In this episode, WUN Director Sarah McMath, MOSL brings together Emma Baker, Wessex Water, David Black, former Chief Executive of Ofwat and Zoe Morrissey NESO to explore whether current frameworks are fit for purpose – and what must change. They examine how prescriptive, fragmented rules can block innovation and outcomes, and why outcomes‑based regulation, better codes and smarter use of innovation funds matter.

The panel links this directly to live reforms, including the UK government’s plan to abolish Ofwat and create a new single water regulator by combining functions from Ofwat, the Environment Agency, Natural England and the Drinking Water Inspectorate, in the biggest overhaul of the sector since privatisation.

Alongside structure, they focus on people and culture: looming skills gaps, the need for diverse, purpose‑driven talent, and how flexible, inclusive working patterns and visible role models help attract and retain women across utilities.

This is a grounded conversation about turning regulatory intent into real outcomes for customers and the environment.

Panelist Bios

Sarah McMath:

Sarah  is Chief Executive of MOSL, the market operator for the business retail water market, where she leads work to ensure the efficient delivery of clean, safe water services to non-household customers. Trained as a microbiologist, she built her career around the public health mission of providing safe drinking water and protecting the environment, and brings deep technical understanding to questions of water quality, regulation and system resilience. Alongside her executive role, Sarah serves on the Board of the Womens Utilities Network, championing inclusion, flexible working and diverse talent pipelines across the utility sector.

Emma Baker:

Emma is Director of Environment, Customer and Compliance at Wessex Water, drawing on 25 years in executive roles at the Environment Agency to bridge regulation, environmental protection and customer service. She leads on delivering high‑quality drinking water, pollution reduction and customer experience, with a particular focus on innovation, catchment‑based solutions and building trust with communities. Emma is also closely involved in workforce and diversity initiatives, including targeted recruitment and succession planning to strengthen skills and representation across the sector.

David Black:

David is the former Chief Executive of Ofwat, the economic regulator for the water sector, where he spent 13 years in senior leadership roles overseeing price reviews, investment and performance incentives. Earlier in his career he worked as a regulatory consultant in the energy and telecoms sectors, giving him a cross‑sector view of how economic regulation can either enable or stifle innovation. David now contributes his expertise on investment planning, incentives, culture and enforcement, with a particular interest in aligning regulatory frameworks with long‑term environmental and customer outcomes.

Zoe Morrissey:

Zoe is Director of Legal and Regulation at the National Energy System Operator, the world’s first whole‑energy system operator formed from the electricity system operation arm of National Grid. With a background in energy law and codes, she focuses on ensuring the regulatory framework and technical codes keep pace with rapid innovation, new technologies and net zero goals. Zoe plays a leading role in shaping outcomes‑based regulation, modernising codes and promoting collaboration and data sharing across the energy system, while championing flexible working and women’s networks to build diverse technical teams.