A Stream Steering Group was convened on 2026-03-10. 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 10 March 2026 10:00-12:00 GMT

Location: online

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

Secretariat: IB1

Meeting Aims 

  1. Sign off Q2 outcomes and priority use case
  2. Align on bids process criteria for incoming bids

Summary:

  • It was agreed that:
    • Q2 strategic business priorities include: (endorsed by members after this meeting)
      • defining Stream’s 12‑month ambition and roadmap
      • continuing development of the Change Champion network
      • establishing a clearer process for supporting funding bids
      • progressing the Open Data maturity assessment plan.
    • The first prioritised Water Efficiency use case for this year will be Water Situation Reports.
  • It was noted that:
    • Co-ordination will be required with the Environment Agency for the water situation report (as the report is owned by the EA)
    • Growing demand for Stream support on shared data use cases highlights the need for a clearer triage and prioritisation approach.
    • Members and observers felt there were certain items that should be taken into consideration, such as scope clarification (open vs shared data), the importance of FOI/EIR alignment, and maintaining opt‑in/opt‑out flexibility.
    • Energy sector learnings highlight the importance of common pattern libraries and Trust Frameworks to minimise cost and legal complexity.
    • Cross‑sector use cases may present future opportunities and should be considered in long‑term design thinking.
  • It was discussed that:
    • The bids process requires refinement, including criteria such as value, repeatability, resource impact, technology implications, and avoiding parallel infrastructures.
    • A scoring matrix for shared data use cases could include economic, social and environmental value, friction reduction, legal complexity, and organisational readiness.
    • A Trust Framework model separating identity assurance from Scheme rules could lower future cost and improve cross‑sector interoperability.
    • Sector legal engagement will be challenging but early use case examples could build confidence and reduce friction.
    • Further knowledge‑sharing and workshops are needed to deepen understanding of Trust Frameworks and scheme governance.

Next meeting: Tuesday 21 April 2026 10:00-12:00 BST

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

These are confidential to the Steering Group Members.