ICP design approvals

We reviewed our design approvals process for Independent Connections Providers.

Customers, in particular Lightsource and Green Frog Connect, advised us that they would value a quicker and more straightforward design approval for Independent Connections Providers (ICPs) that were relying on us to approve their designs. They highlighted complexities with approvals, which were completed by different departments, as well as a range of other valuable points of feedback for these services.

As a direct result of this customer feedback, we committed to review our processes and improve the approvals process to provide ICPs with a clearer and more timely response to design submissions. It was important during this review that we considered all elements of the connections works that require design approval, as it is important that ICPs receive a clear understanding which of these elements have received approval and which require further attention with an understanding of the aspects still to be resolved. To this end we have created a design approval process which documents all of the principal activities that require approval and within ten days we are able to respond to the ICP with the document where all of the individual approvals are noted.

Where it has not been possible to grant approval, we identify the aspects that are required to be resolved. In re-submitting the design, the ICP can then use this document to provide comments on how they addressed the issue. Using this new process we can provide the necessary input service in a way that is most helpful to the ICP that needs us to approve its designs whilst minimising our involvement and making the interaction as quick and efficient as possible. At our dedicated ICP Seminar in November 2016 we shared our solution which was very well received by the ICPs who attended.