International News

UKWIR Restructure will Drive Industry-leading Research

asianwater

UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR), the leading independent research organisation for the UK and Irish water sector, has announced a comprehensive restructuring of its governance model.

The new structure is designed to clarify UKWIR’s value proposition into three key areas – research, product development and sector-wide collaboration. The shift follows a period of significant strategic review to ensure that UKWIR is fully aligned with the changing demands of the water sector and the regulatory environment.

By focusing on these core areas, UKWIR can respond more effectively to heightened societal and customer expectations regarding data, transparency and innovative research – such as the ongoing work into emerging contaminants like PFAS and standardising and enhancing approaches to asset health and management.

This restructure comes at a timely moment for the water sector. UKWIR has been on a journey of reform and evolution since early 2025. The new model, created through extensive engagement with our members and partners, is mindful of the Cunliffe review and the Government’s White Paper on water sector reform.

Mike Rose, Chief Executive, UKWIR

“Our aim is to increase our visibility, transparency and voice, while ensuring we remain a platform for collaboration. We have built on our long-standing strengths and evolved to ensure we are ready for 2026 and beyond, engaging in the most important discussions with rigorous, impartial science.”

The new model ensures UKWIR remains agile, highly collaborative and focused on delivering tangible value to its members and the wider international water community during a period of seismic change for the sector, Rose added.

Specialised oversight
UKWIR has been at the forefront of research in the water sector for over 30 years. The transition to this new governance model ensures the organisation is even better equipped to encourage diversity of thought and inclusivity.

The new governance model establishes a direct reporting line from operational teams to three newly formed strategic committees and the Board of Directors. This transition moves UKWIR from a structure where every member held a seat on the board to a streamlined model, utilising a select group of water sector representatives to guide strategy and oversee governance.

To ensure a clear line from strategic vision to delivery, three specialised oversight committees have been established:

  • Products Committee: Dedicated to the development and delivery of practical tools and services
  • Research Committee: Focused on advising, influencing and holding to account the delivery, leverage and application of rigorous, impartial research
  • Collaboration Committee: Focused on expanding national and international partnerships, reinforcing UKWIR’s role as the central platform for sector-wide collaboration.

These committees bring together a wealth of expertise from across member utilities, regulatory bodies and academic institutions, ensuring that leadership is connected directly to the most critical research topics facing the industry today.

The evolution of the model continues to integrate collaborative pathways with external industry bodies, academic institutions, innovators, regulators and specialist research organisations, helping to leverage research impact nationally and internationally.

About UKWIR
UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR) is a not-for-profit company that facilitates and manages a collaborative, impartial, research programme for the UK and Irish water industries. Its mission is to provide the evidence base for the water industry to make sound decisions on behalf of its customers, the environment and society.