Below is a summary of the role of Water UK and our ways of working with members and stakeholders.
• Our role • Services and governance • Value of membership • How we operate • The association and its stakeholders
Water UK is the industry association that represents UK statutory water supply and wastewater companies at national and European level.
We are funded by our members to influence public policy and opinion to ensure a strong water industry in the interests of all stakeholders.
The focus on policy means: identifying gaps or inadequacies; working with members and stakeholders to develop alternatives; and helping deliver the benefits as new approaches are implemented.
Our core objective is sustainable water policy – actions and solutions that create lasting benefit by integrating economic, environmental and social objectives.
Back to top
Services and governance
Ensuring a strong industry means creating an environment in which members can deliver their business objectives. Essential functions include intelligence gathering, assessing implications, liaison with stakeholders and maintaining the reputation of the industry.
We are based in Westminster but are involved in policy work in Brussels, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The water industry is highly regulated so much of our work follows regulatory review cycles. We have agreed with Council a four year strategic business plan for the years 2006-07 to 2009-10, covering:
• England and Wales: Ofwat (Water Service Regulation Authority) 2009 price review
• Scotland: Water Industry Commission Quality and Standards Review 4
• Northern Ireland: establishment of a government-owned company and introduction of water charges
• Development work for implementation of the water framework directive and other environmental legislation
Existing and new plans involve strategic themes, key indicators and measurable targets. To deliver the plan staff work with members to develop annual projects in key policy areas.
A large part of this work is related to creating the right climate and conditions for periodic reviews. Progress and achievements are reported to Council on a regular basis. Council also reviews and approves proposals for new projects at the start of each year.
The Council is responsible for agreeing policy. Its members are Managing Directors and in some cases Regulation or Finance Directors.
Back to top
Value of membership
• Voice in deciding industry common positions on public policy issues
• Representation with national and European government institutions, minister and senior officials
• Monitoring of industry-related developments and coordination of common responses
• National promotion of members’ reputation and achievements
• Liaison with industry regulators on strategic direction of regulatory policy
• Liaison with primary stakeholders at national level – consumer and environmental non-government organisations, business groups, media, academia and research groups
• Regular industry news, policy intelligence and advice
• Member ‘account’ management ensures mutual benefit for industry and company
• Managers networking with industry and related personnel at Water UK conferences, think tanks and briefings
• Managers benefit from membership of electronic networks
Water UK is a small organisation with 11 staff in the policy core, one based permanently in Brussels. To deliver our strategy and maintain influence we work hand in hand with our members often in alliance with primary stakeholders.
We set up focus groups where a specific issue needs addressing and the involvement of members is essential to make policy recommendations and achieve the required outcomes. We also operate members’ networks for those who share an interest and expertise in a particular subject or field of work. Focus groups and networks are supported by the Water UK web site which includes a members’ library.
Communication is an essential part of our work. We maintain working relationships with stakeholders – regulators, government departments, consumer bodies and environmental organisations. We also communicate more widely with national print and broadcast media and business publications. Supporting this are one-off publications and consultations, policy positions and statements published on the Water UK web site.
A significant part of the communication and sharing process is the Water UK Stakeholder Engagement Programme, delivering conferences, seminars, working dinners and think tanks.
More information
Barrie Clarke
Director of Communication
Water UK visionFind out more about
Water UK's long-term vision for a sustainable water industry
Water UK teamPolicy advisers, events and facilities team and stakeholder engagement programme
