EVALUATION

AN INDEPENDENT EVALUATION OF THE LCNF
Figure 6 – Change in future networks support staff (all DNOs)
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Number of full time equivalent staff
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
3.2 Innovation throughout the DNOs
From the information provided by the DNOs there are various approaches to staff
movement in and out of the Future Network Groups and in the involvement of other parts
of the business in the LCNF projects.
Some DNOs have a policy of seconding staff from others parts of the business to the
Future Networks group on a project-by-project basis, whereas others prefer not to actively
rotate staff – although there is usually some natural staff migration.
Business champions for each project may be appointed from within the main business
areas to drive the change into the main business. In at least four DNOs staff have moved
from the innovation team with their project into the main business to take up more senior
management positions or to support delivery. Specific examples of a change to the
business structure occurring as a result of LCNF projects are as follows:
• WPD undertakes delivery of each project aspect at a task level using BAU line teams.
Local teams do all construction work, telecoms team install new data links, control
room despatch DSR, IT provide the computers, etc. By doing this WPD aims to
ensure that all business areas are exposed to innovation and understand their role in
adapting the business and network to cater for changing customer needs.
• SSE has created an Active Solutions team which is designed to effectively transfer
the skills, competencies and experience developed in delivering research and
development projects into the business. The intention is that this provides a fast-track
route for deploying innovations efficiently and supports their ongoing operation in
order to secure maximum benefit. The Active Solutions team is responsible for the
delivery of projects such as further Active Network Management (ANM) deployments
or the Constraint Managed Zone project.
• UKPN has established a SmartGrid Development function within the Asset
Management directorate. This group oversees flexible DG approaches, the policy
towards energy storage, transmission and distribution interface issues.
PÖYRY MANAGEMENT CONSULTING
October 2016
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