World Plumbing Conference 2026 – 25th June 2026

World Plumbing Conference 

The Worshipful Company of Plumbers was delighted to support the 14th World Plumbing Conference, organised by the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) and led by our very own Court Assistant Kevin Wellman.

The conference brought together leading voices from across the plumbing, heating, water and vocational education sectors to explore the future of the profession. Through a dynamic programme of keynote presentations and expert panel discussions, delegates examined issues including sustainability, water security, regulation, public trust and workforce development.

Members of our Livery played an integral role in delivering an engaging programme throughout the three-day event, held from 23–25 June at Birmingham’s NEC.

Highlights from Day One

Day One focused on governance, trust and workforce development, and was opened by Kevin Wellman.

Highlights included the WorldSkills training showcase, introduced by Lvy. Jerry Whiteley; a keynote address on the Global Plumbing Commitment; discussions on water sector reform and licensing; and a forward-looking session on apprenticeships and global skills development. Environmental campaigner Fergal Sharkey challenged delegates to think differently while offering practical solutions

Lvy. Jerry Whiteley moderated an informative discussion addressing the global skills gap – showing issues were not just in the UK. They also highlighted the significant work being undertaken worldwide to develop skills and strengthen the profession.

During a separate discussion on licensing, Kevin Wellman highlighted that the UK remains an outlier, with no legal requirement for individuals to be qualified before calling themselves plumbers. This raises an important question: how can standards be consistently maintained without requiring properly trained and competent installers? As water reuse becomes increasingly important in addressing water scarcity, this issue is only likely to grow in significance.

Highlights from Day Two

Day Two centred on safeguarding and innovation.

Court Assistant Martin Shouler participated in a discussion on infrastructure, trust and resilience. One of the strongest messages to emerge was that resilience extends far beyond physical infrastructure. Pipes, fittings, treatment works, sensors and digital systems all play a vital role, but trust is built when water systems continue to serve communities reliably during periods of uncertainty and disruption.

In a panel discussion moderated by Court Assistant Julie Spinks, delegates heard some truly eye-opening—and occasionally toe-curling—backflow case studies from Sean Cleary, Peter McLennan and Paul Daley, underlining the importance of getting the basics right.

In a panel discussion moderated by Court Assistant Julie Spinks, delegates heard some truly eye-opening—and occasionally toe-curling—backflow case studies from Sean Cleary, Peter McLennan and Paul Daley, underlining the importance of getting the basics right

A consistent theme throughout the day was the plumbing sector’s vital role in protecting public health and conserving water. Livery member Dr Susanne Surman-Lee demonstrated how relatively simple design changes, such as repositioning a drain to avoid direct splashing from a tap, can significantly reduce contamination risks and improve infection control.

The Worshipful Company of Plumbers’ Annual Lecture was delivered by futurist Matthew Griffin, who provided a strategic perspective on emerging innovations across the sector. He noted that many of the solutions required to address the fact that one in four people globally still lack access to safe drinking water already exist. The challenge, he argued, is whether there is sufficient political will to implement them.

The Company also recognised bursary recipients and BPECwinners with Certificates of Excellence. The Master was delighted to present the Gold Medal to Andrew McCann, who has been selected to represent the UK at the International WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai later this year.

Livery members may be able to access a recording of the Annual Lecture in the coming weeks—watch this space for further details.

Highlights from Day 3

Day three focused on equity, hygiene, and inclusive system design.

Delegates explored innovations in Non-Sewered Sanitation (NSS), prompting discussion about whether these technologies could fundamentally reshape the future of sanitation and retire the WC. Sessions also examined lessons from India in tackling skills shortages and delivering water access at scale.

There was also real cause for optimism. Four inspiring young plumbers and PPDS members — Daisy Turner, Ruben Duggan, Ethan Wynn and Ollie Salmon — shared their experiences delivering safe drinking water to a village in Nepal. The session was expertly facilitated by Past Master David Adams.

After a packed three day programme Dave Viola, CEO of IAPMO closed the conference ably supported by Court Assistant Kevin Wellman and a Town Cryer, who announced the 2029 conference will be hosted by India.

We look forward to learning more about future global collaboration as part of the legacy of this 14th World Plumbing Conference.

Court Assistant Kevin Wellman and Jonathan Samuel from WaterRegs UK discuss licensing of plumers at WPC.

Court Assistant Jason Clark with Environmental campaigner Feargal Sharkey.

Lvy Jerry Whiteley moderates discussion about plumbing skills and gaps.

The Master, Sandra Raine, with BPEC award winners Dillon Newton, Jackson Gill and Jack Fenton.

Lvy .Dr.Susanne Surman-Lee.

Court Assistant Martin Shouler discusses resilience with Jonathan Price from KIWA.

Lvy Kevin Wellman receives award from WPC Chair David Viola.

WorldSkills 2026 competitors join Gala Dinner at WPC.

Master certificates awarded to Lvy. Jerry Whiteley and Paul Dodds by Court Asst Jason Clark and Court Asst Kevin Wellman.