Public appointment: Interim Chair appointment extended on the Water Industry Commission for Scotland Board

The Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy today announced the extension to the appointment of Ronnie Hinds as Interim Chair of the Water Industry Commission for Scotland Board.

Interim Chair

Ronnie Hinds joined the WICS board on an interim basis in July 2024. He is former Chief Executive of Fife Council and since his retirement in 2013, he has held a number of public positions, including Chair of Boundaries Scotland and lead Non-Executive Director with the Scottish Government. Ronnie was Deputy Chair of the Accounts Commission for four years from October 2014 and served as acting Chair for two years until standing down in June 2019. He was also Controller of Audit from 2000 until 2002.

Extension

This extension will be for 5 months and will run from 15 July 2025 until 31 December 2025.

This extension is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

This appointment is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £350 per day for a time commitment of up to two days per week.

Other ministerial appointments

Ronnie Hinds does not hold any other public appointments.

Political activity

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.  However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity within the last five years (if there is any to be declared) to be made public.  

Ronnie Hinds has had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

The Water Industry Commission for Scotland (WICS) was formed on 1 July 2005 following the amendment of the Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002 by the Water Services etc. (Scotland) Act 2005. The Commission is funded through a levy on Scottish Water and licence fees.

Statutory duties are to:

• promote the interests of Scottish Water’s customers, having regard to the interests of current and future customers

• ensure that customer charges reflect the lowest reasonable overall cost for Scottish Water to deliver the Scottish Ministers’ Objectives for the water sector

• comment on Scottish Water’s reporting of its performance, challenging Scottish Water to become more efficient and sustainable and

• facilitate the entry of retail water and sewerage providers that wish to supply non-household customers in Scotland

WICS is made up of around 25 people, comprising economists, strategists, analysts, communicators and support staff. The board provides leadership, direction and support to ensure that WICS delivers its functions effectively and efficiently.