Anglian Water has announced fundamental changes to its Articles of Association, becoming the first UK water company to legally embed a public interest commitment in its business.

The changes formally enshrine public interest within the constitutional make up of the business – the Articles of Association form a legally binding document which governs how the business will be run.

Earlier this year, the water industry came together to announce its Public Interest Commitment – a pledge as an industry to deliver wider benefits to society, above and beyond the provision of clean, fresh drinking water and effective treatment of used water.

Chief Executive Peter Simpson commented:

“Our main Board, in conjunction with our shareholders, have approved a fundamental change to our company Articles of Association, legally enshrining public interest within the constitutional make up of our business.”

“ I’m also proud to say that Anglian Water is the first water company – and I believe the first utility – to make these changes, firmly embedding our commitment in the core documents that govern the overall management of our business.”

The utility’s Board also intends to sign up to a set of Responsible Business Principles, against which it will report performance. Anglian Water will publish an annual statement which sets out how it is performing in relation to key environmental, social and ethical activities that go beyond its financial obligations.

This means the water company’s reporting will be aligned with best practice reporting standards across Europe, where Public Interest Entities are required to publish a non-financial reporting statement.

Peter Simpson continued:

“Although water companies are not defined by the UK government as Public Interest Entities, we’re aligning ourselves with these companies, in recognition of the high standards it ensures.”

“For years we’ve operated diligently in the background, striving to minimise our impact on the environment while positively contributing to communities. Today’s change marks a new era that codifies that approach, ensuring all future owners and investors will be obligated to work in the same way, and giving regulators, stakeholders and customers the confidence that this is simply how we work.”

“The bar is set high (and appropriately so) for us as providers of an essential public service. This change should signal that we are very comfortable with those high expectations, and will always seek to exceed them.”