Become a member
We are seeking independent individuals who can help safeguard one of Wales' most important public service organisations, contribute to the stewardship of Glas Cymru and help ensure that the long-term interests of customers, communities and future generations remain at the heart of decision-making.
Welsh Water is not-for-profit and unique in the utilities sector. Our parent company, Glas Cymru Holdings Cyfyngedig, is a company formed for the purpose of owning, financing and managing Welsh Water.
We don’t have shareholders, we instead have around 60 independent Members who carry out a vital scrutiny and governance role.
Any financial surpluses are retained for the benefit of our customers and put back into looking after your water and the environment.
Welsh Water is entering a period of significant challenge and opportunity as we continue to balance affordability, environmental improvement, public health responsibilities and long-term resilience.
As a Member, you can contribute to the stewardship of one of Wales' most important public service organisations and help ensure that future decisions reflect the long-term interests of customers, communities and future generations.
As a Member, you will…
- Help ensure high standards of corporate governance
- Meet at least twice a year (including our Annual General Meeting) with regional meetings held in the Spring and Autumn throughout the parts of Wales and England that we serve
- Provide independent challenge and scrutiny by holding our Board of Directors to account for the performance of the company
- Act as a steward of the Glas Cymru model
- Bring customer, community and societal perspectives into governance discussions
- Contribute to the long-term success of the organisation
Members are not appointed to represent organisations, sectors, political interests or campaign groups. While Members bring valuable perspectives from their backgrounds and experiences, they act independently and in the interests of Glas Cymru as a whole.
- The role is unpaid – but you will get money back for expenses
- To help shape the governance of one of Wales’ largest companies
- Chance to help oversee the work of one of our most essential public services
- Opportunity to make connections with other Members and gain personal development and insight into the water industry
To reflect the communities we serve across Wales and parts of England, we are keen to appoint Members with a diverse range of ages, skills, backgrounds and experiences.
You do not need experience in the water industry. We are looking for people with sound judgement, independence, curiosity and a willingness to contribute constructively. Valuable perspectives can come from professional expertise, community involvement, voluntary work, leadership experience or lived experience.
Members are independent stewards of Glas Cymru's unique not-for-profit model. They safeguard the long-term interests of the company, appoint and remove Non-Executive Directors and help ensure that the Board remains accountable for delivering for customers and communities.
We are particularly keen to hear from applicants from parts of our supply area that are currently under-represented, including North Wales, the South Wales Valleys, Hereford and Chester.
Interviews and key dates
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview in person on Tuesday 20th or Wednesday 21st October. The location of the interviews will be determined by the number of applications received from that area.
Appointments will be made towards the end of October and an induction day will take place on Friday 20th November before you are invited to your first Members’ meeting on Thursday 3rd December.
Here is what our existing Members have to say about the role:
Heledd Jones
“It’s a really interesting opportunity to play a small part in influencing a hugely important Welsh institution, while developing yourself. It’s been overwhelming to see some of the work that goes on behind the scenes, Dŵr Cymru is a huge operation - from all the planned (and unplanned!) engineering work to improve water quality to managing multiple stakeholders across Governments, regulators and the media.
“The Board and Team are very open and approachable and Members are made to feel really welcome. An unexpected bonus has been meeting the other Members - there are over 60 of us from a wide cross-section of society, so I’ve met people I wouldn’t typically meet within my usual bubbles!”
Oliviah Rix-Taylor
"Becoming a Member has been an invaluable experience. It has provided me with honest and unflinching insight into the unique challenges of the water sector. Coming from both an environmental and public sector background, one of the most interesting parts of being a Member is helping to scrutinise Dŵr Cymru's work and think strategically about its future. I always come away from meetings feeling inspired by the people that work for Welsh Water. I’ve been on tours to reservoirs, learned what happens to water and waste water at various treatment facilities, met engineers working on dams, and made some good friends along the way. Being able to contribute to the governance of an organisation that plays such an important role in the daily lives of people across Wales is something that I find incredibly rewarding."
Ananya Ghosh
"As a member, I feel a strong sense of pride in contributing to an organisation that plays such an important role in everyday life. There is a clear sense of purpose in delivering essential services, protecting the environment and supporting communities across Wales, all underpinned by a unique not-for-profit approach."
Pin-Nee Tang
"Being a Member has been an incredibly rewarding experience that I would recommend to anyone who wants to make a positive difference. At the heart of Welsh Water is a set of values that are second to none, driving its commitment to deliver the best possible outcomes for customers, communities, and the environment, despite the complex challenges it faces. You can help the business connect with its customers and the communities it serves, provide constructive challenge and support them in becoming a leader in the water industry. Along the way, you will gain valuable insights and opportunities for personal growth."
Apply
here
To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter explaining why you wish to become a Glas Member to company.secretary@dwrcymru.com by Thursday 8th October.
Please also complete and return with your application the Equal Opportunities Form which will be used for monitoring purposes only.
