A piece by Stef Nienaltowski, Independent Chair of the Independent Challenge Group

"For the past nine months, I've had the privilege of working closely with Portsmouth Water and a dedicated group of stakeholders known as the Customer Scrutiny Panel (CSP). This panel brought together eight members who played a key role in overseeing the water companies performance. It has been an incredibly insightful period, which has laid strong foundations for what comes next.

The “what comes next” is a significant and exciting evolution that I am delighted to announce. On Tuesday, 24th June, we will embark on a new journey with the launch of the Portsmouth Water Independent Challenge Group (ICG).

I am incredibly proud to share that our new ICG has grown substantially, now comprising of 22 passionate and committed volunteer members, including local councillors, representatives from Citizens Advice, the main public sector bodies such as the Environment Agency, the Consumer Council for Water and Natural England. In addition to these organisations, we have the University of Portsmouth, an innovative marketing company, Delivered Social, next generation members and other organisations deeply invested in the sustainability of our water provision and the protection of our precious local environment.

This expansion reflects the increasing importance and complexity of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for our water services. It also aligns with the outcome of the UK's Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 which aims to improve the service water companies provide in support of the environment and its customers.

Under my chairmanship, this dynamic group will take on the vital responsibility of reviewing Portsmouth Water's performance and its objectives throughout the upcoming Asset Management Period, AMP8, which spans from 1st April 2025 to 31st March 2030.

The measures we will be scrutinising are set by Ofwat and demand year-on-year improvements across crucial areas: the protection of our environment, ensuring the best outcomes for the customers of Portsmouth Water, and achieving a challenging set of targets for the operational performance of the company.

The ICG is designed to be far more than just an oversight committee. We will act as a vital link between Portsmouth Water and its customers, ensuring your voices are heard and your interests represented. A key aspect of our role will be early involvement in major projects, allowing us to contribute proactively and co-create new processes through a series of focused subgroup activities. We are committed to being rigorous in our oversight, scrutiny, and, where necessary, our challenge.

We will hold Portsmouth Water accountable for the delivery of its business plan, ensuring transparency and effectiveness.

I am personally delighted, incredibly excited, and deeply committed to working alongside this exceptional group of volunteers. Their dedication to our community and environment is inspiring. I am equally enthusiastic about collaborating with Portsmouth Water to make the Independent Challenge Group a valuable, productive, and significant contributor to navigating the challenges the water company faces over the coming five-year period.

Together, I am confident that the ICG will make a tangible and positive impact, helping to shape a resilient and responsible water future for Portsmouth."