UKWIR seeks diverse leadership to guide research with impact  INED Recruitment 

UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR) is undertaking a major recruitment drive for new Independent Non-Executive Directors (INEDs) to join its Board. Advert Soon to follow.

The organisation is actively seeking a dynamic mix of experience, inviting applications from within the water industry and, critically, from senior leaders in other sectors, whose insight will be vital in tackling the complex, long-term challenges facing the UK’s water environment and infrastructure. 

UKWIR believes that world-class solutions come from research at the frontier and from bold, broad thinking that brings together the best ideas from within the water sector and beyond. These roles will support UKWIR’s contribution to rebuilding trust and strengthening transparency. 
Cross-sector expertise 

The UK water industry is at a pivotal moment, grappling with climate change, sustainable resource management, regulatory reform, and customer trust. Evidence and data are critical for guiding the water sector through a period of significant challenge and change.  

"UKWIR is evolving to play a key role in sector reform and is uniquely positioned to enable exceptional collaboration across the sector. We need fresh, challenging perspectives from both inside and outside our sector to stimulate the radical innovation the water industry requires" Mike Rose (CEO).

“We are specifically looking for Non-Executive Directors with deep expertise in areas such as digital transformation, complex infrastructure delivery, financial governance, behavioural science, and strategic environmental policy. These new Board members will be instrumental in shaping our 'Big Questions' research agenda and driving the delivery of customer and public value.” 

Role and requirements 

UKWIR is seeking individuals who bring diversity of thought to strategic development. The successful candidates will work alongside the executive team and existing Board members to provide positive constructive scrutiny that strengthens delivery, strategic direction, and oversight of UKWIR’s research.  
The Board is committed to ensuring its composition reflects the diversity of the customers and communities the water industry serves.  

Key areas of expertise sought include:  

Digital and technology: Experience leading large-scale digital transformation, data and analytics, or responsible AI adoption in complex, regulated environments (e.g., telecoms, energy, finance). 

Regulation and governance: Deep expertise in high-profile regulated sectors, with experience strengthening governance, assurance, risk management and accountability frameworks. 

Communications and partnerships: Proven ability to build trusted partnerships across industry, regulators, government, academia and communities,  and to communicate complex evidence clearly to support better decisions and public confidence. 

Environmental and social impact: Leadership delivering strong environmental and social outcomes, including sustainability, biodiversity and public health, supported by robust ESG performance and reporting. 

Commitment to the future 

UKWIR plays a crucial role in enabling the UK water industry to deliver on its commitment to customers and the environment by identifying and funding research into the industry's biggest challenges. These new appointments underscore UKWIR's strategic focus on integrating external best practice to achieve a resilient, affordable, and sustainable water future.

 For more information, or to discuss the opportunity please reach out to Mike Rose our CEO through mail@ukwir.org.uk