The Power of Community: Stories of Contribution, Careers & Connection

The closing event of BHM 2026 shifts to celebration and inspiration. This session spotlights individuals - their journeys, what they’ve built, and what the water sector has given them and received from them.

Overview: The closing event of BHM 2026 shifts to celebration and inspiration. This session spotlights individuals - their journeys, what they’ve built, and what the water sector has given them and received from them.

Agenda

11:00–11:05 | Welcome & Recap
Fareita Pauli & Phil Barnaby
Today we move from understanding the challenge to building practical solutions across the entire talent journey.

11:05–11:15 | The School-to-Career Pipeline
Rommel Wallace, Serious About Youth (SAY)
How do we reach talent before it chooses another industry?

11:15–11:25 | Reverse Mentoring & Leadership Learning
Haarovyn Sidi & Anne-Marie Coe, Anglian Water
How do we help leaders understand experiences different from their own?

11:25–11:35 | Career Progression & Leadership
Chukwudi Nmeka, Affinity Water
What helps talented people progress rather than leave?

11:35–11:45 | Belonging & Visibility
Roselyn Unegbu, Thames Water
What makes people stay and grow within an organisation?

11:45–11:55 | Creating Opportunity Through Social Value
Lisa Browne, Thames Water
How can organisations create opportunities beyond their own workforce?

11:55–12:20 | Action Panel & Audience Q&A
Facilitator: Fareita Pauli
Panellists: Rommel Wallace, Haarovyn Sidi, Anglian Water HR, Chukwudi Nmeka, Roselyn Unegbu, Lisa Browne & Dana James-Edwards
What needs to change across each stage of the talent journey?

12:20–12:30 | Commitments & Close
Phil Barnaby & Fareita Pauli
If a young Black person entered the water sector tomorrow, what would be different because of the actions agreed during these two forums?

Register your free place and join us via Teams for an engaging Webinar.