Welcome to the CIWEM Tyne and Humber Branch

Message from the Branch Chairman - Mark Worsfold

The impact of climate change is upon us, with both the hottest April on record, closely followed by the wettest June and July; significant flooding is occurring and vital services such as drinking water and electricity supply are disrupted.  Water and environmental management will be high up the political agenda for the next year; it will be a real opportunity for our members to deliver technical and managerial leadership as we tackle the challenges of climate change and its impact on society.

Responding to these challenges our programme theme for the year is the ‘Next 25 years in balance’.  Both the Leeds and Newcastle programmes contain some really exciting papers, some of the highlights being:

• a question time special on the Water Framework Directive;
• an afternoon seminar on ‘A new water strategy for the UK?’ in the autumn;
• our Christmas special evening meeting on “Climate change in Yorkshire” delivered in the style of a ‘Christmas Carol’ – timed to coincide with the independent review of flooding in Yorkshire; and
• the annual seminar ‘AMP5 – Building for a sustainable future?’ will undoubtedly include some lively debate on the challenges facing Water Companies with respect to the next regulatory period.

Our New Members Group continues to develop events for the younger end of our membership, including the popular Winter Debate (open to all) and social evenings. The New Generations Presentations in March are an opportunity for those under 30 to demonstrate their skills and knowledge and for those seeking membership, we are holding an afternoon workshop where you can seek advice with a CIWEM mentor or membership specialist.

The Branch web site is updated throughout the year with the latest information on what’s happening.  If you would like to receive periodic email updates on forthcoming meetings and special events, it is important that your email address is registered with us.

It will no doubt be a very busy year for all of us, but I hope that the committee and I will be able to welcome you at events throughout the year.

Mark Worsfold
Branch Chairman