24/04/07
NJUG press release
The National Joint Utility Group (NJUG), the UK trade association representing utilities in street works, has launched a ‘Vision for street works’.
Vision for street works is NJUG’s new strategy to promote best practice, safety, quality and co-ordination for street works.
The new vision, developed by a group of NJUG Directors and informed using a national survey, reinforces the safety of the general public and workers on street works as the priority for utility companies.
The new strategy - ‘Vision for street works’ - supports NJUG’s aim of promoting best practice to establish UK street works as “world class”. It outlines NJUG’s belief that that all practical steps must be taken to ensure damage to underground assets is avoided, and utility companies must work in partnership with local authorities to minimise disruption and coordinate works wherever possible. Utilities should maximise the use of sustainable methods and materials such as minimum dig technology, and aim to deliver improved and consistently high quality street works, wherever practical and cost effective.
New CEO steers new vision
Richard Wakelen – Head of Street Services for EDF Energy Networks and former Finance and Strategy Director of NJUG – is today unveiled as NJUG’s new CEO.
Richard Wakelen said, “It is crucial for the utilities industry to have a strong, public strategy to guide its work in promoting safety, quality and co-ordination of street works in the UK. NJUG’s new vision establishes a road map for the future delivery of world class street works in the UK.”
The new vision will be supported by a new website, due to be launched on 19th April. The new-look website features reviewed guidance documents and publications, as well as the ‘Vision for Street Works’ statement.
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Notes to editors
For further editorial information or to arrange an interview please contact the NJUG press office or telephone 020 7609 1900.
NJUG’s Vision for street works:
• Safety is the number one priority
• Damage to underground assets is avoided
• Utilities work together and in partnership with local authorities to minimise disruption
• Utilities deliver consistent high quality
• Utilities maximise the use of sustainable methods and materials
• Street works in the UK are regarded as world class
The full document is available online at: www.njug.co.uk
Biography of Richard Wakelen, CEO, NJUG Ltd:
Richard became CEO of the National Joint Utility Group (NJUG) in April 2007. He joined NJUG in January 2005 as the Finance and Strategy Director. Richard also chairs the Energy Networks Association (ENA) Street Works Group and is a member of the Highway and Utilities Committee (HAUC UK).
Richard is employed by EDF Energy Networks, where as Head of Street Works he is responsible for street works strategy, policy and performance for EDF Energy Networks. He is tasked with improving compliance with the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 and for the successful implementation of the Traffic Management Act 2004.
Prior to being appointed as Head of Street Works in 2005 Richard held a number of senior management positions in EDF Energy Networks and it predecessor SEEBOAD, covering asset management, contract management and performance management.
Richard lives in Sussex, is married with two boys, and enjoys cycling and sailing. He has taken part in several charity cycling challenges over the last four years, including cycling from London to Paris in aid of NCH and Exeter to Brighton in aid of MENCAP.
About The National Joint Utility Group (NJUG)
NJUG is the UK industry association representing utilities on street works issues. Our members include the Energy Networks Association (representing electricity and gas companies), Water UK (representing water companies), National Grid, BT, Cable and Wireless, Virgin Media and THUS plc.
NJUG is the utility arm of the Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee representing street works in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales known as HAUC (UK). NJUG’s focus is on promoting best practice, safety, quality and co-ordination of works as well as representing utilities in discussions with Government and other stakeholders on street work issues.
Street works are essential activities carried out by electricity, water, gas and communications utilities to maintain, enhance, extend, renew and repair their networks.
