Chair of the Interim Code Panel

Tender description

As part of the programme of work to introduce the new retail market arrangements, an Interim Code Panel is being formed to process modifications to the industry codes – specifically the Market Arrangements Code and the Wholesale-Retail Code . We are seeking an independent Panel Chair for this panel to facilitate discussion and help produce robust decisions. The Interim Code Panel will have the following members: • two members elected by wholesale companies • two members elected by associate retailers • two members elected by new entrant retailers • one independent Chair • two independent members In addition to the Panel Members there will be a Panel Secretary (with a non-voting role) provided by Ofwat, plus several invited observers including a consumer representative, Ofwat, the Water Industry Commission for Scotland (WICS) and Market Operator Services Limited (MOSL ). The Interim Code Panel will follow the processes set out in sections 6 and 7 of the Market Arrangements Code. Further information on the constitution, roles and responsibility of the Interim Code Panel can be found at: http://www.ofwat.gov.uk/competition/review/prs_in1505interimcodepanel.pdf Ofwat is required to appoint the Chair of the panel directly. This tender seeks to fulfil this requirement. Tenderers should note that one of the first duties of the successful candidate will be to appoint the independent members. Ofwat will help facilitate this process. Job purpose • The purpose of the role is to facilitate the orderly flow of business during Panel meetings. This will include acting impartially, in the best interests of the market as a whole and ensuring the Code Principles and Objectives are fulfilled • The successful candidate will be expected to facilitate discussion and robust decision making • We would expect the successful candidate to have wide experience in utilities or competition policy and extensive experience Chairing decision making bodies Key responsibilities • To work closely with all stakeholders to bring out support and expertise in the decision making process • To provide expert discussion guidance and to keep Panel meetings and the overall business of the Panel to time scales • To support the governance process of the Interim Code Panel • To provide ‘critical friend’ feedback to Panellists and stakeholders • To lead and ensure continuity of Interim Code Panel reporting processes