Independent Member, REC Stakeholder Advisory Forum

Fee: £800 per day Time Commitment: Approximately 1.5 days per month, with additional time during busier periods by agreement Location: Attendance at London office once a month, remaining work can be carried out remotely within the UK Contract: Initial three- year term, with an extension subject to review and agreement. Assessed as outside IR35 Who Are RECCo? We are an independent, non-profit organisation responsible for the Retail Energy Code — a key part of how the GB retail energy market is regulated. But we don't just manage rules. We look ahead, not just react, helping the market change in the right way. We deliver secure digital services, clear governance, and practical solutions that protect consumers, support innovation, and help the energy system move towards net zero. Energy Code Reform The REC is one of a number of energy industry codes which set out detailed rules that govern how the sector operates. The code framework has been perceived as being fragmented with change taking time to assess, approve and implement. The REC was developed to simplify retail energy governance, bringing together legacy gas and electricity arrangements within a single code through Retail Code Consolidation in 2021. The Government's wider Energy Code Reform programme1 now builds on this by introducing a new governance framework across the energy codes. The Energy Act 2023 gives Ofgem new powers to set the strategic direction for industry codes and, where required, to modify licences and codes. The Government's Code Reform programme introduces:

• Ofgem's Strategic Direction Statement (SDS) to guide priorities for code change
• Appointed licensed Code Managers with clear accountability for code governance, delivery and decision-making powers
• A Stakeholder Advisory Forum within each code, responsible for providing expertise and challenging the code manager to support decision-making. Ofgem is proposing to award the first Code Manager licence to RECCo by the end of 2026. Further information on Energy Code Reform and Ofgem's role in implementing the new framework is available on Ofgem's Energy Code Reform webpage. About the Stakeholder Advisory Forum As part of Energy Code Reform, licensed Code Managers will be required to establish a Stakeholder Advisory Forum (SAF) to ensure stakeholder views inform code governance and change decisions. The SAF's role is provided for under the Code Manager Licence, with its detailed responsibilities set out in the REC. The SAF has a formal role within the code modification process. This includes assessing modification proposals, considering stakeholder consultation responses, voting on whether proposals better facilitate the code objectives and providing its view and assessments to inform code manager recommendations and decisions. The SAF will bring together a broad range of stakeholders, including code parties, non-code parties and consumer representatives, providing a forum for discussion, challenge and debate on code modification proposals and strategic issues. While the SAF's advice is not binding, Code Managers must give it due regard when developing recommendations and making decisions under the code. The SAF therefore plays an important role in ensuring industry expertise, stakeholder perspectives and consumer interests are reflected in the future development of energy industry codes. The SAF will also have a role in considering wider Code Manager activities where provided for under the governance arrangements, including the Code Manager's annual budget and work plan. Responsibilities of the role As part of Ofgem's Code Reform programme, licensed Code Managers will establish a Stakeholder Advisory Forum (SAF) to support the code modification governance process. Independent Members play an important role in ensuring the SAF provides balanced, objective and well-evidenced advice. They are expected to exercise independent judgement, contribute constructively to discussions and work collaboratively with other members to support robust, transparent and effective Code governance. Through their participation in the forum, Independent Members will help assess modification proposals against the Code objectives and contribute to the development of balanced, evidence-based SAF assessments. They are expected to exercise impartial judgement at all times and avoid promoting personal, organisational or sector-specific interests. One Independent Member may also be requested to deputise for the Independent Chair where required. In doing so, they will support the effective operation of the forum and maintain the same standards of impartiality, balanced discussion and good governance expected of the Chair. This reflects the expectation that Independent Members can provide continuity of leadership where necessary while remaining independent of both the Code Manager and Code Parties. What you'll be doing Independent Advice and Assessment
• Review meeting papers and supporting evidence in advance of meetings to enable informed participation and decision-making.
• Contribute independent, objective and well-reasoned views during discussions, while working collaboratively with other members to reach balanced and evidence-based assessments.
• Assess proposals against the Code objectives and relevant strategic considerations, including Ofgem's Strategic Direction Statement where applicable.
• Help ensure the SAF's advice is balanced, evidence-based and reflects the interests of the wider market and consumers.
• Support the development of clear, robust and transparent SAF assessments. Constructive Challenge
• Provide independent challenge to the Code Manager where appropriate.
• Help ensure SAF assessments and proposals considered by the forum are supported by appropriate evidence and analysis.
• Challenge assumptions respectfully and constructively where required.
• Encourage consideration of alternative viewpoints and unintended consequences.
• Promote transparency, openness and accountability throughout the decision-making process.
• Provide constructive feedback that supports continuous improvement of Code Manager processes and stakeholder engagement. Stakeholder Engagement
• Exercise independent judgement in the interests of the wider market and consumers, rather than any individual organisation or section of the market.
• Work collaboratively with all SAF members, respecting differing perspectives and expertise.
• Listen constructively to alternative viewpoints and contribute to balanced, evidence-based discussion.
• Help foster an open, inclusive and respectful environment that encourages effective stakeholder engagement. Governance
• Act in accordance with the Code, Code Manager Licence and SAF governance arrangements.
• Attend monthly SAF meetings and participate fully in SAF voting where eligible.
• Commit sufficient time to prepare for meetings and participate actively, recognising the importance of consistent attendance and informed engagement.
• Declare and appropriately manage actual or perceived conflicts of interest.
• Support continuous improvement of the SAF and its effectiveness. Deputy Chair Responsibilities (where requested) Where nominated to deputise for the Independent Chair:
• Chair SAF meetings in the absence of the Chair.
• Facilitate balanced and effective discussion.
• Ensure meetings are conducted in accordance with governance requirements.
• Support the production of clear SAF assessments and meeting outcomes.
• Maintain the independence and integrity of the forum. Appointment and commitment The appointment will be for an initial term of three years with the possibility of reappointment subject to satisfactory performance and ongoing requirements. The role is expected to require a minimum commitment of approximately 1.5 days per month on average, although additional time may be required during periods of increased activity, including the establishment of the SAF, consideration of significant modification proposals or other strategic matters. The anticipated commitment includes:
• Attendance at monthly SAF meetings.
• Review of meeting papers and supporting information.
• Preparation ahead of meetings.
• Participation in discussion and voting.
• Occasional attendance at additional meetings where required. About You We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate:
• The ability to exercise sound, impartial judgement within complex governance or regulatory environments.
• Credibility and integrity when working with senior stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to evaluate complex information from multiple perspectives.
• Confidence to provide constructive challenge while maintaining collaborative working relationships.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.
• The ability to balance stakeholder views with wider market, consumer and strategic considerations.
• Experience operating within regulated industries, governance bodies or similar decision-making environments.
• A commitment to transparency, fairness and evidence-based decision-making.
• An ability to consider both immediate impacts and longer-term implications for consumers, competition, innovation and the effective operation of the energy market.
• Non-domestic and business energy markets.
• Energy services, flexibility or emerging market models.
• Intermediaries, brokers or third-party services.
• Digital transformation, innovation or major change programmes.
• Wider energy system change and reform. Candidates are not expected to possess expertise across all of these areas. We are seeking a diverse mix of experience, perspectives and backgrounds that will strengthen the overall effectiveness of the forum. Independence requirements Applicants must be able to demonstrate their independence from both the Code Manager and REC Code Parties consistent with the requirements in the SAF code text. This includes not having been employed by a REC Code Party within the 12 months prior to appointment, having no personal, professional or financial interests that could compromise, or reasonably be perceived to compromise, their independence, and being willing to declare and manage any actual or perceived conflicts of interest throughout their appointment. Our Commitment At RECCo we are committed to cultivating an environment that promotes equality, diversity and inclusion. We want you to bring your authentic self to work every day and feel comfortable being you, no matter your age, gender identity, ethnicity, religion, disability status or otherwise.