Meet Yvonne Orgill

The CIPHE’s new president, Yvonne Orgill, has accrued over 40 years’ experience in the UK bathroom industry throughout her career to date. She was CEO of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) from 2006 to 2019, as well as an associate of the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors Group of Companies and the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute. Yvonne is currently MD of the Unified Water Label Association (UWLA) and a non-executive board member of the British Institute of Kitchen Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI). She was also the first female chairperson of the National Home Improvement Council (NHIC) and the NHIC Trustees.

“I have worked alongside the CIPHE, championing its goals, and supporting its campaigns for many years and I’m honoured to be elected as president,” says Yvonne.

“All of my roles throughout my career have been different, but they have given me a broad understanding of the challenges that the plumbing and heating industry faces,” she adds.

“My experience extends beyond manufacturing into marketing, training and installation, giving a wider view of the industry. This will stand me in good stead when looking at the key issues around lack of skills, professionalism and training.”

Supporting sustainability

Yvonne’s work at the UWLA focuses on driving forward change in the bathroom industry by promoting the benefits of the Unified Water Label (UWL), working with partners across Europe to improve communications and manage the technical and marketing activities of the scheme. The overall aim for the UWL is to be recognised as the label for water across Europe, improving knowledge on water efficiency and reducing waste.

An important role for the UWLA is communicating and educating the supply chain and consumers on the importance of changing behaviours, not just selecting the right product. A series of films has recently been launched to address the ‘Why should I bother?’ mindset and show installers and retailers how they can play a major role in changing consumer behaviour and make a tangible difference to the sustainability agenda.

“We also have a range of other helpful tools and marketing packs which includes flyers, posters, social media posts and videos, with tips and advice on how to save water in the home,” explains Yvonne.

“It is important that we drive forward awareness of water conservation as early as possible. Our work with primary schools and plumbing students enables us to promote understanding and generate a future workforce that can take the message out into the workplace, sharing knowledge and good practice with the consumer.

“I am passionate about sustainability, in particular water efficiency and training, which makes it a great honour to become president of CIPHE. Having the opportunity to work together and focus on maintaining high levels of training and competency is vitally important.

“Sustainability is so important that it should be incorporated into all training. The challenge we face is that there is a huge gap between those environmentalists that are making all the noise and those working in the industry. This disconnect needs to be addressed so that the messages can be conveyed in a more meaningful way. It is a complex issue and as we become more aware of the need to repair, recycle and reuse, it becomes even more challenging. We must begin with our students, the professionals of tomorrow, helping them to understand and develop the skills to create change and a better world for all.”

High hopes

During her time as CIPHE president, Yvonne hopes to help installers recognise the important role that they play in influencing the householder’s or user’s choices and providing the information and tools they require.

“Together we can drive forward standards for professional design and install infrastructure, and ensure good availability of compliant products in the marketplace,” says Yvonne. “With an understanding of the complete system, installers are qualified to advise on the best products, to ensure full efficiency and move to a greener solution.”

Yvonne wants to focus on awareness, training, products and regulation, working with the CIPHE to engage with government and address these issues.

“The CIPHE is an essential part of the industry, championing important campaigns on professional standards, improved education, and training, as well as raising awareness of airborne pathogens and hot water scalding.

“The challenges are ever present – an ageing infrastructure, climate change, skills shortages, and standards that require reviewing to capture the world of sustainability, to name a few.

“We are making progress, but bodies such as the CIPHE are vital, and working together in partnership we will meet our goals.”