Orgill is currently Managing Director at the Unified Water Label Association, a body established to harmonise technical data and move to one consistent label for sanitaryware, valves and taps across Europe. She also brings over 40 years of prior experience in the UK bathroom industry, having held various positions, including Chief Executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA).

At the organisation’s recent Annual General Meeting, outgoing President Alexander Wildish handed over the reins after detailing some of the highlights from his own Presidential year, including working with the insurance industry to mitigate the risk and damage caused by the escape of water.

Bringing her wealth of experience in the sector, Yvonne will be maximising the opportunity to support the institute in raising industry standards and with her election coinciding with the confirmed appointment of CIPHE to develop two industry-certified Plumbing Apprenticeship Standards for apprenticeships. These new standards, once introduced, will create both Level 2 and Level 3 career entry points.

The Level 2 Standard will allow apprentices to complete an End Point Assessment covering topics such as hot and cold water installations, as well as sanitation and rainwater systems. The Level 3 introduces further assessment on advanced hot and cold water, low temperature hot water heating systems and plumbing/heating systems design. Once qualified, the apprentice may then undertake further training in low carbon technologies or gas installations.

Yvonne Orgill commented: “The industry is facing a number of challenges, from an ageing workforce to advising customers on how to implement efficiencies and low carbon technologies within their homes. More than this, plumbers and heating installers have an essential role to play in ensuring we have robust infrastructure in place so we, as a population, can have good sanitation, drainage, and improved quality of water.

“The CIPHE has recognised how, by putting training and education first, we can better ourselves as an industry and ensure these high standards are met. The introduction of the new apprentice standards is just an example of this. It is encouraging to see the emphasis CIPHE has placed on actively engaging with government departments, educators and businesses, to ensure the new standards would build and improve on the current system.

“Over the next year, I am excited to be working with CIPHE to progress such initiatives. This is critical not only to raising standards but giving confidence to those both already within the industry and those entering the industry that they will have the skills to advise their customers on the best products for their home.”

Kevin Wellman, Chief Executive Officer at the CIPHE, added: “Throughout Yvonne’s career, she has passionately championed initiatives that align with CIPHEs own goals, including promoting water efficient products, eradicating non-compliant products to regularly attending meetings with the UK Government, the European Commission and trade forums to represent the needs of professionals within our industry.

“It's this passion and willingness to go the extra mile for the industry that makes her the perfect president for us. Her values align with our own. For us, this year more than ever, we need Yvonne’s drive to support as we deliver our new apprenticeship standards and ensure plumbing and heating professionals have the resources they need to undertake their work to the highest standards.”