Cross-Cutting
This group of networks cover themes and issues that affect many different areas of UKRN members’ work.
Climate Change
Overview
In support of UKRN’s strategic objective of ‘Supporting the Net Zero transition’, the Climate Change network brings together colleagues working on net zero issues across UKRN members, to share and exchange best practice, support implementation of efficient investment in climate mitigation, fair transition to Net Zero and informed decision-making by regulators. Specific projects may be agreed by the group, as part of annual workplan discussions.
Frequency
Every 2 months
Chair
James Jenkins (Ofwat)
UKRN Lead
Barbara Perata-Smith
Cost of Capital
Overview
The Cost of Capital network supports UKRN members in setting appropriate allowed returns on capital and, where required, collaborate on commissioning related financial analysis. The group shares ideas, information and best practice in relation to the assessment of the cost of capital and the setting of allowed returns for regulated companies, providing peer reviews of regulators’ proposals, and facilitating cost of capital-related training and networking opportunities for network members and relevant colleagues.
The group also aims to improve transparency of decisions around setting the cost of capital, including through publishing annual UKRN reports, as well as considering wider finance and investment issues.
Frequency
Monthly
Chair
Rotating across members
UKRN Lead
Philip O’Donnell
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Overview
The Equity, Diversity & Inclusion network offers a safe space for members to share common challenges in ED&I, best practice and lessons learned on ED&I issues, including bringing in external speakers to help educate members on specific areas.
Frequency
Every 2 months
Chair
Luke Hargreaves (FCA)
UKRN Lead
Makedah Simpson
Growth
Overview
In support of UKRN’s strategic objective on ‘Supporting sustainable economic growth and resilience’, the Growth Working Group was initially set up to support those members who have a primary or secondary growth duty. However, with the Government’s focus on growth and regulation more broadly, we have expanded the Working Group to all members who wish to discuss the growth agenda and the role of regulators in supporting economic growth.
The working group exists to provide members with the opportunity to share knowledge and best practice around how they are implementing their growth initiatives, the growth duty and wider discussions on the role of regulation within innovation and growth.
Frequency
Every 6-8 weeks (or as required)
Network Chair
UKRN
UKRN Lead
Charley Grady-Pearce
Vulnerability
Overview
In support of UKRN’s strategic objective of ‘Addressing Vulnerability’, the Vulnerability Network is a forum for members to share best practice, lessons learned and insights on emerging vulnerability issues, including identifying and collaborating to address common challenges and/or opportunities in the vulnerability space. Members also act as points of contact on vulnerability issues, to provide expertise and feedback, as well as delivering specific UKRN vulnerability projects, as agreed by the group.
Frequency
Every 6 weeks
Chair
Sinead Dynan (Utility Regulator NI)
UKRN Lead
Makedah Simpson