Ofwat

Ofwat is the economic regulator of the water sector in England and Wales. Water companies support all aspects of life. Safe and reliable water and wastewater services are essential for our day to day lives, our wellbeing, and our natural world.
Our role is to enable, incentivise and hold companies to account for providing the very best for customers, society and the environment now and in the future. We also oversee the markets that exist in the water sector to make sure they are working for customers.
To achieve this, we have three goals. They are to:
• transform water companies’ performance
• drive water companies to meet long-term challenges through increased collaboration and partnerships
and
• for water companies to provide best value and outcomes for customers,
communities and the environment, now and in the future.
Delivering these goals will help to meet customers’ needs: ensure reliable and safe water supplies today with a better environment, affordable bills and a resilient and sustainable future for water. It matters to us that things on the ground really change so that our impact on customers, the environment and the future of water is tangible and meaningful.
In undertaking our role, we work to fulfil the UK and Welsh Governments’ strategic priorities for Ofwat, and UK and Welsh Government policy. We work alongside other regulators for the water sector, in particular the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales and the Drinking Water Inspectorate. We also work closely with other economic regulators under the auspices of the UK Regulators Network.
Our work is high-profile and fast-moving, within a dynamic and agile environment. We are forward-thinking, creative, innovative and ambitious. We constantly push the boundaries and embrace new ways of working. We actively encourage autonomy, collaboration and innovation and our culture fosters trust, flexibility and respect.
Ofwat logo

https://www.ofwat.gov.uk

Iain Coucher Chair

David Black Chief Executive

Why Ofwat is supporting Boardroom Apprentice

We know that securing the experience and skills needed to contribute successfully in the boardroom is challenging, particularly for those seeking to take that step for the first time. The Boardroom Apprentice pilot provides an exceptional opportunity to provide a first hand insight, alongside mentoring support.

Location of Board and Committee Meetings

Meetings are in either London or Birmingham, usually in person though hybrid attendance is possible

Frequency and timing of board/committee meetings

Board meetings are held monthly, save in August. Meetings take place during the day usually from 0930 – 1400 or later in the afternoon depending on the matters on the agenda.

Date of Board Meetings (January – December 2025)

It is possible that some of these dates will change. The confirmed principal Board dates in 2025 are as follows: 23 January
26/27 February
27 March
24 April
29 May
26/27 June
24 July
18 September
16 October
19/20 November
and 18 December

Committee of the Boards and meeting dates (January – December 2025)

Given that we have 11 Board meetings a year, we expect that the focus should be on the main board and on meetings of our Major Projects Committee although the role of that Committee is expected to change. We will provide the opportunity to observe an Audit and Risk Assurance Committee meeting and a People Committee meeting. We have other standing observers under another scheme under the auspices of the UKRN for those Committees. These dates are not settled yet therefore.

Security checks

As a Central Government department we need to ensure the correct level of security is in place where an arrangement involves a non-member of staff having access to Ofwat resources. (This includes both ‘physical’ access, such as being on our premises, and access to information that that is not available in the public domain.) At Ofwat, we operate a relatively light touch approach to the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), but still need to ensure that individuals accessing our resources have been suitably vetted. For more information on the BPSS system, please go to https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-baseline-personnel-security-standard. As a general guide, we would only need to see the following three upon appointment
• Basic DBS Certificate or equivalent (undertaken within the last 12 months) • Drivers Licence • Passport. We will also undertake checks for any potential conflicts of interest.

Payment of travel expenses

Yes

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