The Water Industry Commission for Scotland (WICS) has published its 2023-24 Annual Report and Accounts which is accompanied by a Section 22 report from the Auditor General.
This follows the Section 22 report published in December 2023, which highlighted weaknesses in governance and financial control within WICS.
Since then, WICS says it has implemented measures to address these concerns, and Audit Scotland’s 2023-24 report confirms there were no instances of non-compliant expenditure between January and March 2024.
In 2024, WICS welcomed an interim CEO and Chair to strengthen the leadership of the organisation. A review of WICS’ leadership structure is underway and will conclude in December, with the recruitment of a permanent CEO planned for early 2025. WICS says these changes will ensure its organisational structure is best placed to deliver transformational and cultural change.
A comprehensive organisational change programme is already underway to enhance WICS’ operations and effectiveness. This includes clarifying roles and responsibilities, strengthening risk and assurance functions as well as improving communications and hybrid working practices.
Ronnie Hinds, interim Chair of WICS said:
“Audit Scotland’s report recognises the progress made by WICS since the Auditor General’s 2022/23 audit was published last year.
There were no instances of non-compliant expenditure in the period since last year’s Section 22 report and we welcome the Auditor General’s recognition of the significant work under way to improve leadership, governance and culture within the organisation.
This reflects the action WICS has taken to address previously identified weaknesses in governance and financial control and indicates that progress is being made as we continue to undertake organisational change.
Everyone at WICS remains fully focused on fulfilling our crucial role as the economic regulator of Scottish Water on behalf of the people of Scotland.”
