The UK Regulators' Network has developed a set of guiding good practice principles to assist network operators improve services to those building new infrastructure, or otherwise working near, their existing assets.
This forms part of a wider set of recommendations from the UKRN to reduce the difficulty and cost to clients of dealing with incumbent networks.
We endorse these principles and encourage regulated networks to account for these in their practices and approach to managing asset protection, crossing agreements and other aspects of infrastructure interactions.
Good practice principles for managing infrastructure interactions
Principle 1: The role of infrastructure network operators
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Infrastructure network operators recognise: the stewardship role they play in developing, owning and operating our national infrastructure; and that effective planning and delivery of new infrastructure, across all sectors, benefits everyone.
Principle 2: Efficiency, economy and safety
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Without prejudicing the needs of customers or funders, or its statutory duties including safety, network operators of in situ assets should act with efficiency and economy when interacting with clients.
Principle 3: Transparent processes and practice
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Network operators should establish and follow a process to manage interactions that is transparent, easy to follow, appropriately resourced and commits to explicit service standards appropriate to the clients and projects concerned, supported by provision of accurate information about the operators' network, safety or process as necessary.
Principle 4: Clear, transparent and appropriate pricing
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Any fees or charges to clients should be clearly explained, reflect reasonable and appropriate cost and risk, without exploiting unfair commercial advantage, and where reasonable facilitate efficient planning and delivery of infrastructure projects.
Principle 5: Continuous learning and best practice
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The lessons and experiences of best practice in managing interactions within the firm, based on measurable performance where possible, and outside are pro-actively gathered and applied, with a commitment to training and support of staff managing interactions.