In March, 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: 17th March 2025 10:00-12:00 BST

Location: online

Co-Chairs: Melissa Tallack (NWL); Gavin Starks (IB1)

Secretariat: IB1

Meeting aims:

  1. To review and endorse the OKRs for the next quarter
  2. Members to secure support for the legal working group and remaining Pillar Champion roles
  3. Members to be clear on the support model for NSOH, especially their role

Summary:

  • The Steering Group meeting began with an animated discussion prompted by the Icebreaker Question – “What do you see as the purpose of this group?”
    • It was noted that the group takes input from the Advisory Groups to make high-level decisions on the direction of Stream, monitoring the progress of the project towards the goals set out in the vision and mission statement 
    • It was noted that articulating the value of Stream is imperative to getting buy-in at executive and senior stakeholder level 
      • It was noted that increasing engagement with Water UK could improve executive buy in 
      • There was consensus from the group that Stream should look to work with Water UK and Ofwat on delivering a message on its value into executive teams 
    • It was noted that the group acts as an assurance that the project is functioning and collaborating well at all levels, with strategic alignment across members and strategic advice from observers
  • Members were provided with updates from the Advisory Groups
    • It was noted that AG1 discussed the need to demonstrate Stream’s value, with conversations around how to highlight stories from the project. The group also had information pieces from two other projects, CReDO and CatchOps, to understand how Stream may be able to participate in wider collaboration across the sector.
    • It was noted that AG2:
      • Discussed where organisational thinking is regarding AI
      • Asked members to share  examples of legal agreements 
      • Checked the Q2 OKRs for anything missing and whether the level of ambition is achievable 
  • An update on the Legal Working Group was provided
    • It was agreed that members will identify who in their legal and governance teams could be engaged in the group, to help work towards a streamlined process for establishing data sharing agreements 
  • The potential spin up of a new Working Group to cover risk and AI was noted 
    • Subsequently, it was discussed that a review of the risk process should be incorporated into the legal working group 
  • It was agreed that Stream will be added to the Open Knowledge Foundation site 
  • It was noted that the Stream platform has been run through the Green Web checker, it being confirmed to be hosted on green infrastructure. The badge confirming this is now displayed on the bottom of Stream pages.
  • Members agreed that the current flagship use case for Stream in 2025 is Clean Up UK Rivers, Lakes and Seas 
  • Members reviewed the Q2 OKRs in breakout groups 
    • It was noted in breakout group 1 that:
      • Time constraints, rather than significant blockers, are the reason for any Q1 OKRs being carried over to Q2
      • The Q2 comms plan needs to include comments around value stories and internal stakeholder engagement 
    • It was noted in breakout room 2 that:
      • The use of the word reposition in the ecosystem OKRs needs clarification, with it being used to describe the movement from Stream getting up and running, to being in a position for greater levels of marketing 
      • The ability to track usage with marketing tools will be beneficial to understand and improve engagement 
  • Updates to the OKRs are as follows: 
    • In Ops the legal working group will be extended to cover data governance and risk assessment, (which aligns closer to the scope of the legal and governance workstream that was running prior to go-live)
    • In Ecosystem, the Q2 comms plan will include consideration for communications from the Regulator(s) too and will take into account the discussion points raised during the Icebreaker question
  • It was noted that Stream is entering into a support arrangement with Water UK for the maintenance of the NSOH 
    • Two points of contact will be needed for each company 
  • There was a call out for members to sign up for the pillar champion roles for the next quarter, it being noted that the roles are there to act as strategic oversight, with a minimum time dedication of 2hrs per week

The next meeting will take place on 1st May 2025.