ISG welcomes new members with expertise spanning customers, procurement and fuel poverty
The Independent Stakeholder Group (ISG) has welcomed two new members as it prepares for the start of RIIO-GD3 and the next phase of independent challenge and assurance. At the July meeting, members welcomed Nicola Shelley, Managing Director of NEPO (North East Procurement Organisation), and Ross Armstrong, Chief Executive of Warmworks. Nicola succeeds Eddie Proffitt, while Ross succeeds Jenny Saunders, both of whom made significant contributions to the ISG during RIIO-GD2. Together they bring significant experience across procurement, public services, commercial customers, fuel poverty and the delivery of programmes that improve outcomes for households and communities.
The meeting also welcomed Alison Sleightholme, who has recently joined the Northern Gas Networks (NGN) Board as an independent Non-Executive Director. Alison will act as the Board liaison for the ISG, strengthening the link between the Group’s independent challenge and the NGN Board.
Strengthening the ISG for GD3
The appointments reflect the changing challenges facing the gas network over the next five years. As NGN enters GD3, the ISG’s work will increasingly focus on ensuring that customers remain at the centre of decision making as the network responds to changing regulation, evolving customer needs and the transition to a lower-carbon energy system. Ross will primarily support the Group’s work on stakeholder engagement, vulnerability, fuel poverty and customer support. Nicola will focus on industrial and commercial customers, procurement, commercial delivery and wider customer issues. Both members will also contribute across the wider ISG work programme, bringing independent challenge, sector expertise and fresh perspectives to discussions.
Chair Brian Matthews said:
“The ISG’s strength comes from the breadth of experience around the table. Ross and Nicola bring complementary skills that will help us challenge and support NGN as it prepares for GD3. They also build on the excellent work of Jenny Saunders and Eddie Proffitt, whose contributions have helped shape the Group over recent years. Their experience of customers, commercial delivery and public service will strengthen the Group and help ensure our work remains focused on delivering better outcomes for customers.”
The appointments complete the recent recruitment process and ensure the ISG continues to provide robust, independent scrutiny on behalf of customers across Northern Gas Networks’ licence area.
