International Women’s Day: Launching the Amanda Soady Scholarship

We’re holding several events across the business to mark the day, including a talk from guest speaker Philippa Tuttiett, the face of women’s rugby, sport commentator and owner of the UK’s first all-female building company.

This year is particularly important to Welsh Water as we celebrate the life of Amanda Soady, a dear colleague who sadly passed away earlier this year.

Hear from Sally Gronow, Head of Customer Services as she explains more about the scholarship we’re launching in Amanda’s name.

“You always knew when Amanda was ‘in the building’. She always led her business areas with huge pride, energy, determination, and enthusiasm and was a key leader during operational incidents.

“Amanda was one of our earliest and most prominent female leaders in the business. She was well known and respected throughout Welsh Water and the wider water industry, latterly in her role as Director of Operational Services.

“Sadly, Amanda passed away earlier this year following a battle with cancer. Her loss has had a profound impact on the business, so we’re recognising and acknowledging the legacy she has left behind with a scholarship in her name.”

The Amanda Soady Scholarship, in partnership with European Junior Water Programme (EJWP), is available to female colleagues of Welsh Water who are open minded, flexible, and passionate about the water industry and its challenges. One colleague will be chosen annually, and they will receive personal and professional training as part of an integrated two-year, part-time hybrid programme.

Young female colleagues will be given the chance to develop their key skills, including:

• Network building
• Communication & diversity
• Technical advancements and more

The Amanda Soady Scholarship officially opens this International Women’s Day where the theme is #EmbraceEquity.

Sally added, “We want to take this time to remember Amanda and the example she set for other women in our business - which is typically male dominated. The scholarship will enable more like-minded women to follow in Amanda’s footsteps.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the great talent that will come through this scholarship and more female leaders in Welsh Water and the wider industry.”

Peter Perry, CEO added, “As a very good friend and colleague for over 30 years, I saw Amanda develop into our earliest and most prominent senior female operational leader. Along that journey she displayed a commitment and sense of duty to do her very best for her people and our customers that was authentic and based on all the values we strive to achieve at Welsh Water.”

You can learn more about equality, diversity, and inclusivity at Welsh Water here and International Women’s Day here.