British Water and the Water Industry Forum publish merger plans

Supply chain champion British Water (BW) and independent multi-stakeholder collaboration body, the Water Industry Forum (WIF) have today published a proposal to merge.

The two organisations are seeking initial reaction from their members to plans scoped out by both boards to join forces. Under the proposal, WIF would become a fourth BW forum, joining its existing three – UK, Technical and International (see diagram). Lila Thompson will continue as BW chief. The WIF would preserve its neutrality an d independence by remaining as a limited company, operating as a subsidiary of British Water, but with its own management board that is bound by a code of conduct, and with individual directors bound by a code of ethics based on impartiality and integrity.

The two organisations cited benefits including spearheading collaboration, creating a stronger collective voice for water organisations, and driving value both for members and the wider sector. They added they were responding to research which revealed a common view that the water membership organisation space is congested and would benefit from coming together.

A harmonised subscription model has been developed that would be phased in during a transition period.

Members have been asked to respond by the 21st of June.