Meet the

Speakers

The 2026 keynote programme opens with a powerful provocation from Claire O’Neill, The Global Plumbing Commitment: Rethinking Water Neutrality. Plumbing systems are on the frontlines of climate adaptation — shaping how we build, how we live, and how we protect finite resources.

Drawing on her leadership in the UK’s Net Zero legislation and international climate negotiations, Claire will introduce a pledge for industry‑wide transformation grounded in sustainability, water efficiency, and professional excellence. Her address sets the tone for a movement where water neutrality is not an ambition, but an imperative.

Building on this vision, Plumbing as a Catalyst: Driving Systemic Change brings together global thought leaders and technical pioneers to explore plumbing’s role in shaping breakthrough efficiency measures, circular design, and reuse strategies. The panel will highlight how plumbing can drive conservation, resilience, and responsible infrastructure. Anchored by a shared industry commitment, the discussion will showcase collaboration, innovation, and harmonised standards as pathways to water‑secure communities. With perspectives spanning policy, activism, sanitation, and consumer design, the panel will challenge delegates to reimagine plumbing as a catalyst for global sustainability.

Keynote Speakers

CBE, Former UK Minister for Energy & Clean Growth

Claire O’Neill is a global authority on sustainability and decarbonisation, known for her deep policy expertise and focus on the private sector’s role in scaling climate solutions. She was the UK’s Minister of State for Energy and Clean Growth, where she accelerated national decarbonisation strategies and laid the foundations for COP26. Since leaving politics, Claire has held senior global leadership roles, including at the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. She is currently Co-Chair of the WBCSD Global Imperatives Advisory Board, Chair of Climate Impact X, a Non-Executive Director at SGX and Oxy Petroleum, and Senior Global Advisor to McKinsey & Company.

‘Claire O’Neill is a leading keynote speaker represented by the Champions Speakers Agency

Details

  • When: Tuesday 23rd June 2026 09:45-10:00am + 10:00 – 11:00am
  • Keynote: The Global Plumbing Commitment: Rethinking Water Neutrality (15 mins presentation).
  • Keynote panel: Plumbing as a Catalyst: Circular Solutions for a Water-Secure Future (1hr panel)

OBE, Musician, Environmental Campaigner, Former CEO of UK Music

Feargal Sharkey’s career began when The Undertones performed “Teenage Kicks” on Top of the Pops, launching him into British music history. Over twelve years, he toured globally, released acclaimed albums, and achieved solo success with the chart‑topping “A Good Heart.” Moving into the business side in the 1990s, he became A&R Manager at Polydor and later CEO of UK Music, driving landmark initiatives like the Digital Economy Act and Live Music Act. Since the late 2010s, Sharkey has become a leading voice for river health, campaigning against sewage discharges and pollution, inspiring a national movement for cleaner waterways.

Details

  • When: Tuesday 23rd June 2026 10:00 – 11:00am
  • Keynote panel: Plumbing as a Catalyst: Circular Solutions for a Water-Secure Future (1hr panel)

MBE, Environmental campaigner, sustainability consultant, Former CEO of Surfers Against Sewage

Chris Hines has campaigned for the environment for over 30 years, inspiring positive change. He co‑founded Surfers Against Sewage in 1990, leading it for a decade and helping deliver major environmental improvements. Later, as Sustainability Director at the Eden Project, he pioneered “Waste Neutral” and embedded sustainable business practices. He has advised UK and European institutions, appeared widely in the media, and was awarded an MBE in 2008 plus an Honorary Doctorate from Plymouth University. Today, through consultancy and roles such as the BBC’s Sustainability Advisory Group, he champions business as a force for good — while still surfing.

Details

  • When: Tuesday 23rd June 2026 10:00 – 11:00am
  • Keynote panel: Plumbing as a Catalyst: Circular Solutions for a Water-Secure Future (1hr panel)

Chief Executive, Bathroom Association

Daphne brings over 20 years of senior leadership experience in strategy, people, and change management. Before joining the Bathroom Association, she held senior roles at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), leading UK and international market development, stakeholder engagement, and change programmes to attract and retain members. She has a strong track record of shaping membership strategies, building high‑performing teams, and forging partnerships across government, industry, and academia. As CEO, Daphne is focused on amplifying members’ voices, navigating regulatory change, advancing sustainability, and driving inclusion, while creating purposeful, member‑led communities that deliver long‑term value and positive impact.

Details

  • When: Tuesday 23rd June 2026 10:00 – 11:00am
  • Keynote panel: Plumbing as a Catalyst: Circular Solutions for a Water-Secure Future (1hr panel)

Director of WASH Programs, Gates Foundation

Doulaye Koné is Director of Water, Sanitation & Hygiene at the foundation, leading efforts to expand access to safe sanitation for the 3.5 billion people currently without it. With over 20 years of sector experience, he has spearheaded technology innovation for 13 years, including the development and commercialization of transformative solutions such as the “reinvented toilet.” Before joining the foundation in 2011, Doulaye coordinated Water Operators’ Partnerships in sub‑Saharan Africa, strengthening utility performance. A sanitation engineer, he holds a Ph.D. from EPFL and a Strategy Certificate from Harvard Business School, combining technical expertise with strategic leadership.

Details

  • When: Tuesday 23rd June 2026 10:00 – 11:00am
  • Keynote panel: Plumbing as a Catalyst: Circular Solutions for a Water-Secure Future (1hr panel)

Leading environmental journalist and broadcaster

Tom Heap is best known as a presenter on BBC’s Countryfile and Radio 4’s Costing the Earth, where he explores rural and environmental issues with depth and passion. A former BBC Rural Affairs Correspondent, he has also reported for Panorama and fronted Animal 24:7. Since 2012, Tom has directed and presented for Checked Shirt TV Ltd, bringing his journalistic pedigree to diverse projects. His career began at Sky News before rising through the BBC trainee scheme, even broadcasting live from Everest base camp. A versatile and engaging speaker, Tom regularly chairs discussions at major science, environment, and rural affairs events.

Details

  • When: Tuesday 23rd June 2026 10:00 – 11:00am
  • Keynote panel: Plumbing as a Catalyst: Circular Solutions for a Water-Secure Future (1hr panel)

 

View full agenda

Highlights include Jerry Whiteley welcoming delegates to the live WorldSkills training showcase, celebrating the standards and talent shaping the next generation of the trade, and the Worshipful Company of Plumbers Annual Lecture featuring futurist Matthew Griffin, exploring the forces reshaping water, infrastructure and society.

Click here