THE man whose job it is to keep business at the water companies offices flowing smoothly has won a top national award.
Northumbrian Water's facilities manager, Dave Whiteley, has been named best member of the year by the British Institute of Facilities Managers.
Whiteley, 59, of Tynemouth, who is based at the company’s head office in Durham, looks after the two head office buildings in Durham, the head office building at Hanningfield, near Chelmsford, and district offices in the North East at Darlington, Thornaby, Howdon, Cramlington, Horsley, Hexham and Washington.
He was a founder member of the Facilities Institute when it was formed in 1993 and this is the first time he has won the top award.
“Facilities management is often something which goes on behind the scenes and is taken for granted but it keeps all the wheels of office life turning.
“It’s very gratifying to have been recognised at a national level and nothing gives me greater pleasure than successfully sorting out everyone’s problems at work,” he said.
He has worked for Northumbrian Water for almost 36 years and has been facilities manager for 18 years.
In addition to his work successes he is well known for his tireless dedication to Northumbrian Water’s adopted international charity WaterAid helping to raise millions of pounds to provide clean water and safe toilets for people in the developing world.
Fun-loving Dave’s fundraising exploits, recognised by WaterAid President Prince Charles, includes climbing Africa’s highest mountain Kilimanjaro and manufacturing and riding the now famous “toilet bike” to promote the good cause.
