New Job Role

Independent Member, REC Stakeholder Advisory Forum

Salary

£800 a day

Employment Type

Contract

Location

Meetings in London and remote

Closing Date

Flexible

About our role: What you’ll be doing

The appointment will be for an initial term of three years and will require a commitment of approximately 1.5 days a month, although additional time may be required during busy periods.

As part of Ofgem’s Code Reform programme, licensed Code Managers will establish a Stakeholder Advisory Forum (SAF) to support the code modification governance process.

Independent Members play an important role in ensuring the SAF provides balanced, objective and well-evidenced advice. They are expected to exercise independent judgement, contribute constructively to discussions and work collaboratively with other members to support robust, transparent and effective Code governance. Through their participation in the forum, Independent Members will help assess modification proposals against the Code objectives and contribute to the development of balanced, evidence-based SAF assessments. They are expected to exercise impartial judgement at all times and avoid promoting personal, organisational or sector-specific interests.

One Independent Member may also be requested to deputise for the Independent Chair where required. In doing so, they will support the effective operation of the forum and maintain the same standards of impartiality, balanced discussion and good governance expected of the Chair. This reflects the expectation that Independent Members can provide continuity of leadership where necessary while remaining independent of both the Code Manager and Code Parties.

Reasons for the role

As part of Energy Code Reform, licensed Code Managers will be required to establish a Stakeholder Advisory Forum (SAF) to ensure stakeholder views inform code governance and change decisions.

The SAF’s role is provided for under the Code Manager Licence, with its detailed responsibilities set out in the REC. The SAF has a formal role within the code modification process. This includes assessing modification proposals, considering stakeholder consultation responses, voting on whether proposals better facilitate the code objectives and providing its view and assessments to inform code manager recommendations and decisions.

The SAF will bring together a broad range of stakeholders, including code parties, non-code parties and consumer representatives, providing a forum for discussion, challenge and debate on code modification proposals and strategic issues.

While the SAF’s advice is not binding, Code Managers must give it due regard when developing recommendations and making decisions under the code. The SAF therefore plays an important role in ensuring industry expertise, stakeholder perspectives and consumer interests are reflected in the future development of energy industry codes.

The SAF will also have a role in considering wider Code Manager activities where provided for under the governance arrangements, including the Code Manager’s annual budget and work plan.

Your day-to-day

Independent Advice and Assessment

Review meeting papers and supporting evidence in advance of meetings to enable informed participation and decision-making.
Contribute independent, objective and well-reasoned views during discussions, while working collaboratively with other members to reach balanced and evidence-based assessments.
Assess proposals against the Code objectives and relevant strategic considerations, including Ofgem’s Strategic Direction Statement where applicable.
Help ensure the SAF’s advice is balanced, evidence-based and reflects the interests of the wider market and consumers.
Support the development of clear, robust and transparent SAF assessments.

Constructive Challenge

Provide independent challenge to the Code Manager where appropriate.
Help ensure SAF assessments and proposals considered by the forum are supported by appropriate evidence and analysis.
Challenge assumptions respectfully and constructively where required.
Encourage consideration of alternative viewpoints and unintended consequences.
Promote transparency, openness and accountability throughout the decision-making process.
Provide constructive feedback that supports continuous improvement of Code Manager processes and stakeholder engagement.

Stakeholder Engagement

Exercise independent judgement in the interests of the wider market and consumers, rather than any individual organisation or section of the market.
Work collaboratively with all SAF members, respecting differing perspectives and expertise.
Listen constructively to alternative viewpoints and contribute to balanced, evidence-based discussion.
Help foster an open, inclusive and respectful environment that encourages effective stakeholder engagement.

Governance

Act in accordance with the Code, Code Manager Licence and SAF governance arrangements.
Attend monthly SAF meetings and participate fully in SAF voting where eligible.
Commit sufficient time to prepare for meetings and participate actively, recognising the importance of consistent attendance and informed engagement.
Declare and appropriately manage actual or perceived conflicts of interest.
Support continuous improvement of the SAF and its effectiveness.

Deputy Chair Responsibilities (where requested)

Where nominated to deputise for the Independent Chair:

Chair SAF meetings in the absence of the Chair.
Facilitate balanced and effective discussion.
Ensure meetings are conducted in accordance with governance requirements.
Support the production of clear SAF assessments and meeting outcomes.
Maintain the independence and integrity of the forum.

About you: What you'll bring

The ability to exercise sound, impartial judgement within complex governance or regulatory environments.
Credibility and integrity when working with senior stakeholders.
Excellent analytical skills and the ability to evaluate complex information from multiple perspectives.
Confidence to provide constructive challenge while maintaining collaborative working relationships.
Excellent communication and influencing skills.
The ability to balance stakeholder views with wider market, consumer and strategic considerations.
Experience operating within regulated industries, governance bodies or similar decision-making environments.
A commitment to transparency, fairness and evidence-based decision-making.
An ability to consider both immediate impacts and longer-term implications for consumers, competition, innovation and the effective operation of the energy market.

We welcome applications from individuals with expertise in areas that may otherwise be less represented within existing Code governance arrangements. This could include experience in:

Non-domestic and business energy markets.
Energy services, flexibility or emerging market models.
Intermediaries, brokers or third-party services.
Digital transformation, innovation or major change programmes.
Wider energy system change and reform.

Candidates are not expected to possess expertise across all of these areas. We are seeking a diverse mix of experience, perspectives and backgrounds that will strengthen the overall effectiveness of the forum.

Independence requirements

Applicants must be able to demonstrate their independence from both the Code Manager and REC Code Parties consistent with the requirements in the SAF code text.

This includes not having been employed by a REC Code Party within the 12 months prior to appointment, having no personal, professional or financial interests that could compromise, or reasonably be perceived to compromise, their independence, and being willing to declare and manage any actual or perceived conflicts of interest throughout their appointment.

What you'll get in return

Check out our core benefits here.

Our commitment to you

We’re committed to cultivating an environment that champions equality, diversity, and inclusion. We want you to feel comfortable bringing your authentic self to work every day — regardless of your age, gender identity, ethnicity, religion, disability status, or any other aspect of who you are.

To apply, send your CV and a short statement on why you’re a good fit

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