A Stream Steering Group was convened on 2026-04-21. The Steering Group comprises experts that represent [Stream] 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 signalling. 

Date: Tuesday 21 April 2026 10:00-12:00 BST

Location: online

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

Secretariat: IB1

Meeting Aims 

  1. Confirm confidence in the given ecosystem maps and agree priority outreach
  2. Review member feedback on the Data Sharing Working Group documents and discuss next steps
  3. Discuss and endorse collaboration with the energy sector

Summary:

  • It was agreed that:
    • If members endorse the proposal, Thames Water will formally join Stream as a member, achieving full national coverage across England, Wales and Scotland for the first time, which strengthens its position as it moves towards becoming an independent entity.
  • It was noted that:
    • Six priority stakeholder groups have been identified for focused Q2 engagement, with environmental regulators receiving a clear consensus as the top priority.
    • An ecosystem stakeholder map has been developed to direct outreach activity, with a review cadence of at least every six months.
    • Success will be measured through a mix of quantitative metrics (newsletter sign-ups, LinkedIn followers, event attendance) and qualitative outcome indicators (advocacy behaviours, funding facilitation, adoption of Stream as the defacto data infrastructure).
    • Stream is looking to engage with the energy sector on data sharing interoperability, as part of existing cross-sector commitments within the current funding period.
  • It was discussed that:
    • The qualitative success metrics for ecosystem engagement, while directionally correct, require further detail at the individual stakeholder level to avoid setting targets for their own sake or driving unintended behaviours.
    • Outreach responsibilities need to be distributed across the Stream membership rather than relying on a single voice.
    • The regulatory reform landscape presents a timely opportunity to establish Stream as the defacto data sharing infrastructure for the water sector.
    • Cross-sector interoperability with energy requires careful management to avoid constraining Stream’s pace of progress, with transparency and communication being key to maintaining alignment without creating dependencies.

Next meeting: Tuesday 2 June 2026 10:00-12:00 BST

Formal records, including attendees, are maintained by the secretariat. 

These are confidential to the Steering Group Members.