Welcome

The Water Sector Multi-capitals Network (WSMcN) is a cross-sector group for those involved in the Water Sector in the UK and Ireland, with an interest in growing value through a multi-capitals approach to decision making. We aim to have a membership which is reflective of the sector, including representatives from water companies, regulators, consultants, suppliers and other relevant bodies. 

The mission of the WSMcN is: 
“To drive a multi-capitals approach to realise a greater value from the water sector in the UK through thought leadership, influencing and co-creating solutions.”

Download the WSMcN Terms of Reference

Structure of The WSMcN

A steering group of water sector representatives oversees the work of the WSMcN. Three task groups deliver against the network’s objectives for the benefit of members and member organisations. You can read more about our organisational structure here.

Objectives and targets 

The objectives and targets for multi-capitals network are set out below and involve the active participation of the Steering Group and the Task Groups.

• Promote understanding of relevance and objectives of a multi-capitals approach 
Through this objective we seek to continue to promote a multi-capitals approach within the water sector and wider stakeholders. We aim to ensure that organisations from across the sector understand how a multi-capitals approach relates to them and can use it to drive value-based decision making.

• Agree a common framework
As a network we will build on the UKWIR Future Asset Planning project, and leading work by different water sector organisations and best practise outside of the water sector, to work towards a common application of a multi-capital approach in the UK water sector. We will do this by agreeing priority metrics that can form a clear line of sight golden thread from strategic purpose and direction through to investment planning.

• Working within regulatory frameworks 
As part of this network’s activities, we will engage with regulators to work towards recognition of a multi-capitals approach as a way of demonstrating and maximising public value within the water sector and to support alignment and exploration with other organisations and sectors to achieve further benefits.

Membership and structure

The Water Sector Multi-capitals Network is open to members from, or with an interest in the water sector. There is no membership fee. Water Industry Forum (a subsidiary of British Water) currently provides secretariat support. The Secretariat will maintain a list of members which includes those who have participated in events and engaged with the Network. The Secretariat also provides independent, non-partisan oversight to the Network.

The Steering Group should aim to reflect the wider membership and be drawn from the key parts of the water sector whose involvement is essential to deliver the objectives and mission. These include:

• Water companies
• Regulators
• Consultants
• Contractors
• Specialists and suppliers
• NGOs
• Wider Finance community

Contact us at multicapitalsapproach@waterindustryforum.com

Download The Full WSMcN Terms Of Reference