Where we explore the tools that we use to plan change, and how you can interact with them
This section of the User Guide covers tools and techniques that are central to our approach, and where you can find information about them on the REC Portal.
Click through to learn more about:
The Change Calendar
The Change Register
The Prioritisation Matrix
The Release Schedule
The Horizon Scanner
The Codes Roadmap
The REC Baseline Statement
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Key dates include:
Dates for each scheduled Change Panel meeting
Publication date for meeting papers associated with Change Panel meetings
While the publication dates will be met for the majority of Change Proposals, these are not an absolute timescale.
In cases where the initial assessment is completed sooner, the Change Proposal may be brought to an earlier Change Panel meeting. Likewise, particularly complex Change Proposals may require a longer period of assessment.
In any case, the Proposer will be updated on the expected timescales for progression.
The Change Calendar is accessible through the 'Change and Release' area of the REC Portal.
It's updated by the Code Manager as required and - at the very least - on an annual basis.
Access on the REC Portal
The Change Register is accessible through the 'Change and Release' area of the REC Portal and allows you to search and filter Change Proposals using the following criteria.
Change Proposal title
Change Proposal status
Planned implementation date
Impacted Parties
Change Category
Change Path
Selecting a specific Change Proposal within the Change Register opens the full Change Proposal Page where you'll find all linked information and associated documents.
The Change Register is updated when a new Change Proposal Form has been submitted and accepted, and the associated Change Proposal Page has been created.
Prioritisation allows for focus on resolving more significant issues and delivering changes that offer the most benefit. This means a more strategic and beneficial programme of change, delivering greater benefits to industry and consumers.
The Priority Status does not establish if a Change Proposal will be progressed, but when. This is determined by the Code Manager during our initial assessment of the Change Proposal, based on our perception and the current priorities for the REC.
The Prioritisation Matrix is maintained by the Code Manager. We adapt it as improvements are identified and REC priorities evolve. Changes are made in consultation with the Change Panel and RECCo.
Change Proposals will be included in the Release Schedule against a specific Release once they have been approved for implementation by the Responsible Committee or the Authority.
You will be able to click on a Change Proposal and be taken to the individual Change Proposal Page, where full details of the change can be viewed.
The REC Code Roadmap provides a view of active REC Change, as well as information about Code Manager activities that are likely to, or may, lead to change.
Published on the Digital Navigator, the roadmap presents the main themes of activity and a timeline including the points at which you can input and when decisions / releases are due.
The Roadmap can support change planning and prioritisation, with a wider view of the known and potential change portfolio under the REC.
Changes to Category 3 documents are managed separately to other changes, so it's important to understand the difference.
Category 1 documents are commonly those that cover market participant obligations and overarching REC governance. This includes the Main Body of the REC, and the REC Schedules.
Category 2 documents include those defining Service Provider obligations and technical content, including Service and Data Specifications, and some operational documents.
Category 3 documents tend to cover non-mandatory guidance and subsidiary operational documents. This category also includes some Code Manager content, including certain user guides and templates which support Code Manager services.
Only changes to Category 1 and 2 documents are covered by the Change Management process set out in the Change Management Schedule. These are also the only Change Proposals captured in the Change Register and Release Schedule.
Any Change Proposal that proposes changes to a Category 1 document in the REC Baseline Statement will be categorised as a ‘Category 1 Change Proposal’. Any Change Proposal that only impacts Category 2 documents will be categorised as a ‘Category 2 Change Proposal’. This does not have any relevance to the materiality of the Change Proposal, and is only relevant to the version number of the REC for the release it is implemented in.
Changes to Category 3 documents should not materially impact REC Parties and stakeholders. As a result, these documents are maintained by the relevant Service Provider or REC Committee and do not require a formal Change Proposal.
The Category 3 Change Log records all changes made to Category 3 documents and is accessible to all REC Portal users. When a change to a Category 3 document is agreed and approved the relevant documents will be updated to the REC Portal by the Change Management Team.
You can receive email updates related to all Change Proposals each Friday, by subscribing to receive the Weekly Change Bulletin.
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