We reconvened the Stream Technical Advisory Group, Co-chaired by Icebreaker One and Pennon Group.

Date: 7 April 2026 10:00-11:30 BST

Location: Online

Co-Chairs: Lucy Chambers (IB1); Dan Slidel (Southern Water)

Secretariat: Icebreaker One 

Meeting Aims

  1. Create clarity on the framework, infrastructure and processes needed for sharing data.
  2. Review use case process and confirm whether there is room for improvement.

Summary:

  • It was noted that:
    • NESO is conducting similar work on templated Data Sharing Agreements, for interoperability purposes, Stream should endeavour to collaborate at some point.
    • The Working Group has developed early outputs to support data sharing, including a decision tree and an initial view of required templates and modules.
    • The work has been informed by a legal and risk‑based perspective, recognising varying sensitivity and risk across data sharing scenarios.
    • A revised use case process map was presented, intended to provide clearer expectations, support varied use case entry points, and remain adaptable as understanding matures.
  • It was discussed that:
    • Widening participation in the Data Sharing Working Group is essential to diversify inputs.
    • A one‑size‑fits-all approach to data sharing agreements is not appropriate, and that a modular, templated approach may better accommodate different use cases.
    • Decision‑making tools should be usable by non‑legal stakeholders, while enabling appropriate escalation to legal, governance and compliance functions.
    • Reducing friction in data sharing requires attention beyond legal agreements, including identity management, audit and enforcement, data quality, infrastructure security, and organisational buy‑in.
    • Data ownership should sit with business leads, supported by legal oversight rather than led by legal teams alone.
    • There is a need to clarify what should be handled centrally versus individually by member organisations.
    • There’s a need for clearer decision rights and escalation, more effective prioritisation, and explicit consideration of funding, resourcing and capacity constraints within an agile use case process.
    • Members need better visibility of the pipeline and roadmap to understand what is coming, what is committed, and when.
    • The process should include a post‑delivery review to assess whether use cases delivered value and what was learned.

Next meeting: Tuesday 19 May 2026 10:00-11:30 BST

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

These are confidential to the Advisory Group Members.