A key part of making progress on EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) is speaking up when something is wrong. Bad behaviour, prejudice and negative workplace culture has to be called out in order for it to be sorted out. But, it's hard to do.
Being part of a network can help. You realise you are not alone and can call on the support and experience of others to raise issues, encourage change... and perhaps even empower you to make a move to another role or organisation where you can feel at home, valued and do your best work.
In this episode Jo Butlin - who has tackled inequality and misogyny in her own career - joins hosts Lila and Perminder to give valuable advice to people on both sides of the speaking-up process. As an employee, how can you speak up and make sure your voice is heard so that unhelpful behaviours and attitudes are addressed? As a manager, what should you do when someone in your team speaks up to you?
Plus, Jo reflects on the progress of the network she leads and co-founded - The WUN. In only 7 years it has assembled over 80 industry partners and more than 10,000 members, giving it real strength and influence. It exists to give women the confidence and skills they need to build lasting, fulfilling career in the utilities sector. What progress has been made and what else needs to be done?
If you want to find out more about the Womens Utilities Network, just visit:
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.
