In July, we brought together Stream’s Advisory Group 1 (Market & User Needs) which comprises subject matter experts from 16 water companies and other industry stakeholders. Co-chaired by Icebreaker One and Northumbrian Water, this group advises and supports the project partners as they commence work on Stream’s Implementation Phase. 

Date: 3 July 2025 10:00-11:30 BST

Location: online

Co-Chairs: Melissa Tallack (NWL); Charlotte Hillenbrand (IB1)

Secretariat: IB1

Meeting Aims

  1. Members to review and refine the end of phase report findings
  2. Members to shape the impact and outcomes into playback for their senior stakeholders

Summary:

  • It was noted that as Stream transitions to an outcome based approach for Q3, it would be beneficial to have the lead for each task noted and responsibility represented 
  • It was discussed that incomplete OKRs from the previous quarter may roll forward if still relevant, though some will be tracked separately in datasets and reports.
  • It was discussed that while there are no current blockers requiring advisory group assistance, any that arise will be communicated via Monday updates or advisory group agendas.
  • It was noted that a draft of the end-of-phase report has been submitted to Ofwat, and member feedback is invited before 18th July, specifically focusing on key findings and member outcomes. The following questions were asked of members:
    • Do you agree with the assumptions being made? 
    • Do you agree with the estimations that have been made?
    • Have we missed anything?
  • It was noted that the report collates learnings, achievements, and outcomes from the implementation phase, to support internal messaging and strategic alignment.
  • It was discussed that estimating financial benefits (e.g. cost avoidance from NSOH) requires review, with suggestions that some figures may be currently understated.
  • Members discussed the end of phase report in two breakout groups 
    • Group 1 noted that:
      • There is a strong sense of collective action driving forward progress across the sector, enabled through Stream’s structure and approach.
      • Alignment on data ethics, particularly through the ODI’s frameworks, has been a significant and valuable contribution.
      • Working collaboratively within Stream has created the opportunity to share learning from other sectors, which would have been difficult to access individually.
      • Stream has raised the profile of open data both externally and internally, improving data literacy across members.
      • One member organisation implemented an end-to-end process for data triage and management as a direct result of their engagement with Stream.
    • Group 2:
      • It was noted that Stream has enabled confidence when undertaking open data initiatives for the first time and helped embed a sustained focus on improving internal processes.
      • It was noted that internal access to data has improved, with more data being published as a result of Stream participation.
      • It was discussed that APR reporting posed initial challenges, but future efficiencies are anticipated through standardisation.
      • It was noted that NSOH data has supported regulatory compliance, with one organisation reporting improvement from 32% to 86%.
      • It was agreed that the £100K estimated savings per company from NSOH work may be underestimated and should be revisited.
      • It was noted that reputational benefits have increased as a result of consistent and transparent data publication.
  • It was discussed that members would benefit from streamlined internal communications material to support stakeholder engagement, which will be prioritised this quarter
    • It was agreed that in addition to the final report, short, punchy messaging (e.g. “Did you know?” statements) would help reinforce Stream’s value across senior and operational levels.
    • It was agreed that these materials should be flexible in format and adaptable to each organisation’s internal voice, while remaining aligned on core facts.
  • It was noted that members requested early access to draft report content to support upcoming internal meetings.
  • It was noted that Stream is supporting the WaterCommons concept note, submitted to the Microsoft and GovLab New Commons Challenge, in partnership with the ODI and the Rivers Trust.
    • It was noted that the concept, which builds on citizen science work, has progressed to the next round with final submission due by 14 July; two winning projects will receive $100K.
    • It was noted that the initiative aims to improve the accessibility and governance of citizen science data, delivering value to both communities and water companies.
    • It was noted that Stream’s role is to provide supporting infrastructure, with the Rivers Trust leading and the ODI guiding the governance approach.
    • It was discussed that members were invited to:
      • Review the concept note
      • Suggest relevant citizen science contacts
      • Identify internal stakeholders working in this space.