Statement from Annie Shepperd OBE, Chair of CIWEM Trustee Board, on behalf of the Trustees

19 September 2025

Statement from Annie Shepperd OBE, Chair of CIWEM Trustee Board, on behalf of the Trustees

Yesterday, CIWEM announced that Anna Daroy’s employment as the Chief Executive had been terminated by the Trustees. Shortly after making this announcement CIWEM was informed by the Insolvency Service that Ms Anna Daroy has been banned as a company director for eleven years due to historic COVID loan abuse in 2020. Trustees of CIWEM were not aware of this prior to receiving this notice from the Insolvency Service. This matter has no connection to CIWEM, or the termination of Ms Daroy’s employment with CIWEM.

Ms Daroy’s employment was terminated on 26 August 2025, following a process initiated by the Trustee Board. In March 2025, acting on legal advice, the Trustee Board commissioned an independent investigation into aspects of Ms Daroy’s conduct. The investigation concluded in August 2025, after which the Trustees unanimously agreed to proceed to a disciplinary hearing under CIWEM’s procedures. Trustees followed due processes and legal advice, as our members rightly expect.

Trustees recognise the importance of transparency and accountability. It is not in CIWEM’s interest to comment further on the specific details that led to the immediate termination of employment. We remain committed to upholding the highest standards of governance and professional conduct. The interests of CIWEM and our members remain at the heart of all Trustee decision making.

Please feel free to contact our Marketing and Communications Director Emma Simon at emma.simon@ciwem.org if there is any other information that you require.

Yours sincerely,

Annie Shepperd OBE
Chair of Trustees