In March, we reconvened the interim Stream Steering Group. The Steering Group is comprised of representatives from across the water industry, data experts and consumer bodies.
Organisations represented at the meeting were Northumbrian Water, Anglian Water, Dwr Cymru (Welsh Water), SES Water, Severn Trent Water, United Utilities, Yorkshire Water, Wessex Water, South West Water with the meeting facilitated by Icebreaker One. Also present as observers were representatives of UK Power Networks, Consumer Council for Water (CCW), and the Open Data Institute.
Decisions from the Steering Group:
- The Steering Group collectively agreed to publish the Blueprint phase work onto Spring.org, with the request to publish it elsewhere for maximum openness and visibility.
- The Steering Group approved the two Advisory Groups for the next phase of work.
The members held a deeper discussion on what direction the Steering Group should be giving the possible Use case and market needs Advisory Group. The group also heard a review of customer relevant data available across the industry.
Key insights from the Steering Group:
- There is a good opportunity now to work collaboratively to use data to improve data collection and quality
- It is important to provide a tangible real-world example of where Open Data has made a difference
- A good use case is shaped by: clear articulation of primary users and the benefits for end users, narrow scope, keeping it simple, providing context
The interim Steering Group will meet three times, in January, March, and May 2023 to bridge the period between the Blueprint phase and the proposed Implementation phase. It plays a critical role in Stream’s development and the development of governance that will guide the future of the programme.