WICS seeks expressions of interest for the new role of business Market Health Checker

The Water Industry Commission for Scotland (WICS) is to introduce a new ‘Market Health Check’ process in its non household retail market.

WICS explained that, 13 years after opening in 2008, it wants to ensure the market continues to operate in customer best interests. But rather than conduct a traditional audit, it plans to appoint an independent expert as a ‘Market Health Checker’ to whom licensed providers who opt in to the mechanism can demonstrate they are committed to high standards of conduct and behaviour. This could include managing customers responsibly; upholding service commitments; offering transparent and fair contract terms; and communicating with customers clearly and openly.

The Market Health Checker will provide recommendations to each licensed provider on how they might improve, as well as potentially on market wide improvements. It will report final findings to the Commission, which will then communicate which licensed providers have secured accreditation. The Commission envisages the process will be repeated over time.

WICS is seeking expressions of interest from potential Market Health Checkers until 31 January. It is looking for a named individual and – because of the innovative nature of the role – for applicants to share their ideas on scope, methodology and implementation as part of the selection process.

Interested? More details on the role are available at competitionteam@wics.scot and will be in the January edition of The Water Report. Letters expressing interest and CVs can also be sent directly to that WICS address by 31 January.