The UK water sector needs to - and is actively trying to - recruit and retain more young people, more women and more people from diverse backgrounds. But what is the experience from the other side? What's it like for the people the water sector would love to recruit and retain? Do they feel attracted to the industry? Do they find entering it easy? What about when they start work - do they feel welcome and comfortable? Can they see themselves building a happy and successful career? Or do they face barriers and challenges?

There's no better way to find out than to actually ask real people for their lived experiences, views and opinions... so that's what we do in this episode. We speak to two young people - one (Malak) who is in her first year working in the water sector and the other (Saad) who is trying to get his first job in the sector.

What follows is a fascinating conversation that reveals plenty of challenges, opportunities and insights that are like gold-dust to anyone involved in the effort to recruit - and support the careers of - the future young, diverse and gender-balanced workforce the water sector needs.

Plus if you are someone who wants to get a job in the water sector, or you have new hires in your team... there is a whole lot of valuable knowledge in this episode.

Malak Huseynli is a Process Commissioning Engineer at Evoqua Water Technologies / Xylem UK and you can find her on LinkedIn here.

Saad Qazi is actively looking for a role in the UK water sector. He has led a water reuse project at his cricket club and been recognised by the Water Industry Forum for his research. You can find him on LinkedIn here.

Beneath The Surface

Through powerful stories and real-life examples, Beneath The Surface highlights EDI topics in the water sector, sharing personal experiences and best practices that inspire change. It brings attention to the voices of under-represented groups, with a focus on attracting diverse talent and fostering a culture of inclusion. 

By connecting senior leaders and rising professionals from different backgrounds, it creates a space where ideas flourish, synergies are built, and the industry moves closer to becoming a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

Beneath The Surface is co-hosted by British Water's CEO, Lila Thompson, and Perminder Atwal, HR Business Partner, Xylem UK & Ireland. 

Podcast Co-host- Lila Thompson, British Water, CEO

Lila is responsible for British Water’s strategic direction, representing the interests of UK water and wastewater supply chain companies together with wider stakeholders across the sector, through the UK, Technical and International forums. The Water Industry Forum provides challenge-led, independent thought leadership, to tackle the challenges facing the sector. Lila was formerly responsible for British Water’s international services and led business development visits to a range of markets including Saudi Arabia, Libya, Morocco, Russia, Romania, Bulgaria, China, and India. Lila has over 20 years of experience driving business growth, policy development, and stakeholder engagement in a variety of sectors.

Podcast Co-host- Perminder Atwal, HR Business Partner, Xylem UK & Ireland

With 18 years of HR experience spanning manufacturing, engineering, logistics, and now the water industry, Perminder has developed a deep understanding of business and strategy, and her journey has also highlighted the critical role of company culture and psychological safety in driving engagement, business success, innovation, and development. Perminder is passionate about ensuring the accessibility of clean water for all. A trip to India in her early years revealed the harsh reality of limited and unclean water resources, particularly impacting children, which was heartbreaking. This experience fuelled her dedication to helping others and reinforced her commitment to working in a global organisation focused on the social value of water.