Specialist group impact assessment

The purpose of this document is to try to assess and review the impact that a sample of IWA’s specialist groups has had on policy, practice, and implementation in specific areas of the water sector. The motivation for this task is to provide examples and evidence that will demonstrate the value, and enhance the appeal, of IWA membership to both existing and potential members.

A shortlist of potential specialist groups for consideration in the assessment was produced following consultation at the London office of IWA. A series of telephone interviews with the leaders and/or secretary’s of these groups was completed against a pre-determined set of probing questions. Narratives from each of the discussions were produced, and combined with a third party search of literature references and examples of impact from group activities.

Points of consensus emerging from the review include:

• There are selected examples of significant impact that have brought about changes in state – in policy, practice or scientific thinking. In general, these are derived as a result of networking or other coordinated, member led events, or in bringing together leading experts in dedicated working groups;
• On occasion, IWA’s specialist groups have been instrumental in bring about changes in scale of operation (such as nationwide, inter-regional or international adoption) or changes in longevity of practice (such as new standards that become industry norms)
• An important impact reported via the narratives has been in intangible elements – where specialist groups provide a basis for network, thinking / awareness raising and in capacity development;