The session gave stakeholders an early opportunity to understand the proposed governance arrangements as we transition to the code manager licensed framework towards the end of the year, what they mean in practice, and how to prepare for the transition to the new model.
If you couldn’t attend, you can catch up using the recording, slides and Q&A below.
What did the webinar cover?
The webinar explored:
- An overview of the new REC governance framework and how it will operate
- The role and purpose of the Stakeholder Advisory Forum (SAF)
- RECCo’s proposals for SAF membership, nominations and appointments
- The new Code Manager governance arrangements, including the transition and what it means for stakeholders
- The implementation timeline, licence grant readiness approach and next steps
Key takeaways
- The SAF will be independent of REC governance
When the Code Manager licence takes effect, the SAF will supersede the REC Change Panel and its sub-committees. The existing governance arrangements will remain in place until then, with transitional measures being developed to maintain continuity.
- The Code Manager will be accountable for decisions
The Code Manager will be responsible for developing and advancing modifications, making recommendations, and, where applicable, making self-governance decisions.
The SAF will provide informed, impartial advice and constructive challenge at key stages. This includes considering consultation responses, assessing modifications against the REC Objectives and advising on whether they should be implemented. It will also provide input into areas such as the Code Manager’s annual budget, delivery plan and performance.
- The SAF will not replace wider stakeholder engagement
The Code Manager will continue to draw on industry, consumer and technical expertise through consultations, operational forums and other engagement. The SAF will help test whether the appropriate expertise has been involved and whether stakeholder views and evidence have been considered fairly.
A flexible pool of subject matter experts will also enable the SAF to access specialist knowledge when specific modifications or issues arise.
- The SAF will bring together a range of perspectives
RECCo’s current proposals include:
- An independent Chair
- Independent members
- Elected REC Party Representatives,
- Statutory consumer representatives
- Access to a wider pool of subject matter experts
The final shape of the expert pool will be informed by the skills and experience represented through the nomination, election and appointment processes.
- Members will be expected to act impartially
SAF members will bring valuable knowledge and experience, but they will not represent the interests of their employer, nominating organisation, or stakeholder group when acting as SAF members. Their role will be to consider what best facilitates the REC Objectives.
How can you apply to join the Stakeholder Advisory Forum?
We expect to publish guidance and open the nomination process for REC Party Representatives towards the end of August. The guidance will explain the available positions, eligibility requirements, members’ responsibilities, and the election process.
The nomination, election, and appointment activities are expected to run across September and October, enabling the SAF to be ready when the Code Manager licence takes effect.
What’s next?
We’ll continue to keep stakeholders updated as implementation progresses. Upcoming activities include:
- Confirming and announcing the independent SAF Chair, once the appointment process has concluded
- Publishing guidance and opening nominations for REC Party representatives
- Progressing the appointment of independent members and development of the expert pool
- Holding a dedicated webinar on the new modification process and how it will interact with the SAF
- Continuing engagement with existing REC committees to support an orderly transition
- A consultation will open in October 2026 on the draft Terms of Reference for the Stakeholder Advisory Forum
Catch up on the webinar
Questions?
If you have any questions about the webinar or the new governance arrangements, please contact the team at communications@retailenergycode.co.uk.
