of their position or role; it is a wonderful opportunity to network and compare your company's approach with others. Everyone that attends these events usually leaves with a few new friends and/or contacts you can call upon. This is extremely important, not only on a personal or professional level but it also provides the industry with an unofficial network of friends and colleagues."

Ben Sydenham


Clive Ingram, Asset Creation, Severn Trent Water Ltd

""

MSc in Environmental Quality Management, De Montford University


Having completed civil engineering and management qualifications, I went on to study for the CIWEM Diploma (DipWEM) to broaden my industry knowledge. It soon became apparent that much more importance was being placed on high standards of environmental practice and I decided to further develop my environmental knowledge. I embarked on this by securing a place on a MSc course and passed the first part (which I self funded). However, because of ever tightening budgets, I could not secure funding from my employer to continue with the study. When I read the USIT leaflet I realised that I probably satisfied the criteria for an award for further education and I was extremely pleased when I was approved for an award to complete the MSc. In terms of my personal development, this piece of learning will build upon my current experience, knowledge, qualifications and training and equip me with a recognised ‘senior qualification’ within the environmental field.


David R. Warren, Graduate Design Engineer, South Staffordshire Group – Walsall

""

PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Course


I am always looking for ways to better myself within my industry and the Tier 2 award offered by USIT was an ideal opportunity for applying for training. Being relatively new to the business I felt that the PRINCE2 qualification in project management was ideal for extending my knowledge of methods and approaches for this purpose.


When I received the call to say I had been awarded the funds to complete the qualification I was very pleased. The week long course was hard work yet insightful and my awareness of how to handle my projects has significantly improved. I would like to extend my thanks to USIT for the opportunity they have given me and would highly recommend this award to anyone wishing to gain such qualifications.


Stephen Smyth, Customer Service, Northern Ireland Water

""

HNC in Water Operations with Management, Cardonald College


For some time I had been concerned that I did not possess any qualifications specific to the industry that I have chosen to devote my career to. The USIT Skills award has enabled me to study for an HNC in Water Operations at Cardonald College. I have worked for NI Water in both the scientific and customer service sections of the business however I always felt that I needed to develop a more rounded knowledge of the industry and the HNC in Water Operations will give me that overview. Even though I only started the course in August, I am already beginning to see the benefits in my day to day activities within NI Water as my confidence and general industry knowledge increases. I will always be grateful to USIT for giving me this valuable opportunity.


Simon Cyhanko, Distribution Operations Controller, Northumbrian Water


""

The award I received from USIT has enabled me to obtain some professional coaching from a training organisation. I have found it really useful having this relationship with somebody not employed within the same organisation - my coach really has therefore offered a different outlook and perspective on many things. My coach has challenged me and we have set targets for me to achieve in both my personal and professional life. I have therefore approached some of these challenges in a new way and I am sure that the coaching will help me achieve more than I might otherwise do.


Simone Medonos, Lead Environmental Scientist, MWH Edinburgh

""

Water Law (Short Course), Cranfield University


I received a USIT Business Skills Award for a short course on Water Law at Cranfield University which I attended in February 2009. In my current role I am seconded into Scottish Water Solutions as an Environmental Advisor. To assist in my role and gain a better understanding of the implications of EU legal system on my work I had been trying to find a formal training course. The week long Water Law short course was a module of a Water Management Masters programme at Cranfield University and best fitted in with my work commitments.


I was very pleased to find the USIT award scheme, which assists in funding courses not normally possible through employers training programmes. I was honoured and excited when I received the Business Skills award to both fund my place on the course as well as contribute to subsistence. Cranfield University has an excellent reputation in Water Science research and education, so I was very grateful to be able to attend a course at such a prestigious institute and knew that the training would be of high quality. The course was valuable and gave me a good overview of EU legislation and how the English and Scottish legal system compare with respect to water law. We had guest lecturers from the regulators and experts in the industry and the lecture notes and handouts have continued to be of use in my role. The only downside was that we were snowed in at Cranfield and all the flights were grounded so it took a long time to get home at the end of the week!


I am very grateful to USIT for this opportunity and I highly recommend applying for a Business Skills Award if you work in the utilities industries and are interested in furthering your knowledge through a specific training course.


Business Skills Award 2008


Gordon MacKay

Gordon MacKay MBA. Projects Manager, Capital Investment Delivery, Scottish Water, Ness Region.


I was both delighted and genuinely encouraged by the support of USIT in the form of a 'Tier 2 Award' for my ongoing BSc(Hons) in Environmental Science. The BSc compliments the HNC in "Water Operations with Management" I completed this year, and will continue to inform my role as Project Manager.


Trained as an engineer, I completed an MBA with the Open University in 2000. However the engineering and commercial aspects of my role are increasingly balanced by a growing need to take due account of environmental systems and processes. A BSc addresses this need. My projects benefit still further from the increasing application of scientific method and rigour to the analysis of problems.


The effort and commitment required to sustain 15 hours extra-curricular study per week over a number of years, is of course significant, but this is where the encouragement of USIT's investment really counts.


Coupled with insights discovered, and benefits realised on every level, further education is a challenge truly worthy of the effort: Thank You USIT!


Leadership Award 2008


For the second year running judges have awarded two applicants the opportunity to go on the High Potentials Leadership Program at Harvard Business School.


Stephen Robson joined Bristol Water in 2002 as head of Legal Services and Company Secretary after 10 years as a practising as a solicitor. Stephen is now Director of HR & Legal and a member of the Executive Team at Bristol Water. Stephen is leading a number of important projects for Bristol Water and in particular equipping staff for the future challenges the industry faces. He has already made significant contributions to the water industry:



Stephen is hoping that the Harvard experience will equip him to further advance the skills agenda and of course to become a more effective and influential leader.


Haydn Knowles is Head of Operations at Dalriada Water Services where his role is to oversee, shape and optimise all operational activities covering front line operations, asset management and contract & client management. During his seven years with the Kelda Group Haydn has rapidly progressed from Graduate Trainee to his current position where he reports directly to two Dalriada Boards of Directors as well as providing reports to the Kelda Board.


Haydn will be looking to Harvard to finesse his visionary leadership, enabling him to think ‘outside the box’ and create innovative opportunities. He would like to transform Dalriada into the most forward-thinking, innovative utility in the UK.


Stephen and Haydn will both be attending Harvard in 2009.


2006/7 Winners


Tier 1 Winner


Award winner Archie MacGregor and Trustee Dr Jack Carnell

The first USIT Tier 1 Award went to Archie MacGregor - Estates Manager for Scottish Water earlier this year. The Award sent Archie on a Management Programme at the International Institute for Management Development in Switzerland. Below Archie reports on his experience.


A Most Rewarding Award

By Archie MacGregor - Estates Manager, Scottish Water


'Work hard, play hard', is a saying we're all familiar with. Switzerland certainly conjures up images of a great place to go for an idyllic break for most of us. Yet as soon as the pre-course reading lists and workbooks started appearing on the IMD website in the run up to the 3 week 'Managing Corporate Resources' program in Lausanne I'd secured a place on with the help of my USIT Tier 1 award it was clear there was certainly going to be a lot of hard work. I wasn't so sure about play.


Each week was very intense when it came to lectures - 4 hours in the morning, 4 hours in"" the afternoon, some evening sessions, weekend retreats and case studies to review every night. Guess what? I didn't come back with much of a tan. I didn't even have time for an open top bus tour of the city. What I did return with though was the learning experience of a lifetime. Piece by piece we looked at how to analyse a business from top to bottom - strategy development, financial appraisals, stakeholder management, regulatory environments, supply & value chains amongst others as well as personal leadership skills. You could say we were taught how to use the Swiss Army knife of business management techniques.


To give some kind of measure of the level at which the course was pitched there were many Regional Managers from global plcs in attendance and even a CEO from Brazil. Several of the participants already had MBA or equivalent qualifications, yet everyone agreed that the quality of the teaching was such their understanding of how to lead and develop a business had been broadened and deepened.


So what did someone running the Estates department for a Water company in Scotland get out of it? The first session which looked at global trends in economies, geopolitics and environmental issues put the fundamental importance of our industry firmly in context - world-wide per capita consumption of fresh water has doubled since 1940 and it is estimated that by 2025 over 2.8 Billion people will face conditions of water scarcity/stress. It's essential then that we run our water utilities as efficient, sustainable and innovative businesses. At Scottish Water we are in the midst of putting together our Strategic plans for the 2010-2014 regulatory period and what was emphasised on the MCR course again and again was that strategy is not just a case of setting targets for Property revenues/expenditure or Water Quality indicators or Leakage mitigation - you must also look how the organisation will be structured, how functions will be grouped together & linked and how your people will be trained & rewarded to ensure delivery of those targets. ""We were shown some painful real world examples of where some large corporations had fallen short in pursuit of their business master plans simply because they had failed to consider all aspects of the change management process needed to bring about transformation.


No water company can prosper without earning the trust of its Regulators and customers of course and whilst we in the industry routinely interact with such stakeholders on a daily basis the sections of the course covering such topics from an academic perspective were genuinely insightful. One of the case studies used to highlight the behavioural theory of Regulatory authorities was the Water Industry in England & Wales, which was of more than passing interest! The rise and rise of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) was closely allied to this topic and portrayed as partial failure of regulation to fully address issues of public concern. Whether or not we regard listening to the local protest group campaigning against the building of a new wastewater treatment facility or corresponding with one of the global environmental NGOs as unwelcome distractions, the message was we need to understand how they work as they are only likely to increase in number as time goes by.


At a more personal level we looked at some of the behaviours, values and skills that are"" the pre-requisite for successfully managing change in a modern business environment. This used as a reference point the killer question -'Why would anybody want to be led by you?' It doesn't invite glib answers but it's one that all managers would do well to ask themselves from time to time. This aspect of the course also included two weekend sessions with members of New York Actors Institute focusing on presentational and influencing skills. If you don't like getting your speaking habits and mannerisms subject to forensic review this wouldn't have been for you. I enjoyed it even if it was at times the metaphorical equivalent of applying paint stripper to the soul.


Overall, with 3 large ring binders full of course notes and a couple of CD Roms to bring home with me I've got plenty of occasional reading to fall back on when the winter nights come round. But the legacy of the MCR course is a lot more than just a package of useful ""reference materials. The sheer diversity of the people on the course in terms of nationalities (I was the only person there from the UK) and the industries they represented, ranging from Mining, Food Distribution and Investment Banking, added another dimension to the learning opportunities. I gained a lot just from listening to their contributions to the classes and made some good friends as well. There's quite a few of us keeping in touch to share our experiences in applying the MCR tools back in our workplaces, lending each other encouragement, celebrating successes and reviewing progress. Having joined the IMD Alumni club there's also the chance to network with others within the UK who have previously undertaken studies at this renowned centre of learning.


And finally, the play bit? Well, I did manage a bit of paragliding one weekend (not bad for a self-confessed vertigo sufferer!) and given that the closing dinner happened to fall on my birthday we had a little sing-song at the end. Not that even with all that Alpine scenery as an inspiration I'll be auditioning for a re-make of The Sound of Music you'll understand...


Archie MacGregor

Tier 2 Winners 2007


Abigail Lamberti (formerly Stretch) - Energy Institutes TEMOL (Training in Energy Management through Open Learning) course - The Energy Institute


Abigail Lamberti

“I would like to thank USIT for providing me with the opportunity to study the Energy Institute’s TEMOL course (Training in Energy Management through open learning) leading to a Certificate of Competence in Energy Management. I started the course in March 2008 and over the course of the programme I will be studying the fundamentals of energy management thus gaining the technical understanding needed to develop my career. With USIT’s support I am able to reach my goal of becoming a competent energy manager.”


Abigail Lamberti


Siohban McGrath - Msc (Water and Waste Water Engineering) at Cranfield University


Siobhan McGrath

Richard Barton - General Management Programme at Cranfield University:


Richard Barton

"I would like to thank USIT for giving me the opportunity to attend the Cranfield General Management Programme. The course was very intensive including a very draining weekend project away from the University involving a lot of personal feedback in groups and individually. The course brought together 30 managers from all over the world. The key message from the course was thinking about the bigger picture and how to work more effectively across internal organisational boundaries. I certainly learnt a lot about myself and how I can exert my influence across the entire business, not only within operations, but within areas I have previously kept away from. I truly hope I can bring these new found skills into Bournemouth & West Hampshire Water to add greater value to the business and our customers."


"The USIT awards are a great opportunity for people in the water industry to undertake training and development they might not necessarily get. I would strongly recommend everyone to consider applying."


Richard Barton


Joint Winners of USIT Leadership Award


Ken Hutchison and Matt Lewis have both been awarded the USIT Leadership Award which will send them on the High Potentials Leadership Program at Harvard Business School next year. Judges were unable to separate the two after interviewing five short-listed applicants and decided to send both of them to Harvard.


Ken is General Manager, Capital Investment Delivery at Scottish Water, where is responsible for almost 300 professional, technical and non-technical staff in the newly formed in-house Capital Investment Delivery Team.


Ken's ambition is that he doesn't just want to be a leader; he wants to become an inspirational leader.


Matt is Director of Distribution at South Staffordshire Water, a position he has held for two years. Previously he was Director for Regulation and between the two posts he has had exposure to both strategic and operational issues in the water industry for the past ten years.


Matt recognises the difference between learning about leadership and being an effective leader and relishes the opportunity to network with other high quality delegates.


Matt and Ken are committed to the water industry and demonstrated to the judges they have the desire and potential to grow into director roles. Hopefully the Harvard program will enhance their prospects and unlock their potential.


Ken Hutchison - Harvard: Fun but no Boston Tea Party!


Ken Hutchison and Jack Carnell

Ken Hutchison has followed in the footsteps of US Presidents Franklin Roosevelt and John F Kennedy after winning a place at the world-famous Harvard Business School.


The General Manager of Scottish Water’s Capital Investment Delivery (CID) Team took part in a ‘High Potentials Leadership’ course at the School earlier this year after beating off competition from the water industry across the UK.


Ken, along with Matt Lewis, Director of Regulation from South Staffordshire Water, was jointly awarded the Utilities and Service Industries Training (USIT Tier 1) Leadership Award which provides a study grant of up to £15,000.


Ken joined more than 90 delegates representing global companies from across the world, including Coca Cola and Barclays.


The week long course was highly intensive with work starting at 7.30am each day and not finishing until 7.30pm. There was then only a short break for dinner before 'homework' began. "I was sometimes up working until 1am and even fell asleep at my desk on a couple of nights!" admits Ken.


Much of the week was spent working through case studies of real situations in businesses and organisations and also listening to lectures by some of the world’s most renowned business and change management gurus.


"It was truly inspirational. The course reinforced much of what we are already doing at CID and gave me an awful lot of food for thought for my role. It has continued to inspire me to be a better leader. We were coached on Change Management by John Kotter (Change Guru) and on Building Leadership Presence by professional actors! It was so intensive that the people formed very strong bonds with each other and I now have an international support network of contacts in industries across the world. The UK participants are already planning to hold a reunion."


Although Ken has returned from the course much of his work has only just started.


"Before we left we all had to write a letter outlining what we plan to do to put some of what we had learned into practice when we return to our organisations. Harvard will follow that up with us in the months ahead to see what progress we are making. I also ended up bringing back so many books with me that I had to pay an extra 50 dollars as they took me over my baggage allowance" explained Ken.


"I would like to express my sincere thanks to Jack Carnell (Chair) and the USIT Board for facilitating a learning experience I will never forget."


IWO Conference Award 2009


Charlotte Lee, Development Engineer, Bristol Water


Could you pass on my thanks for the opportunity to go to the conference to those concerned. It was a very memorable experience!


Laura Stickley Graduate Placement, South Staffs Water


I had a brilliant time at the IWO Conference and felt it well worth while.


Stephen Youell, Water Quality Scientist at Portsmouth Water


I was originally disappointed that I was not chosen to attend the IWO Conference this year but I was pleased that a member of my team was given the opportunity to attend; I think it was really good for his development especially with his new role in the department. However I was keen to attend, the theme had me both personally and professionally interested, and so I applied for a place through the USIT sponsorship award.


I felt that this year the conference theme was different to the previous conferences that I had attended. The theme was a on a crisis that I think, until recently, has been assigned to small areas of debate rather than the concerning issue that it should be promoted as. As a result I felt that it was a subject that the industry and its stakeholders would all play a part in tackling and I was keen to learn about the views that they all had to share. (Read more...)


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