Bristol Water has appointed Peaches Golding OBE as independent chair of its Challenge Panel, which ensures customers’ views are at the heart of its business planning.
Customer Challenge Groups (CCG) hold water companies to account on performance and are used to influence business planning and provide on-going assurance to industry regulator Ofwat. 
The independent chair has a remit to constructively challenge and influence the company on behalf of customers, reflecting their views and interests
US-born Mrs Golding, pictured, is an award-winning, respected business and community leader who brings a wealth of expertise and experience to her new role.
She has chaired many local groups including Ofcom’s Viewer Panel for ITV West, was England’s first black High Sheriff and is widely regarded for her work representing diverse and disadvantaged communities – all highly beneficial experience to bring to the Challenge Panel, particularly in discussions regarding tariffs, affordability and service levels.
Mrs Golding said: “I am delighted to be able to take on the role of customer champion. As a Bristol Water customer I feel well placed to understand and represent the views of the people the business serves.
“This is a time of major change for the water industry and the Challenge Panel will play an important part in shaping the future of Bristol Water and ensure that customers are at the heart of decision making.”
Bristol Water customer service director Ben Newby said: “More than a million customers rely on Bristol Water every day for an essential service. But behind that is so much more – a proud business with 170-years of history, a big employer, a major energy user, an infrastructure and asset manager, landowner, environmental custodian and good corporate citizen.
“Bristol Water wants to be the best we can be at all of the things we do. More successful engagement and challenge from our customers can only bring long term benefits to the business and its stakeholders.”
Mrs Golding replaces Plymouth businessman Charles Howeson as chair of the Challenge Panel.
Bristol Water provides 264m litres of drinking water a day via 6,700 kilometres of water mains to homes, businesses and other premises across an area of almost 2,400 sq km from Tetbury in the north to Street in the south and from Weston-super-Mare in the west to Frome in the east.
Photograph of Peaches Golding by Jon Craig @JonCraig_Photos
