In September, we reconvened Stream’s Steering Group which comprises experts that represent water companies, regulators, research, innovation bodies and government.
Co-chaired by Icebreaker One and NWL, the group’s primary function is to help provide leadership and market signaling. Oversight of, and endorsement from, this group will establish a lasting set of robust governance measures to ensure data is shared safely and with the correct regulations.
Date: 3rd September 2024 10:30-12:30 BST
Location: online
Co-Chairs: Melissa Tallack (NWL); Gavin Starks (IB1)
Secretariat: IB1
Summary:
- It was agreed that:
- The discussion and voting process that takes place across the Steering Group, Advisory Groups and Working Groups would be written up and shared with Steering Group members so that they have oversight on where to turn to if they need additional information.
- It was noted that:
- The Ecosystem OKRs are being reviewed by the Working Group on 10th September to ensure their feasibility and to take into account resource constraints.
- The remaining OKRs need to be reviewed by members and voted upon by 10th September.
- There was a positive sentiment towards the funding bid proposal, which will allow the NWL and BAU teams to move forward with the bid proposal work.
- However, water companies will need time for internal review before signing off the new proposal.
- RSK, CReDO and NDT x ESO are potentially great opportunities for Stream, however, some water companies expressed caution, particularly around RSK and NDT x ESO.
- Water companies expressed the need for legal team involvement, as well as more funding, and resources to allow for full involvement with these opportunities.
- Any member is welcome to review and comment on the Governance Working Group document, which is linked below.
- The main focus for the Governance Working Group are the achievement states for each of the pillars from 2024-2028, using the relevant forums to develop that thinking.
- It was discussed that:
- The potential introduction of a new licence condition could be a really positive thing, helping to focus and align water companies, whilst pushing them to go further.
- Stream could be an important stepping stone towards key outcomes.
- However, water companies expressed concern that there’s a risk that the licence condition may become too output focused i.e. how many datasets have been published.
- Members have not always had enough time to discuss certain items during the Steering Group meetings before being asked to vote.
- The Governance Working Group will be sending around more information about the different forums available to members to be involved in the separate stages of discussions.
- Additionally, for some members, it is hard to get external engagement in Stream topics, meaning that offering official endorsement can be tricky.
- The BAU team is working on an engagement pack that will support engagement within water companies, which will be distributed to members once it has been finalised.
- The potential introduction of a new licence condition could be a really positive thing, helping to focus and align water companies, whilst pushing them to go further.
The next meeting will take place on the 7th of October.
Formal records are maintained by the secretariat. These are confidential to the Steering Group members.