Richard Benwell, the chief executive of environmental charities coalition Wildlife and Countryside Link, has been named by the government as a member of a team of experts looking at the future of the UK water industry.

He has been named as one of ten experts appointed to the advisory group to the Independent Water Commission, which was announced by the UK and Welsh governments last October to look at the future of the water sector.

This will consider the management of the water system, regulation and the role of water companies, owners and investors. Its recommendations will be delivered to both governments later this year.

Benwell has been CEO of Wildlife and Countryside Link for the last five years. He is a former Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate and policy advisor at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

He is also a former head of government affairs at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.

Another charity appointment to the expert group is Peter Harrison, who is chair of Business in the Community.

Other members of the advisory group include chief medical officer for England Chris Whitty.

“The calibre of expertise we have bought together in this group reflects the significance of the task ahead,” said Commission chair Jon Cunliffe, who is a former deputy governor of the Bank of England.

“I know their insight and experience will be invaluable in recommending meaningful and long-term reforms to rebuild the trust that has been lost and deliver a thriving and sustainable water sector for the future. I look forward to our work together in the coming months.”

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