Independent Assurance Advisory Services for Water Sector Major Projects

Awarded using Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Management Consultancy Framework Four (MCF4) (RM6309), Lot 2 Strategy and Policy.

Background and an overview of the Major Projects pipeline can be found at the following link: A-Major-Projects-Guide-for-Investors-June-2025.pdf The above document lists all the projects in the pipeline and gives a brief overview of each one, offering a useful indication of the assurance reviews likely to be required over the next three years.

To meet the key objective of this tender, we expect the independent assurance advisers to work with Ofwat colleagues as follows: 1. Identify and appoint an appropriate panel of experienced independent review team leaders (RTLs) and review team members (RTMs) to deliver assurance reviews. 2.

Plan and manage Ofwat's assurance review pipeline, based on the pipeline of DPC/SIPR projects and key stages of project development. 3. Produce an overall Assurance Plan for approval by Ofwat. 4. Provide training to internal Ofwat staff participating in assurance reviews. 5. Support engagement with water companies as Ofwat's assurance framework develops, to ensure collaboration and maximum benefit from the review. 6.

Produce a concise annual report and present to Ofwat and companies. 7. Deliver independent assurance reviews for all DPC/SIPR projects in the pipeline at key milestones.