Net Zero Secretary responds to independent review of governance at Water Industry Commission for Scotland

The Scottish Government has today published an independent review of governance arrangements at the Water Industry Commission for Scotland (WICS).

The review was commissioned by Ministers earlier this year following the publication of a section 22 report by the Auditor General.

Also published today is an internal review of sponsorship arrangements between the Scottish Government and WICS.

Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Gillian Martin said:

“These thorough reports illustrate the depth of the challenge in addressing the culture and ethos at WICS that had developed over a number of years.

“We place the utmost importance on the proper spending of public money and have made it very clear that the approach to expenditure highlighted here and in previous disclosures was simply unacceptable.

“The appointment of an interim Chair of the WICS board provides a platform to ensure stability and make the required governance and cultural improvements. These reports will further inform the work of the Board to reset the organisation and to ensure that WICS delivers best value and regains public confidence. We will continue to monitor progress on the action plan closely.”

Background

Independent review (governance and culture)

Independent review (financial transactions)

Internal review of sponsorship