Thames Water has scooped a top industry award for its commitment to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Britain's biggest water company received the inaugural 'Outstanding Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion in the Water Industry 2021' award from Energy & Utility Skills at the Institute of Water’s annual conference.

More than 7,000 people from all walks of life work for Thames Water, keeping taps flowing and toilets flushing for 15 million customers across London and the Thames Valley.

The company is proud to be:

• A Defence Employer Recognition Scheme gold award holder for recruiting and supporting ex-servicemen, women and reservists.

• A Stonewall Diversity Champion for a commitment to lesbian, gay, bi and trans inclusion in the workplace.

• A Disability Confident Leader for recognising the talents disabled people can bring to the workplace.

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• Carer Confident for building a supportive and inclusive workplace for staff who are or may become carers.

• A Race at Work Charter signatory, meaning it is committed to ensuring ethnic minority employees are represented at all levels.

• A member of Women in Science and Engineering, and Women in Utilities, which encourage more women into frontline roles.

• A Care Leavers Covenant signatory, offering a package of bespoke support to care leavers interested in employment and skills development.

• Supporting the 10,000 Black Interns programme, with 10 internships being offered yearly.

Lynne Graham, Thames Water’s director of HR, said: "People are at the heart of our business and, as one of the country's leading diverse and inclusive workplaces, Thames Water prides itself on a culture where people feel comfortable and confident to be themselves, ensuring they feel valued and, in return, adding value to the business.

"To help us succeed in providing life's essential service, we need a range of skills and capabilities, representative of society throughout our business.

"We aim to provide a working environment and culture that inspires people to live our values, providing an opportunity for all to utilise their talents and which creates a working community that promotes inclusion and encourages individuality.

"An inclusive culture is empowering; it unlocks new thinking and ways of doing things that can inspire us to be better versions of ourselves. We celebrate and support being an inclusive team, not just this week but every week."