Announcement: new ‘Chair of Chairs’
Published: 30th May 2024
Our Chairs Network is an important advisory group to UKRN, as a critical friend to member CEOs and the UKRN team they provide high level strategic input. For over two years, the role of ‘Chair of Chairs’ has been expertly executed by Bill Emery, Chair at the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation.
As we welcome Nicola Wood into the role and Bill hands over the reins, he reflects on his tenure.
“Ever Better”
You will all know my mantra of striving to be “ever better” and that has been clearly evident to me during my years at UKRN.
There will be big challenges ahead for us all and I am confident that all of you at UKRN and its network groups will meet these!
Thank you for all your efforts both to date and in the future. Regulators are often the unsung heroes, but those that know do value highly our contributions to making our economy ever better!
Nicola Wood MBE is the Lead Non-Executive Director at the ICO.
She has almost two decade’s experience at board level and is a former solicitor and a specialist in dispute resolution and governance.
She has worked with vulnerable consumers and takes a particular interest in issues affecting children.
Nicola was appointed MBE for services to regulation in the 2024 King’s New Year Honours.
Attricia Archer, Director UKRN says;
I am delighted to have Nicola as the Chair of Chairs. Nicola brings a wealth of experience and will be an invaluable asset to UKRN.
I would also like to thank Bill for all his support over the years. He wholeheartedly champions consumers issues and has been committed to helping UKRN deliver meaningful outcomes.
Nicola Wood, Lead Non-Executive Director, ICO says;
I am delighted to take on the role as I firmly believe in the power of collaborative working between regulators to increase efficiency and improve outcomes for the public, the economy and the regulated communities. The UKRN’s chair forum provides a unique opportunity for chairs of regulators to engage with other regulators, to share best practice as well as to support continuous improvements and to recognise the gaps and the overlaps in the work of the regulators.
Bill Emery, Chair at the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation, says:
I enjoyed thoroughly being more active in UKRN during my years as chair of the UKRN Chairs Network and the UKRN Expert Panel.
I was able at first hand to see the huge value and commitment to the work of the network by Attricia, her ever changing team and our expert panel. It was great to contribute and help guide the work of the network.
I found it really encouraging to see colleagues seconded from our members get caught up and excited by the work and then moving on, to take the messages about the value of learning and collaborating, back to their new roles.
You will all know my mantra of striving to be “ever better” and that has been self evident during recent years.
There will be big challenges ahead for us all, and I am confident that all of you at UKRN at its network groups will meet these!
Thank you for all your efforts both to date and in the future. Regulators are often the unsung heroes, but those that know do value highly our contributions to making our economy ever better!”